Her Story
About Aissatou
Aissatou Sangare serves as a school counselor, holding a master's degree in school counseling. In her role, she delivers classroom lessons on coping skills, leads support groups, conducts one-on-one assessments, and collaborates with teachers and parents at a Title I school serving students facing trauma. Sangare began her journey in the self-help space in 2023 after losing her mother and navigating a difficult relationship, which led her to write a book sharing personal stories and strategies for communication, boundaries, and self-regulation aimed at teen girls. She has also started a podcast to provide a safe space for young women to discuss overcoming challenges. Sangare values love, kindness, community, and family, and she practices these by showing up consistently for her students. She defines success as being the most loving and kind person possible while doing work with excellence and intention, and she credits her achievements to never giving up her purpose despite obstacles.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Aissatou
01What do you attribute your success to?
Success to me is being the most loving and kind person I can be, doing everything in excellence and with intention. It's showing up every single day whether you feel like it or not, and keeping doing it until you see the change you want to see. I define success not just by money or achievements but by making a difference in my students' lives through consistent presence and excellent work.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Don't let anybody stop you from reaching your destiny. Don't let someone keep you from accomplishing your goals or give up your purpose just to make somebody else happy. I made that mistake in a past relationship and learned to never give up my purpose because I might be the one person who shows up for someone else.
03What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge is accepting that I can't be everything for everybody and that it's okay to set boundaries and say no. Once I became self-aware and made adjustments, it freed me to do more. The biggest opportunity is learning and growing through experience, and creating opportunities rather than waiting for them, like writing my book and starting my podcast instead of waiting for a publisher.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Love is the most important, loving people for who they are. I value community, family, friendships, and overall being kind. I practice what I teach by exemplifying kindness and not crashing out over bad behavior, because I can't tell students to do something if I'm not doing it myself.
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