Her Story
About Michelle
My journey in education and professional development has been incredibly rewarding over the past 21 years. As a professional development trainer for teachers, I spend my days going out to different childcare facilities, helping educators develop plans for their classrooms to get children ready for real-life experiences. My life experiences have opened doors for me, and the lessons I've learned along the way continue to inspire other women as far as being a mother, a wife - there's ups and downs, and the journey has not always been easy, but I know that the work I put into everything has paid off. I think I should have been a counselor because I'm also talking to friends and family, and they seem to come to me for advice. I share my life experience to help them in their situation, because we all go through something. My day is pretty much just doing what I love to do - being around people and helping people in all the ways that I can, because I may not reach everybody, but if I reach one person, I know that that day I've succeeded in something. One of my most fulfilling achievements has been becoming a published author. I wrote a book called Burning Landing Poetry, which is a book of inspiration that actually helps me, and that's why I decided to publish it in the book.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Michelle
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to God. Because of Him, and that's where my faith comes at - my faith is really strong. I'm telling you, doors have been closed in my face, things I wasn't qualified for when I first started my journey, but God certified me. He allowed me to walk in doors, even as a teacher. There were positions that I received, and I had not yet the certifications, but because the principals talked to me and saw my work, my work really spoke for me, and that's nobody but God.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best advice I've ever received is to keep moving. When you feel like it's not paying off, to keep moving, even when it's painful and hard, because when you keep moving, as long as you're moving, you can get through. But if you're not moving, you can't get through - there's no exit. But if you keep moving, there's an exit down the way. That's the best advice I've ever received, to keep moving.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice would be to research. There are so many opportunities out there, but if you don't research - and also, I would advise, don't take everybody's word for what they say. Do your own research so that you can find the real answers. And then from that, you can find grants, you can find other resources where you can gain knowledge to help somebody else and actually help yourself.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
I find there's often a lack of participation. For example, people always, sometimes say there's nothing to do, there's no resources out there, there's no programs available, but when the programs come available, people just don't show up. So there's things out here, there's things that promote to help women, but no one really shows up to those things.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
In my life, my values are being honest, being dependable, but most of all, showing respect and wanting to receive respect - the same respect I give to others.
Keep Exploring
More Influential Women · Mississippi
Join Influential Women and start making an impact. Register now.