Her Story
About Malisa
Dr. Malisa Blackwell is a multifaceted professional who serves as an educator, entrepreneur, author, minister, and organizational leadership professional, bringing approximately 10 years of experience in education and nearly 30 years of entrepreneurial experience. Her educational career includes long-term substitute teaching and business and career instruction with Guilford County Schools, where she has contributed to curriculum development, student engagement, instructional improvement, and workforce readiness. As a Career and Technical Education (CTE) Department Chair, she has supported collaborative initiatives involving instructional planning, technology integration, and student achievement. Her entrepreneurial journey is rooted in her family's real estate and contracting business, which helped shape her business acumen and passion for organizational development. She is also the founder of her own publishing company and Unity One, a Christian apparel line, through which she combines entrepreneurship, creativity, and faith.
Dr. Blackwell holds a B.A. in Psychology with a minor in Nursing, an MBA, an M.P.M. in Project Management, a Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership, and an Ed.D. in Higher Education Leadership. Her professional certifications include Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Licensed Insurance Agent, Notary Public, and Health Services Management certification. In addition to her educational and business accomplishments, she is a self-published author of Fractured by the Microscope: A Black Woman's Live Experience, a work that explores identity, faith, healing, restoration, and the experiences of Black women navigating personal and emotional challenges. As a minister with Life Empowerment Ministries, she is actively involved in community outreach, including visiting group homes, retirement communities, and nursing homes, as well as supporting individuals experiencing homelessness. Through her work in education, publishing, ministry, and entrepreneurship, she remains committed to serving others, promoting personal development, and creating meaningful opportunities for individuals and communities.
Dr. Blackwell attributes her journey and accomplishments first and foremost to her faith in God, perseverance, and determination to overcome circumstances that could have otherwise limited her opportunities. Having experienced the challenges of being a high school dropout before earning her GED and pursuing multiple advanced degrees, she believes that one's starting point does not determine one's future. Her personal and professional philosophy is guided by the Four P's: Purpose, People, Power, and Perseverance, which influence her approach to leadership, teaching, mentorship, and service. She also emphasizes the importance of mentorship, recognizing that personal and professional growth often requires guidance and support from others. To young women pursuing their goals, she encourages prioritizing self-care by taking what she calls "Selah moments," intentional opportunities to pause, reflect, breathe, and restore. Through her commitment to faith, education, entrepreneurship, and community service, Dr. Blackwell strives to empower others to recognize their potential, embrace their purpose, and create lasting impact.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Malisa
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success first and foremost to God, who remains my primary source of strength, wisdom, and guidance. My journey has never been defined by where I started, but rather by my determination to become everything God created me to be. Through faith, perseverance, and an unwavering belief in my purpose, I have learned that circumstances do not have to determine one's future. I believe that with God, resilience, and a commitment to personal growth, it is possible to overcome challenges, rise above limitations, and achieve meaningful success.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have received is to recognize the value of mentorship and understand that professional growth is not achieved alone. Having mentors is essential because they provide guidance, share valuable experiences, offer different perspectives, and help us navigate challenges. I believe none of us reaches our fullest potential in isolation, and learning from those who have walked the path before us can open doors to new opportunities, strengthen our abilities, and contribute significantly to long-term success.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the industry is to prioritize self-care and recognize that personal well-being is just as important as professional success. I encourage them to take what I call Selah moments, intentional pauses to breathe, reflect, recharge, and restore themselves. It is important to remain focused on their goals while making time to protect their mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Success is not simply about how much you accomplish, but also about maintaining the balance and strength needed to sustain your journey.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide my professional and personal life are reflected in my philosophy of the Four P's: Purpose, People, Power, and Perseverance. I believe in living and working with a clear sense of purpose, valuing relationships, empowering others to recognize their potential, and remaining persistent through challenges. These principles shape my approach to teaching, mentoring, and leadership. I also place great importance on self-care and encourage taking intentional Selah moments to pause, reflect, and restore. For me, maintaining balance, nurturing meaningful relationships, and staying grounded in my purpose are essential to leading and living with intention.
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