Carletta S Hurt

My career path has been quite a journey. I originally started as an accounting major because I liked math, but then I found out that math and accounting aren't the same. I was working at a YMCA as a summer camp director in Macon, Georgia to help out my mentor, and I really found that I love working with young people. That experience made me start to explore education. When I was teaching, my Assistant Principal Joyce Books, who is awesome, encouraged me to look into counseling because she saw something in me that I originally was not necessarily committed to. After researching and doing some online searches, I decided to give it a try. I've been doing counseling now for over 15 years and education for over 20 years. I was school counselor of the year for DC back in 2016, which kind of solidified me wanting to be where I am. I have two doctorates focused on leadership and entrepreneurship, specifically around Black women and Black girls, and the skill set that goes with that, including ambition and integrity and what makes them stand apart. My specialty is really working to encourage and help build leadership skills in Black girls and Black women, and also entrepreneurship skills, not necessarily being an entrepreneur, but having those skills. On a typical day, I work with students on emotional regulation and emotional intelligence, support staff with classroom management, run groups with young girls including book clubs and mindfulness groups, and do lunch chat and chew sessions. Outside of my quote-unquote job, I might have meetings, programs, or events where I'm leading, speaking, or facilitating, or supporting one of my partners and affiliates. I also produce film and television, which I've been doing for 14 years, mainly focused on educational content that educates as well as entertains. I just finished a documentary about the first Black cartoonist and completed a 3-part education series on Black women who made history in media. I also work with nonprofits in building sustainable youth development programs for girls and boys.