My+Leadership+Story

I believe my life story is also my leadership story. Every character, every twist and turn in my personal plot, every bit of my leadership style has been molded by my life story. By really understanding my past and present has helped me decide how I want my leadership story to end.

Many people know my name, but very few people know my story. A lot of assumptions have probably been made about me. Some people assume that I grew up in a very well educated family. Some may define my personality as driven by excellence, serious, goal-oriented, a workaholic, an overachiever, passionate, smart, caring, and a tech-savvy individual. Many of these assumptions and definitions are true, but my childhood and life experiences that have helped shape the chapters of my leadership story are a far cry from what I consider a bed of roses. Listen to my story.

Growing up in my grandparent’s home, I was required to attend multiple church services each Sunday; beginning with Sunday School, followed by regular church service, Baptist Training Union (BTU) at 5:00 p.m., and night service at 6:00 p.m. In addition, I had to attend Wednesday night bible study and every annual Vacation Bible School. Attending church was a non-negotiable in our house. It didn’t matter what events occurred on Saturday or how long the event lasted; my brother and I had to attend church.

My grandparents had extremely high expectations for my brother and me. Even though they lacked a formal education, my grandparents had a lot of wisdom and common sense. My brother and I were not allowed to play with the other children in the neighborhood because, according to my grandparents, the parents of these children let them roam wild “in the streets.” I strongly believe that my grandparents played a huge role in sculpturing my leadership style; one of having high expectations, caring, and always seeking excellence in whatever goals I set out to accomplish in life. I am constantly reminded of my grandmother’s favorite phrase, “don’t be half stepping,” especially when I am cleaning my kitchen! This saying meant that anything worth doing is worth doing well. If we didn’t properly wash the dishes, wipe down the counter tops and cabinets, and sweep the kitchen floor after every meal, that phrase would be heard! It resonates in my mind even today! It probably explains why when I’m asked to complete any task; I am extremely detailed - sometimes to the point of being too over the top!

Another thing that my grandparents instilled in me is to always treat people the way you want to be treated. Because of my upbringing, my daily actions are based on those words. Each day, I strive to live my life by many of the biblical principles that I learned at an early age while attending church.

When I wasn’t attending church or school, you could find me curled up with a great book on the floor behind my bed. Reading became my escape to a far, far away place; reading allowed me to dream about that idealized suburban //Leave it to Beaver// family lifestyle. Many times while reading, I would wonder how my life would change-what had all the experiences up to that point meant for me. Over time, I have come to realize that God had a purpose and plan for me that was far more enormous than the one I’d had for myself. I knew that I wanted more in life, but never did I imagine I would be where I am today.

As I look into my past, I believe the moment I recognized I was leader was in junior high school.I remember the first time I realized that someone was influenced by me, not because I was the most popular, but because of my hair. It’s pretty funny when I think about it. One of my dearest friends from grammar school was fascinated by how I styled my hair. Ever since I can recall, I’ve always been a risk-taker when it comes to experimenting with various hairstyles. Because of the texture of my hair, I would often wet it and put some hair grease on it to wear in a ponytail or pulled back with a headband. For me, the use of hair grease and water created a wavy, curly hair texture. My friend admired that look! She decided to follow my lead and try this procedure on her hair. Well, needless to say, it turned into a total disaster. The mixture made her hair big, thick, and extremely kinky! I remember her mother calling my grandmother early one Sunday morning, before church, pretty upset because her daughter had conducted this experiment on her freshly pressed hair. Sometimes whenever I need a laugh, I think about my friend’s hair catastrophe.

Looking at my present, I believe the key characters that have shaped my leadership story have helped strengthen my belief and value system. Through my experiences, I’ve tried to be of service and show others what’s possible in the face of challenges.

I am a Christian, coach/mentor, communicator, collaborator, creator, and change-agent. I am also a wife, mother, sister, niece, aunt, cousin, and friend. These words reflect the defining experiences and relationships that have made me who I am today.

At the age of seventeen, I completed high school with an advanced honors diploma. In December of that year - at the age of eighteen, I married my husband, Curtis. We celebrated twenty-five years of marriage in December of 2011. We cherish the love of our two beautiful daughters, Kiara and Emry. Kiara is a twenty-one year old student, majoring in Public Relations and Civic Engagement at The University of Alabama. Emry is a thirteen-year-old middle school student.

Being married at a young age didn’t delay my drive for a better education and future. The semester after I married, I enrolled at Stillman College and continued my academic focus. When I enrolled, I thought I wanted to major in nursing. Again, reflecting on my childhood experiences of frequently visiting and reading to patients at the nearby nursing home where my grandfather worked. I always knew that I wanted to be engaged in a service-oriented career. My husband, Curtis, suggested I become a teacher and study education. Perhaps he saw my compassion for others. So-I majored in elementary education and later transferred to Alabama A&M University to complete my first degree in three years with a 4.0 GPA.

