1. What have you found most challenging as a leader of a small or medium enterprise?


I find that there is a lack of credibility associated with being a minority owned business which makes it difficult to obtain access to resources and certain networks that can help grow my business.

2. How did you become a leader of an SME? Can you please briefly tell the story?

I am from a low-income household in SC. I experienced many hurdles on the road to high school graduation. Post graduation there was a lack of access to resources to prepare me for adulthood. After landing an entry level position in a Gov't Office, I was mentored by educated women and men who exposed me to vast opportunities and encouraged me to continue my education. After returning to SC I realized that the same system of inequality was creating hardships for other low-income students. I decided to use the knowledge that I had to change it!

3. How do you structure your work days from waking up to going to sleep?

I typically spend my mornings replying to emails, seeking funding, attending training or preparing for workshops. My evenings are spent providing tutoring and mentoring as well as GED prep workshops.

4. What's the most recent significant leadership lesson you've learned?

Leaders develop others!

5. What's one book that has had a profound impact on your leadership so far? Can you please briefly tell the story of how that book impacted your leadership?

T.D. Jakes Loose that Man and Let Him Go-it's not a leadership book per se-it's a book that reminds women who are leaders that we must be aware of how we lead and serve when working with men. I learned to encourage more, speak clearly and embrace the differences in experience and gender. It was eye opening and changed how I approach single gender programs.

6. How do you build leadership capacity in an SME?

Through training, networking and securing mentors.

7. What is one meaningful story that comes to mind from your time as a leader of an SME so far?

I would say that being trusted by students, parents and the community to provide such a needed service continues to humble and drive me to do more.