Donna Y. Ford, PhD

I attribute my success to 35 years in education, being a Distinguished Professor of Education and Human Ecology, and ranking among the top 2% of educators globally. I am the number one scholar on gifted and talented Black students with almost 400 articles and 16 books. I love to write and play word games. But beyond the numbers, my success comes from staying motivated and never giving up. I did everything I needed to do - I was a hard worker with dreams that I would not let anyone or anything distract me from. I grew up with that United Negro College Fund saying that a mind is a terrible thing to waste, and I believed I was intelligent even when others might not have seen it. I also came up with the concept that a mind is a terrible thing to erase. God blessed me with intelligence, and I was committed to using it not just for myself, but for my family, loved ones, and to help others. Even when I became a teen mother at 19, pregnant when I graduated, I was not going to let that distract me. I made sure my son would not be ashamed that his mother was a teen mom and unmarried. No matter how smart you are, you must work hard to be successful. Effort is more impactful than your ability. Effort matters more than anything else. I stayed with my vision and learned from my mistakes.

The best career advice I’ve ever received is that effort matters more than ability—stay committed to your vision, work hard, and never allow others to distract or derail you from your goals.

My advice is to work intentionally and be very conscious about making sure that you have academic efficacy - that you know you are capable, despite what the tests say, despite what your grades say, despite the expectations you might experience from your professors or teachers. You've got to believe in yourself. There's this theory called Prove Them Wrong, and one of your goals might be to prove them wrong. But just never give up. One of the characteristics of Black culture, according to the research of A. Wade Boykin, is persistence. People also talk about resilience, but persistence is key. Do not give up, and also know that you're being a role model if you have children or if you're working with other Black students or Black females, or just females in general. Don't give up. Be a role model. Let them know that we all face challenges, yet that's life, but you can't give up. Use those challenges as a stepping stone, learn from them, and keep moving up. You have to learn how to multitask. I set deadlines and use calendars as reminders. I do my best and always meet my deadlines. I'm always looking forward and thinking about what I'm doing now and then the next thing. Stay motivated. Don't get distracted. Don't let people talk you into doing things that might ruin your life and your career. Do your best. Put forth effort. No matter how smart you are, you must work hard to be successful. Effort is more impactful than your ability. Effort matters more than anything else. Stay with a vision and learn from your mistakes.

One of the biggest challenges in education today is addressing the persistent effects of racism, classism, achievement gaps, and the underrepresentation of Black students in gifted programs alongside their overrepresentation in special education and disciplinary actions. At the same time, there is a tremendous opportunity to continue expanding the reach of equity-focused research, advocacy, publishing, and public speaking to drive meaningful and lasting change for underserved students.

The values most important in my work and personal life are equity, advocating for marginalized communities, persistence, consistent effort, and using my gifts and abilities to uplift and support others.