I received my first teaching assignment with the Decatur City Schools followed by additional teaching and leadership experiences with the Madison County and Madison City school systems. During my twenty-two years of public service as an educator, I have had the honor to serve as a 5th grade teacher, reading specialist, Assistant Principal, and currently as a Principal with the Huntsville City Schools.

It wasn’t an easy climb to the principalship. God allowed me to experience some painful events, but looking back now, he was definitely preparing me for what I’ve encountered in the last ten years of my professional career. My fellow SUPES Academy colleague, Glenn, said it best when sharing his leadership story -your life experiences can make you bitter or better. A long time ago, when life threw me a fast, curve ball; I took the high road and made a conscious decision to become better.

I am so grateful to have supportive family and friends who love me in spite of my perfectionistic and overachiever traits and make me a better person all the way around. I am also appreciative for coaches along my journey; from the lessons I’ve learned from my grandparents as well as my first grade teacher Mrs. Suttles, who would hit her students’ hand with a wooden spoon, if a word weren’t spelled correctly; of course, that, would be considered corporal punishment by today’s standards.

I am also most appreciative for the encouragement I received from Dr. Dee Fowler, Superintendent of the Madison City Schools. I could have become bitter about not being selected as a principal, but I now realize that not being selected to serve, as a principal with the Madison City Schools was God’s plan. At the time-I couldn’t comprehend why I wasn’t selected. I felt that I had worked extremely hard and deserved an opportunity to lead. I often reminisce on a biblical verse Dr. Fowler shared with me when he delivered the disappointing news that I wasn’t selected, “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to //his// purpose.” – Romans 8:28. I’ll always remember and respect him for his charismatic, people-centered leadership style. I attribute a part of my ability to inspire lots of enthusiasm and positive energy in working with my team to Dr. Fowler. He just has a way of moving others forward.

Other leaders who have influenced me include Dr. Ann Roy Moore, former Superintendent of the Huntsville City Schools, who took a chance on me, an outsider, and provided an opportunity for me to demonstrate my leadership ability. I would also like to thank Dr. Casey Wardynski, current Superintendent of the Huntsville City Schools, for believing in me. I am forever indebted to all of the leaders who have challenged me to become the leader I sometimes can’t see. Their thoughtful questions, recommendations, and encouragement have often been my catalyst for change.

Another biblical verse that has kept me grounded through all of my life experiences is Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” This verse was a constant reminder to persevere, when I thought about giving up on attaining a doctoral degree. But because I have always been driven and goal-oriented, I knew giving up wasn’t an option. It was during those most challenging times that the words of my grandmother were once again brought to the forefront of my mind, “don’t be half stepping.” With the support of my family and God’s amazing grace, I completed my Doctor of Education degree in Educational Administration from The University of Alabama in May 2010.

I hope that my leadership story will be a beam of hope for someone in the future. It is my desire that by sharing my story, others will realize that despite any obstacle; with hard work and dedication, you can achieve your goals.

I’m not sure of the future of my leadership story, but I believe that great leaders alter the storyline for those that lead and influence by making a difference for what may seem like a hopeless situation. I know without a shadow of a doubt that my current leadership role and style have been affected by my story. It has definitely impacted the way I lead and make decisions today.

I am forever grateful for the different leadership investments made in my life. No matter what the circumstances may be or how dim the outcome may look, I am convinced that my ultimate purpose on this earth is to serve and empower others to change the world. I am passionate about seeing people become who they were created to be. What I know for sure, is when you set your sights on the vision ahead and focus on what only you can offer; you have a dramatic impact on the world around you.

During each of the SUPES Academy sessions, I have listened attentively to everyone’s leadership story. With most of the stories, I was able to make a connection to my life experiences; although, some of the stories that were shared made me think-wow, you were lucky! I’ve never had anyone call me up and offer me a job or be in the right place at the right moment to connect with someone who holds the power to hire!

Over the course of this wonderful experience, I listened to Anne, Sanchella, and other colleagues share how I have helped them in their leadership journey. As I listened, my eyes became filled with tears of joy! You see for me - my story has always been about serving others from behind the scenes. Showing compassion and leading by example have been my mantra throughout my leadership journey. I’ve been able to be a blessing of understanding, empathy, caring, and love. I believe when you exemplify love and service to others the story of your life, there’s never a final chapter, because the legacy continues. By combining my experiences with another person’s potential, I hope to lend my light to other individuals, and he or she can shine it on another and another and another.

// “What I know for sure is this: **The big secret in life is that there is no big secret.** Whatever your goal is in life, you can get there—as long as you’re willing to be honest with yourself about the preparation and work involved. There are no back doors, no free rides. There’s just you, this moment and a choice.” - Oprah Winfrey //