Cheryl Q Leader
INDIVISION2000 Productions
"Start writing your own story by literally writing down everything you want to do and be. Then move forward, even if you have to take steps back or curve or pause. What you create for yourself can and will happen through your sheer tenacity..."
Career Roadmap
Cheryl Q's work combines: Writing, Education, and Communicating / Sharing Stories
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Day In The Life
Skills &
Education
Here's the path I took:
High School
South Torrance High School
Bachelor's Degree
English Language and Literature - Women's Studies Specialization
University of California, Los Angeles
Here's the path I recommend for someone who wants to be a Producers and Directors:
Bachelor's Degree: English Language and Literature - Women's Studies Specialization
Learn more about different paths to this career
Life & Career Milestones
I've taken a lot of twists and turns
1.
Born into a world that did not see all women equally and we were never included into the stories as we once were when we were honored, valued and respected from all continents' belief systems.
2.
To know that the alcoholism and abuse was not who you are and that your parents were sadly people living through the hate and unacceptance of Mexicans, Jews & any women in this "united" new realm.
3.
When I couldn't be chosen to be cheerleader of my high school because I wasn't a certain color/legacy, I created our first SPARTAN (Athena/Artemis) mascot so I could cheer despite not being chosen.
4.
When not hearing back from UCLA by mid-May (despite acceptance from UCR/UCSD), I made an appt & drove up to speak w/AAP whereby I was chosen that day to attend.
5.
While starting gymnastics at 15, I was able to walk on the team as the first Latina! Helping to take Bruins from 15th to 6th in nation. First time on plane, first time travel across the country.
6.
When my parents could not pay for my education, I worked 2 jobs. Whatever it took to ensure I could attain my education-even if I was on Probation/STD & had to change my major from Bio-Med.
7.
It took 5 yrs to graduate, however I took summer school in Hawaii, was the first Latina DJ on KLA, Spirit Coordinator Bruin Belles, a ChiOmega, making WalterWheatbunny sandwiches at North Campus.
8.
I was honored to graduate a Chancellor's Marshall - the first ever in my family on both sides ever to go or graduate high school or college. To begin again in the "real world" w/all new adventures!
Defining Moments
How I responded to discouragement
THE NOISE
Messages from Society in general:
Being a diverse woman from bi-racial parents in low-income jobs and wanting to pursue athletics (gymnastics) wasn't right or normal...or to write women's sports for our high school paper, or to give the graduation speech, or to pursue a college like UCLA.
How I responded:
Rise above those that are "following the current story enforced upon us all - mostly the conquered people" - Start writing your own story by literally writing down everything you want to do and be. Then move forward, even if you have to take steps back or curve or pause. What you create for yourself can and will happen through your sheer tenacity and knowing inside which is your power to be and to challenge/change what is, to what will be - an inclusion of all, especially our diverse women!
Experiences and challenges that shaped me
Know your choice to be a new adventure! One you can succeed in by using all your strengths, discovering all your special personal tools & hold on tight through all your awaiting challenges w/confidence, resilience & all the courage you arrived with.
Find every way you can to intern w/others, get interesting jobs introducing you to others doing what you want to do. Attend as many conferences as a volunteer to be surrounded by those doing what you want to do. Enjoy your journey! Be adventurous!