Okay, so for any students
 2
00:00:02.902 --> 00:00:06.272 looking to get into your industry, what is some advice you have for them?
 3
00:00:06.840 --> 00:00:09.042 First, I would just say never give up, right?
 4
00:00:09.042 --> 00:00:10.910 We do have more than one shot.
 5
00:00:10.910 --> 00:00:14.714 And I, I really discourage the idea of thinking,
 6
00:00:15.015 --> 00:00:16.549 oh, I only have one shot.
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00:00:16.549 --> 00:00:19.552 One time to possibly make it. Because I do believe that, like,
 8
00:00:19.953 --> 00:00:21.888 even if you so-called miss your shot,
 9
00:00:21.888 --> 00:00:24.024 there's going to be something else that comes around.
 10
00:00:24.024 --> 00:00:26.259 It might not take you down the exact same path,
 11
00:00:26.259 --> 00:00:29.429 but you'll always have an opportunity to do what's meant for you.
 12
00:00:29.496 --> 00:00:33.633 When it comes to my destiny, the fact that I believe strongly
 13
00:00:33.633 --> 00:00:36.770 in my creative abilities, I wish that I would have
 14
00:00:36.970 --> 00:00:38.772 leaned a little more into that than listening
 15
00:00:38.772 --> 00:00:41.941 sometimes to certain opinions, because I feel like, along the way,
 16
00:00:41.975 --> 00:00:45.211 those opinions do affect, you know, how you move through the world
 17
00:00:45.211 --> 00:00:46.813 and how you move through the creative space.
 18
00:00:46.813 --> 00:00:50.283 But there is so much out there and there are so many possibilities.
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00:00:50.350 --> 00:00:53.319 It's okay if you don't do the normal path.
 20
00:00:53.319 --> 00:00:54.087 I think the
 21
00:00:54.087 --> 00:00:57.924 nontraditional path is sometimes the best, and that's actually what I chose to do.
 22
00:00:57.924 --> 00:00:59.092 I'm very glad I did.
 23
00:00:59.092 --> 00:01:01.027 So I would just say never give up.
 24
00:01:01.027 --> 00:01:02.262 It takes a lot of work.
 25
00:01:02.262 --> 00:01:04.564 A lot of work. I would say stay focused.
 26
00:01:04.564 --> 00:01:08.835 Don't think that something's going to come overnight because it does not, at all.
 27
00:01:08.835 --> 00:01:11.938 So, definitely do your research, right.
 28
00:01:11.938 --> 00:01:13.039 Study.
 29
00:01:13.039 --> 00:01:15.375 Make sure that you really know what you're getting into.
 30
00:01:15.375 --> 00:01:18.244 Because a lot of people go into it thinking, oh, well, I'm just going to
 31
00:01:18.244 --> 00:01:19.846 automatically succeed in this.
 32
00:01:19.846 --> 00:01:22.348 And it actually might not be the place for you.
 33
00:01:22.348 --> 00:01:22.749 Right.
 34
00:01:22.749 --> 00:01:26.419 So it's just taking the time to really figure out what works for you.
 35
00:01:26.519 --> 00:01:28.655 And, the best options for you.
 

I'd recommend looking into internships in fashion and shoe design. There is a lot of technical knowledge to be learned. Look into internships in both retail spaces and design firms.

As a woman of color, you have to work 10 times as hard just to accomplish the same things or make the same amount of money as your peers. I experienced this most in the corporate design world, which pushed me to leave and create my own design space.

Most days, I’m in my lab running Thread and Sole, a sneaker and apparel customization space. I wear all the hats: handling finances, managing the store, and designing new products. I also spend time teaching others. I love seeing people light up as they learn a new skill, express themselves, and create something unique. This space is about more than sneakers—it’s about growth, confidence, and creativity. When things get overwhelming, I step outside, take a breath, and start fresh the next day.

Owner & Designer

Only one of you is going to succeed in fashion design.

