Your work encompasses various fields, including law, entrepreneurship, and women’s empowerment. How do these areas intersect, and how have they informed your approach to leadership?
My work in law, entrepreneurship, and women’s empowerment intersect in meaningful ways. Law forms the foundation for ensuring equal rights and opportunities for women, while entrepreneurship provides a vehicle for economic empowerment which in this day and age is a key element in a woman’s life. These fields have informed my leadership approach by emphasizing the importance of legal advocacy to remove barriers, entrepreneurship as a means to create self-reliance, and women’s empowerment as the heart of fostering inclusive and impactful leadership. Using my platform to ensure that women have access to information, tools and mentors to live better lives. Together, they inform my approach to leadership by emphasizing the importance of legal equity, economic independence, and empowering women to lead and thrive in various fields.
As a published author, could you tell us about your book(s) related to women’s empowerment, and what message or insight you hope to convey to your readers?
In 2017 I published my first book titled, More Than Hips, Lips & Fingertips, it is a book I’m particularly proud of. In it, I delve into the multifaceted nature of a womans life and what empowerment really means, going beyond the superficial stereotypes often associated with appearance and other people’s perceptions. I aim to convey the message that women are not defined solely by their physical attributes but by their intelligence, strength, and capabilities and how they choose to show up in the world.
Through this book, I hope to inspire readers to embrace their inner power, recognize their unique talents, and break free from societal constraints. I encourage women to pursue their ambitions with confidence, knowing that their value extends far beyond whats on the outside. Ultimately, the book seeks to empower women to challenge stereotypes, shatter glass ceilings, and lead in various spheres of life.
Many people look up to you as a role model for women’s empowerment. What are some key principles or advice you often share with aspiring female leaders and entrepreneurs?
Aspiring female leaders and entrepreneurs often face unique challenges, and I’m committed to offering guidance based on these key principles:
- Self Confidence/Belief: I am a certified confidence coach and a firm believer in building women up to believe in themselves. It truly makes a difference in how far a woman will go as a female leader in whatever field they choose. I emphasize the importance of self-confidence. Believing in your abilities, even when faced with skepticism or bias, is the first step toward success. Surround yourself with supportive mentors and peers who encourage your growth.
- Education and Skill-building: Continuous learning is crucial. Acquire the knowledge and skills relevant to your field, and never stop seeking opportunities for personal and professional development. Formal and informal even through mentorship and coaching.
- Resilience: Challenges and setbacks are part of any journey. It’s essential to develop resilience, the ability to bounce back from adversity, and learn from failures rather than being discouraged by them. I believe we have to learn to move forward from loss to loss without losing enthusiasm.
- Networking: Building a strong network of like-minded individuals can open doors to opportunities, collaborations, and support. Don’t hesitate to connect with others in your industry. Always bring value to your network.
- Work-Life Balance: Finding balance is key. Recognize that it’s okay to seek support and delegate tasks, both in your professional and personal life, to maintain your well-being and focus.It important to have goals and ambition but be flexible in your approach. Sometimes your personal life may require more from you than your business or your job and it’s okay.
Ultimately, my advice centers on being deliberate in your approach to your success, nothing just happens. Set goals and play to win. These principles can help aspiring female leaders and entrepreneurs navigate and succeed in their chosen paths.
In your experience as a speaker, what are some of the most common challenges you see women facing in their personal and professional lives, and how do you address them in your talks?
In my experience as a speaker, common challenges women face in their personal and professional lives include gender bias, work-life balance struggles, self-confidence issues, and limited representation in leadership roles. In my talks, I address these challenges by offering practical advice, sharing personal anecdotes, and promoting the importance of self-belief, resilience, networking, and advocating for gender equality. My aim is to empower women with the knowledge and motivation to overcome these obstacles and succeed in their endeavors. I also endeavor to ensure I create opportunities for women to network with possible mentors, advisors and/or business partners.
Entrepreneurship can be a challenging journey. What inspired you to become an entrepreneur, and what have been some of the most valuable lessons you’ve learned along the way?
I was inspired to become an entrepreneur by a combination of my passion for creating positive change and the desire for autonomy in pursuing my ideas. Some of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned on this entrepreneurial journey include the following:
Resilience: Entrepreneurship comes with its share of setbacks and failures. Learning to bounce back and persevere in the face of challenges is crucial.
Adaptability: The business landscape is constantly evolving. Being open to change and innovation has been essential in staying competitive.
Effective Communication: Building strong relationships with team members, partners, and customers is key. Effective communication is the foundation of successful collaborations.
Risk Management: Calculated risks are part of entrepreneurship, but understanding and managing those risks can mitigate potential losses.
Passion and Purpose: Staying connected to the initial inspiration and purpose behind the business is essential for long-term motivation and fulfillment. All the businesses I started where I had no passion failed. I know that motivation comes and goes but when you know your purpose you remain passionate in your journey as an entrepreneur.
These lessons have shaped my entrepreneurial path and continue to guide me as I navigate the challenges and opportunities that come my way. One thing is for sure that you never stop learning as an entrepreneur, if you want to succeed, always remain agile and keep learning.
As a lawyer, how do you use your legal expertise to advocate for gender equality and women’s rights, both in your business ventures and through your empowerment initiatives?
As a lawyer, I am deeply committed to advancing gender equality and women’s rights through a multifaceted approach. I actively engage in policy advocacy, collaborating with legislators and organizations to draft and promote legislation that combats gender-based discrimination. In my business ventures, I ensure gender equality by providing legal counsel to establish fair policies for women employees and continuously offer support organizations dedicated to gender equality. Also providing the women I work with information on organizations that support gender based legal services. Through research, mentorship, and publications, I aim to raise awareness about gender disparities and encourage more women to enter the legal field. My overarching goal is to leverage my legal expertise to drive lasting change for women, to be an example of what it looks like when you are deliberate about your success both within the legal profession and in society as a whole.
Could you share some success stories or memorable moments from your women empowerment initiatives that highlight the positive impact you’ve had on individuals and communities?
Certainly! One memorable success story from my women empowerment initiatives involves a young woman named Sarah. She attended one of our workshops on personal branding and financial literacy. At the time, Sarah had a great business idea but lacked the confidence and resources to start her venture.
Through our program, she not only gained valuable knowledge about business planning but also connected with mentors and peers who provided ongoing support. We helped her secure a small business grant of $2,500 and mentorship, and she launched her own eco-friendly plant business.
Sarah’s business is thriving, creating jobs in her community and promoting sustainable plant growing practices. Her success not only transformed her life but also inspired other women in her community to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams, e.g, in farming.
In December 2022 we had our Inaugural food drive for the vulnerable street kids in our communities. Working with volunteers as well as well wishers who donated and supported us to feed over 100 people. We hope to feed more people this year over 500 vulnerable people. Moments like these remind me of the profound impact that women empowerment initiatives can have, not only on individuals but also on entire communities, as women like Sarah become agents of positive change and inspiration for others, so can we all.