Opportunities & Possibilities

Support & Encouragement

You Have More Than One Shot To Succeed

So if you have any advice for me as a, you know, soon to be graduating senior
 2
00:00:05.171 --> 00:00:09.809 or for anybody trying to find success within,
 3
00:00:10.043 --> 00:00:12.912 you know, PG County within the US overall.
 4
00:00:12.912 --> 00:00:15.281 What what piece of advice would you give?
 5
00:00:15.281 --> 00:00:18.351 I guess the biggest advice is to just be open.
 6
00:00:18.518 --> 00:00:21.588 For me, I'm open to hearing things.
 7
00:00:21.755 --> 00:00:26.426 I'm open to people around me giving me information and feedback.
 8
00:00:26.426 --> 00:00:30.463 So if you don't really know what you want to do, I would just say
 9
00:00:30.463 --> 00:00:33.967 just be open and look at all opportunities.
 10
00:00:34.267 --> 00:00:37.771 Whatever you are passionate about, to kind of investigate it,
 11
00:00:37.771 --> 00:00:41.041 be an investigator, be someone that's curious.
 12
00:00:41.641 --> 00:00:44.878 If you are curious, you will get the answers that you're looking for,
 13
00:00:44.944 --> 00:00:48.481 and that will ultimately guide you to where you're supposed to be.
 14
00:00:48.782 --> 00:00:52.886 I think the next biggest thing is owning yourself
 15
00:00:53.086 --> 00:00:57.390 and knowing that wherever you've been led, you belong there.
 16
00:00:57.957 --> 00:01:02.162 To give you that confidence to understand that I'm not here by happenstance,
 17
00:01:02.629 --> 00:01:05.999 and there's someone in this room that I'm supposed to connect with.
 18
00:01:06.433 --> 00:01:11.337 Even if you only talk to one person while you're there, that can be meaningful.
 19
00:01:11.504 --> 00:01:15.008 And I like to say I'm not complete yet,
 20
00:01:15.542 --> 00:01:19.112 so I still have tons of things left that I want to do.
 21
00:01:19.212 --> 00:01:24.117 Tons of things that are left that will come my way as well.
 22
00:01:24.584 --> 00:01:27.987 And so again it's just really just being open
 23
00:01:28.488 --> 00:01:31.991 and treating people with kindness because you never know who you're going to meet.
 24
00:01:32.092 --> 00:01:35.095 And just really understanding that
 25
00:01:35.128 --> 00:01:38.298 you do impact other people, whether you know it or not.
 26
00:01:38.698 --> 00:01:42.135 Your small conversations can be something
 27
00:01:42.135 --> 00:01:45.305 that somebody walks away with and is inspired with.
 

No two days are the same as an entrepreneur. My mornings start by responding to client inquiries—sometimes sent in the middle of the night! I give venue tours, plan networking events, and guide my employees to keep everything running smoothly. I chase leads, promote my business, and make sure events go off without a hitch. The best part is hearing people say they’ve enjoyed my venue, knowing I’ve created a space that brings people together.

President & CEO

Be Open To All Opportunities

What role do you think education plays
 2
00:00:02.635 --> 00:00:06.006 whenever it comes into social justice within your community?
 3
00:00:06.339 --> 00:00:09.943 Education is so important because you're going to find things out
 4
00:00:09.943 --> 00:00:13.013 about criminal justice that those who did not go and try to get
 5
00:00:13.013 --> 00:00:16.016 a degree in criminal justice aren't going to know.
 6
00:00:16.149 --> 00:00:18.551 And then they're going to try to be figuring out, well, when did that?
 7
00:00:18.551 --> 00:00:20.787 And you're going to know there's already a law for that.
 8
00:00:20.787 --> 00:00:23.023 Well, we need to do - No, there's already law for that.
 9
00:00:23.023 --> 00:00:24.824 And the reason why we do this, this and that,
 10
00:00:24.824 --> 00:00:28.228 is because of the criminal justice system is set up this way.
 11
00:00:28.395 --> 00:00:32.532 And so that's where the role of education has to come in.
 12
00:00:32.799 --> 00:00:36.903 The more we know, the better we are be able to move forward as a society
 13
00:00:37.070 --> 00:00:41.141 because we're not arguing about something that isn't true.
 14
00:00:41.441 --> 00:00:45.111 And so the more people that are educated, the more
 15
00:00:45.311 --> 00:00:48.181 it helps not be able to spread bad information.
 16
00:00:48.181 --> 00:00:52.786 The more educated people we have, the better usually certain
 17
00:00:53.019 --> 00:00:57.390 jobs are, people when they become supervisors and things like that.
 18
00:00:57.390 --> 00:00:59.926 It just helps them be well rounded.
 19
00:00:59.926 --> 00:01:03.296 And it gives them the information that they need to put them in a position
 20
00:01:03.296 --> 00:01:04.364 to be successful.
 21
00:01:04.364 --> 00:01:08.268 I always say preparation for communities meets opportunities,
 22
00:01:08.802 --> 00:01:13.306 and so when you prepare yourself with education and then that opportunity arise,
 23
00:01:13.406 --> 00:01:14.274 then guess what?
 24
00:01:14.274 --> 00:01:16.276 Now you get to take advantage of that opportunity.
 25
00:01:16.276 --> 00:01:18.545 And we need to be able to do that in our community.
 26
00:01:18.545 --> 00:01:19.946 And so that's one of the things
 27
00:01:19.946 --> 00:01:22.949 that we push really hard here at Lincoln University.
 28
00:01:22.982 --> 00:01:24.751 Preparation means opportunity.
 29
00:01:24.751 --> 00:01:27.587 You get that degree and you get that education.
 30
00:01:27.587 --> 00:01:29.389 You're able to apply to jobs.
 31
00:01:29.389 --> 00:01:32.225 Now that certain other people can just look at.
 32
00:01:32.225 --> 00:01:35.862 I can put all those things in place to make my community better
 33
00:01:36.362 --> 00:01:38.698 because I educated myself
 34
00:01:38.698 --> 00:01:41.701 and this opportunity came and I could take advantage of it.
 35
00:01:42.102 --> 00:01:45.038 And so people don't use education that way.
 36
00:01:45.038 --> 00:01:46.606 They don't understand that.
 37
00:01:46.606 --> 00:01:47.507 Yeah, you may have it.
 38
00:01:47.507 --> 00:01:49.375 You may not use it right now,
 39
00:01:49.375 --> 00:01:52.479 but it is for your community it's putting you in a position
 40
00:01:52.479 --> 00:01:55.482 to where when that opportunity comes, you can spring into action.
 

I struggled academically in both high school and college. I even failed out of college the first time. But I got back on track, went back to school, and made it through—all the way to earning my doctoral degree!

As the Chief of Police and Vice President of Campus Culture at Lincoln University, I juggle roles that shape campus safety and collaboration. My day spans overseeing police operations, managing residence halls, and directing the nation's only HBCU-based police academy. From ensuring a welcoming culture for visitors to pioneering hands-on law enforcement training, my work centers on rehumanizing policing and empowering students to step into impactful careers.

VP of Campus Culture & Chief of Police

Community

The Importance Of Education In Criminal And Social Justice

College was absolutely worth it.
 2
00:00:02.002 --> 00:00:04.404 Everything that I experienced, from the moment that
 3
00:00:04.404 --> 00:00:06.139 I left Georgia, was worth it.
 4
00:00:06.139 --> 00:00:10.477 Every mistake, every obstacle, every triumph, every success,
 5
00:00:10.477 --> 00:00:11.945 it was all worth it.
 6
00:00:11.945 --> 00:00:15.382 One, college being an opportunity for me to get out of
 7
00:00:15.382 --> 00:00:17.017 the environment that I grew up in.
 8
00:00:17.017 --> 00:00:21.821 And what college was able to validate in me
 9
00:00:22.055 --> 00:00:25.058 as far as the opportunities.
 10
00:00:25.125 --> 00:00:28.928 It wasn't until I went to Orange Coast College
 11
00:00:28.928 --> 00:00:30.764 that I became a published writer.
 12
00:00:30.764 --> 00:00:34.934 And so It's things like that, that ultimately
 13
00:00:34.934 --> 00:00:39.934 Gave me the impression that the more that I expose myself to,
 14
00:00:40.206 --> 00:00:43.576 the more that I engaged in, the more opportunities
 15
00:00:43.576 --> 00:00:46.579 that I would have that I wasn't even aware of before.
 16
00:00:46.579 --> 00:00:50.250 When you walk through life and you're kind of aware of your ability,
 17
00:00:50.250 --> 00:00:53.119 but that hasn't really been validated much,
 18
00:00:53.119 --> 00:00:54.254 you kind of question it.
 19
00:00:54.254 --> 00:00:57.590 And I think without that writing getting published,
 20
00:00:57.590 --> 00:01:01.628 I don't think I would have even tried to attempt developing an app.
 21
00:01:01.628 --> 00:01:05.198 I don't think I would have tried to attempt a lot of the things that I did
 22
00:01:05.198 --> 00:01:06.499 shortly after that.
 23
00:01:06.499 --> 00:01:08.735 If you never see yourself as a writer,
 24
00:01:08.735 --> 00:01:11.805 But then you become that, it shifts kind of everything.
 25
00:01:11.805 --> 00:01:13.540 Like, okay, what else can I do?
 26
00:01:13.540 --> 00:01:16.543 What else do I have the possibility of doing?
 27
00:01:16.543 --> 00:01:18.344 I never had that vocabulary for myself
 28
00:01:18.344 --> 00:01:19.512 growing up where I did.
 29
00:01:19.512 --> 00:01:22.949 But that was all because, I took the opportunity
 30
00:01:22.949 --> 00:01:25.952 to apply purpose to a personal narrative.
 31
00:01:26.052 --> 00:01:30.723 For people who grow up in those types of environments, they have a drive
 32
00:01:30.723 --> 00:01:33.860 that I don't really see anywhere else outside of that.
 33
00:01:33.860 --> 00:01:35.862 That's why I got involved in the communities
 34
00:01:35.862 --> 00:01:40.033 the way that I did and was a part of opening platforms
 35
00:01:40.033 --> 00:01:43.336 of expression, in these communities, because there is a drive
 36
00:01:43.336 --> 00:01:46.072 to want to get out and to want to see more.
 37
00:01:46.072 --> 00:01:50.076 But if there aren't, opportunities provided or even platforms
 38
00:01:50.076 --> 00:01:54.647 to even express that, then a lot of that energy gets directed into the wrong thing.
 39
00:01:54.647 --> 00:01:56.916 My biggest message in those
 40
00:01:56.916 --> 00:01:58.885 communities and what I even bring back
 41
00:01:58.885 --> 00:02:01.888 to my own community back home is if you
 42
00:02:01.888 --> 00:02:05.558 don't have the money to go to school, expose yourself to more travel,
 43
00:02:05.825 --> 00:02:08.828 go meet new people, go learn new cultures,
 44
00:02:08.928 --> 00:02:12.432 go see something different in order to broaden your perspective.
 45
00:02:12.665 --> 00:02:15.168 And that will push your education further.
 46
00:02:15.168 --> 00:02:18.171 And it may even push you to go to school eventually.
 47
00:02:18.171 --> 00:02:21.541 Every single thing that you do, taking those opportunities
 48
00:02:21.541 --> 00:02:25.078 to learn more, experience more, expose yourself to more,
 49
00:02:25.078 --> 00:02:29.015 will ultimately kind of spread everything that you represent.
 50
00:02:29.015 --> 00:02:34.015 And I think that's the most that we as students and former students
 51
00:02:34.154 --> 00:02:35.455 can do ultimately.
 

I had to drop out of university to prioritize work. I eventually re-enrolled in community college had a 1.2 GPA and was placed on academic probation. I started realizing the value that a good education has and decided to focus to succeed in school.

I fell on hard times, struggled to make money through negative avenues, and eventually ended up homeless. Through mentorship and community service organizations, I was able to find a renewed sense of purpose and pull myself back up.

As the creator of J.R. Stark, a signature info content app, I focus on simplifying life skills for users. My day involves curating concise, practical courses on topics like nutrition, self-reliance, and skill development. I’m also refining the app’s features, ensuring it builds a supportive community for users to exchange ideas and grow together.

Creator

Education

College Validated My Goals And Abilities

When you walk through life and you're kind of aware of your ability,
 2
00:00:03.670 --> 00:00:07.007 but that hasn't really been validated much, you kind of
 3
00:00:07.007 --> 00:00:07.640 question it.
 4
00:00:07.640 --> 00:00:11.011 And I think without that writing getting published,
 5
00:00:11.011 --> 00:00:15.048 I don't think I would have even tried to attempt developing an app.
 6
00:00:15.515 --> 00:00:18.651 I don't think I would have tried to attempt a lot of the things that
 7
00:00:19.019 --> 00:00:20.653 I did shortly after that.
 8
00:00:20.653 --> 00:00:23.123 I never had that vocabulary for myself
 9
00:00:23.123 --> 00:00:23.790 growing up where I did.
 10
00:00:23.790 --> 00:00:27.227 But that was all because, I took the opportunity
 11
00:00:27.227 --> 00:00:30.497 to apply purpose to a personal narrative.
 12
00:00:30.597 --> 00:00:35.268 For people who grow up in those types of environments, they have a drive
 13
00:00:35.268 --> 00:00:39.072 that I don't really see anywhere else outside of that.
 14
00:00:39.072 --> 00:00:42.308 That's why I got involved in the communities the way that I did
 15
00:00:42.308 --> 00:00:46.179 and was a part of opening platforms of expression,
 16
00:00:46.179 --> 00:00:48.448 in these communities, because there is a drive
 17
00:00:48.448 --> 00:00:51.251 to want to get out and to want to see more.
 18
00:00:51.251 --> 00:00:55.188 But if there aren't, opportunities provided or even platforms
 19
00:00:55.188 --> 00:00:59.626 to even express that, then a lot of that energy gets directed into the wrong thing.
 20
00:00:59.626 --> 00:01:02.028 My biggest message in those
 21
00:01:02.028 --> 00:01:06.900 communities and what I even bring back to my own community back home is if you
 22
00:01:06.900 --> 00:01:08.568 don't have the money to go to school,
 23
00:01:08.568 --> 00:01:13.306 expose yourself to more travel, go meet new people, go learn new cultures,
 24
00:01:13.306 --> 00:01:16.810 go see something different in order to broaden your perspective.
 25
00:01:17.043 --> 00:01:19.546 And that will push your education further.
 26
00:01:19.546 --> 00:01:22.549 And it may even push you to go to school eventually.
 27
00:01:22.549 --> 00:01:23.616 I don't think you can really see
 28
00:01:23.616 --> 00:01:27.487 much value in anything outside of you until you see value in yourself.
 29
00:01:27.654 --> 00:01:31.257 And I think that's ultimately what the difference maker was for me.
 30
00:01:31.257 --> 00:01:33.293 It's that concept of purpose, right.
 31
00:01:33.293 --> 00:01:35.161 And that gives you the conviction.
 32
00:01:35.161 --> 00:01:37.397 What do I want to do with this moment?
 33
00:01:37.397 --> 00:01:39.032 What do I want to do with this time?
 34
00:01:39.032 --> 00:01:40.733 How do I want to leave an impact?
 35
00:01:40.733 --> 00:01:43.603 How do I even want to be remembered in this space?
 36
00:01:43.603 --> 00:01:46.106 I think if anybody applies a sense of purpose
 37
00:01:46.106 --> 00:01:49.709 to anything, really, it can become something special.
 38
00:01:49.709 --> 00:01:52.645 So just hold on to the things that you believe in and make sure
 39
00:01:52.645 --> 00:01:56.416 the things that you're doing, every choice kind of aligns with that.
 40
00:01:56.416 --> 00:02:00.053 Use that fuel, use that fire, use that passion, use that pain,
 41
00:02:00.053 --> 00:02:03.690 and channel it into something that is going to bring value back to you.
 42
00:02:03.690 --> 00:02:05.525 And ultimately, your community.
 

Confidence

Determination & Hard Work

Finding Confidence And Purpose

Can you speak more into someone who's looking to get into the type of work
 2
00:00:05.071 --> 00:00:06.873 you do? Because I know personally,
 3
00:00:06.873 --> 00:00:09.109 I think this would be something that I would love to do.
 4
00:00:09.109 --> 00:00:10.910 There's a few different ways you can go about it.
 5
00:00:10.910 --> 00:00:11.778 You can.
 6
00:00:11.778 --> 00:00:13.380 The Forest Service
 7
00:00:13.380 --> 00:00:16.983 has lots of opportunities for like summer internships or summer jobs.
 8
00:00:17.017 --> 00:00:21.688 You can go on wildfire detail out West and be on a wildfire if you wanted to, or
 9
00:00:21.688 --> 00:00:26.688 you could come out and help the botanist or the aquatic biologist do some sampling.
 10
00:00:27.060 --> 00:00:28.928 And so that's a lot of things people can do
 11
00:00:28.928 --> 00:00:31.831 while they're going through undergrad and trying different things,
 12
00:00:31.831 --> 00:00:35.502 because, again, you know, it's hard to know what you want to do
 13
00:00:35.602 --> 00:00:37.637 so early on in your life.
 14
00:00:37.637 --> 00:00:40.140 And so having different experiences is really helpful.
 15
00:00:40.140 --> 00:00:45.140 You can also, if there's a type of science or a type of work that you want to do
 16
00:00:45.812 --> 00:00:50.083 and you maybe want to go to grad school contacting a professor that's doing
 17
00:00:50.316 --> 00:00:52.052 cool stuff and saying,
 18
00:00:52.052 --> 00:00:54.854 hey, do you have any research projects where you need help this summer?
 19
00:00:54.854 --> 00:00:59.492 Because a lot of graduate students need summer help, but there's a lot of
 20
00:00:59.559 --> 00:01:02.162 opportunities within the federal government.
 21
00:01:02.162 --> 00:01:05.999 A lot of the times is just making sure that you're applying early
 22
00:01:05.999 --> 00:01:09.269 because it takes a really long time to get into those jobs.
 

2023 Indiana Roadtrip
changed-major
advanced-degree

My educational path is a good way to get into this type of work. Research positions often require a Ph.D. but it is okay to change directions along the educational pathway and still end up where you want to be. I also highly recommend actually trying out different things. It's hard to tell if you'll actually like something unless you try that job out.

I graduated high school with a very low GPA. Then, in college, it took my nine years to finish my degree. It took a lot of determination and resilience but I ultimately found my passion and was able to navigate the right path for me.

A typical day is highly variable. It could include spending the day outdoors measuring plants and trees, or indoors having meetings, mentoring students and technicians, analyzing data, and writing research articles or other forms of scientific communication.

Research Ecologist

How To Get Into The Forestry Service

Well, I've had a just a lot of different career choices.
 2
00:00:03.036 --> 00:00:06.873 I grew up, you know, in a way that I didn't have a lot of choices for jobs.
 3
00:00:06.873 --> 00:00:09.609 But really what I've taken is all those roles with me.
 4
00:00:09.609 --> 00:00:12.579 I've worked on a factory line at a sugar beet plant.
 5
00:00:12.579 --> 00:00:14.114 I've done field work,
 6
00:00:14.114 --> 00:00:18.485 you know, really just making sure that sunflowers were growing appropriately.
 7
00:00:18.551 --> 00:00:20.186 You know, I've washed tractors
 8
00:00:20.186 --> 00:00:23.590 and all those things have led me here is that no job was too small.
 9
00:00:23.590 --> 00:00:25.191 And so when I founded my nonprofit,
 10
00:00:25.191 --> 00:00:28.128 it was a realization that all those skills were coming to a head.
 11
00:00:28.161 --> 00:00:28.828 And often
 12
00:00:28.828 --> 00:00:30.497 I think folks feel like they need to segment
 13
00:00:30.497 --> 00:00:31.598 who they are,
 14
00:00:31.598 --> 00:00:33.833 that they need to close off certain parts of themselves
 15
00:00:34.100 --> 00:00:36.002 or that they can't show up in a certain way.
 16
00:00:36.002 --> 00:00:38.471 And I would just say that that's not true.
 17
00:00:38.505 --> 00:00:40.774 Yeah, there are certain skill sets like you're going to
 18
00:00:41.007 --> 00:00:44.177 maybe need to learn how to code switch and these other things.
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00:00:44.177 --> 00:00:45.445 But that's all a tradeoff.
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00:00:45.445 --> 00:00:47.547 And a certain point need to decide if that's worth it.
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00:00:47.547 --> 00:00:50.417 And you can blend in or you can challenge the space that you are in.
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00:00:50.417 --> 00:00:54.888 And those are not wrong choices, but those are decision points.
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00:00:55.021 --> 00:00:57.424 I also feel like a lot of young people regret a lot of choices,
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00:00:57.724 --> 00:01:00.026 and I don't think they should spend any time regretting anything.
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00:01:00.193 --> 00:01:02.762 You know, I thought the world was ending when I graduated from college
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00:01:03.029 --> 00:01:07.500 a year early, but I moved back to Fargo because I made a really selfish
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00:01:07.600 --> 00:01:10.737 not smart move, at least towards my career, where I went to live
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00:01:10.737 --> 00:01:13.773 with my girlfriend, who was finishing her last year of school
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00:01:14.340 --> 00:01:15.708 and I couldn't get a job.
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00:01:15.708 --> 00:01:19.712 It was Fargo, North Dakota, and I was a person of color who studied public policy.
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00:01:19.712 --> 00:01:21.781 And that's when I got a job at the beet plant.
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00:01:21.781 --> 00:01:23.817 And I thought, Wow, I have a college degree.
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00:01:24.017 --> 00:01:27.053 Like, I didn't make it. And that's not true.
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00:01:27.253 --> 00:01:29.456 I thought the world was ending and it evolved from that.
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00:01:29.489 --> 00:01:33.460 I got to do a job that my friends from high school were able to help me get
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00:01:33.593 --> 00:01:36.062 because they stuck around and that was the job that was available to them.
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00:01:36.062 --> 00:01:37.630 But I learned how to be in a union.
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00:01:37.630 --> 00:01:41.534 I learned the challenges of being in a space that
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00:01:41.835 --> 00:01:44.070 where the racial dynamics were wildly different.
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00:01:44.070 --> 00:01:47.841 I learned the value of, you know, what it means to put in physical labor
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00:01:47.874 --> 00:01:52.245 after you've been privileged to be able to go to college.
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00:01:52.645 --> 00:01:55.381 And all those skill sets have provided me with credibility.
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00:01:55.381 --> 00:01:58.084 They provide me with a better work ethic and it's created
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00:01:58.084 --> 00:02:01.921 more opportunities for me in a space I didn't think I was going to find any.
 

Growing up in the foster system was challenging. A lot of people rely on family and social systems, but I didn't have that. I learned to not be boxed in and to build my own contacts.

I ensure that those dealt a tough hand get their best chance. Our mission transcends immediate aid, aiming for systemic change to end family homelessness. Each day varies, from leadership meetings to advocating for policy changes, ensuring our approach is trauma-responsive, not just informed. I prioritize maintaining family unity in our shelter, challenging the norm that families in crisis must fragment to receive help.

Experience

Talent

Skills

Gaining Transferable Skills Through Different Jobs

I have an interesting pathway into my work, so I came into working
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00:00:04.270 --> 00:00:09.270 with the Minnesota Prison Doula Project in 2016 after I was released from prison.
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00:00:09.609 --> 00:00:13.780 And so what happened was, in about 2017, when I got home from prison,
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00:00:13.847 --> 00:00:17.484 I was fortunate that I was able to get back into the work field
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00:00:17.584 --> 00:00:21.054 and I went head in and so I was working as a medical coordinator.
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00:00:21.121 --> 00:00:25.091 as I continued to work and drive myself further and further into my work,
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00:00:25.091 --> 00:00:28.962 I realized that it was not just the passion of doing the work,
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00:00:28.962 --> 00:00:31.898 it was more so running from the things that I didn't want to face.
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00:00:31.898 --> 00:00:34.901 And a lot of that was the experience I had just gone through.
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00:00:34.901 --> 00:00:39.272 and I realized that this is something that I cannot run from any more.
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00:00:39.372 --> 00:00:42.175 So in that midst of my healing journey
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00:00:42.175 --> 00:00:45.545 I sought not just therapy, but I also sought a life coach.
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00:00:45.545 --> 00:00:47.147 And I wanted to find a life coach
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00:00:47.147 --> 00:00:51.351 that looked like me, who had experiences similar to mine.
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00:00:51.451 --> 00:00:52.852 And I just couldn't find that.
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00:00:52.852 --> 00:00:57.357 But at the same time, I was also being sought by people in my community
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00:00:57.357 --> 00:01:01.861 and other acquaintances that I had that were either facing incarceration, or
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00:01:01.861 --> 00:01:06.366 they had also overcome being incarcerated or birthed while being incarcerated
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00:01:06.499 --> 00:01:10.136 And I realized I'm not the only one who needs this support.
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00:01:10.203 --> 00:01:14.741 So I decided to become a certified life coach I found a unique program
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00:01:14.741 --> 00:01:18.311 that was a certification for family trauma professional.
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00:01:18.511 --> 00:01:22.115 I found with the combination of both of those accreditations
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00:01:22.115 --> 00:01:25.785 that it really served the community that I wanted to work with.
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00:01:25.785 --> 00:01:29.789 And about that time is when I reconnected with the Minnesota Prison Doula Project,
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00:01:29.789 --> 00:01:34.194 just doing voluntary activities with them or speaking engagements with them.
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00:01:34.394 --> 00:01:37.464 And I really realized that there was a way to tie the work together.
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00:01:37.464 --> 00:01:40.366 So I went through and had a very good experience
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00:01:40.366 --> 00:01:43.636 with the childbirth international organization.
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00:01:43.736 --> 00:01:45.472 That's why I went through my certification with.
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00:01:45.472 --> 00:01:49.876 That's where our organization and also was partnering with to certify
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00:01:49.876 --> 00:01:53.046 the incarcerated women in the federal prison that we're working with.
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00:01:53.046 --> 00:01:56.816 there are so many really good doula training programs,
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00:01:56.816 --> 00:02:00.887 but I also would encourage people to tap into their local organizations
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00:02:00.987 --> 00:02:03.823 just to make sure that you have that personal connection
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00:02:03.823 --> 00:02:07.293 that you have that cultural competency to be able to support.
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00:02:07.293 --> 00:02:09.496 Because again, it is a unique role
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00:02:09.496 --> 00:02:11.564 where you're working with people who are incarcerated.
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00:02:11.564 --> 00:02:16.035 So there's a difference between a community doula who is typically hired
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00:02:16.035 --> 00:02:20.240 by a client paid out of pocket or reimbursed by Medicaid,
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00:02:20.306 --> 00:02:24.811 whereas as a prison doula, you're not only providing emotional
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00:02:24.811 --> 00:02:27.881 and physical support for those who are incarcerated, you're also
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00:02:27.881 --> 00:02:30.850 playing the role as a resource navigator.
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00:02:31.050 --> 00:02:34.287 You're helping them enhance their parenting education.
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00:02:34.521 --> 00:02:35.788 You might be helping them again.
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00:02:35.788 --> 00:02:39.025 Like I said, with their lactation after delivering a baby.
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00:02:39.259 --> 00:02:40.793 The reentry goal planning.
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00:02:40.793 --> 00:02:45.098 There are more roles under that scope, So without having
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00:02:45.098 --> 00:02:48.601 all the different certifications that I've been able to acquire,
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00:02:48.835 --> 00:02:53.373 I wouldn't be able to thoroughly support clients that I work with that are justice
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00:02:53.373 --> 00:02:58.077 impacted, that are birthing or parenting that face and struggle with trauma.
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00:02:58.077 --> 00:03:01.881 and again, just really support that unique population
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00:03:01.881 --> 00:03:06.152 of people in our community that face the same obstacles that I have.
 

To become a prison doula, the first step is to become a certified doula. I also recommend you participate in a peer support training because there is a very valuable expertise in lived experience.

At 27 years old, I was sentenced to two years in prison. I had two young children and was pregnant. Fortunately, my family lended their support with my two children and I was able to get support from the Minnesota Prison Doula Project while pregnant.

My days are filled with a unique blend of group facilitation, direct client support, and program management. A significant part of my role involves connecting with clients, sharing my journey of overcoming adversity, and empowering them to discover their own strengths. Peer support is vital, helping clients emotionally navigate their challenges and reintegrate into the community, reducing recidivism.

Opportunities & Possibilities

You Have More Than One Shot To Succeed

You Have More Than One Shot To Succeed

Marikita Miler

503 videos on Opportunities & Possibilities: