Meet Dr. Pamela Gurley

We were lucky to catch up with Dr. Pamela Gurley recently and have shared our conversation below.

Pamela, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
In many (if not all ways), my purpose (technically purposes) found me. I say “purposes” with an S because I believe purpose is evolutionary – though bound together in some way for your experiential growth. When I first went to college, I was a nursing student. When I decided to take a break, I joined the military and became an army medical specialist – I worked in a pediatric and well-baby clinic. While in that position, it was nursing that I didn’t have a passion for. Afforded the opportunity to work a few “special” cases, I found my passion for psychology and when I medically retired, that is what I went to school for. After graduating, I spent a summer working with children in summer school in Philly – monitoring and reporting behavioral issues. Fast forward about a year or so, I began working as a Family Advocacy Program Educator – working on prevention programs like child abuse, domestic violence, stress, and anger management. Three years after that, I went in an entirely different direction (I became a federal employee working for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Explosives). I spent 14 years working in govt budgeting before resigning and working for myself full-time – which included writing and publishing several books including a children’s book series (bringing back to where my passion began – with children). Hence, the reason I started a literacy foundation that pours into children’s personal growth and development – connecting literacy to life.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
Professionally, I am a Content Strategy Expert, International Speaker, and World-Renowned Best-Selling Author. Passionately, I am a story-telling creative when it comes to writing; which was the main inspiration behind creating my nonprofit, Brown Girl and Brown Boy Literacy Foundation. Connecting children to literacy is my way of empowering, transforming, and motivating children, as well as leading and challenging social norms and false narratives that can transform their worldviews.

The Brown Girl and Brown Boy Literacy Foundation is a 501(c)(3) dedicated to making a difference by being different for a literacy foundation. Our programs and events go beyond typical literacy improvement by offering interactive events and valuable life skills education (i.e. real estate and leadership workshops and red carpet literacy festivals/fundraisers). We are kicking off our first fundraising event, Evening with Authors: Cocktails, Conversations, and Connections, on Nov 9 In Atlanta, Georgia at the Double-Tree by Hilton Altanta-Marietta from 6-10 pm. There will be entertainment, music, a red carpet, and an opportunity to highlight authors who will sign and sell books.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
I would say my three greatest qualities are resiliency, remaining open to learning, and taking intentional risks. Resiliency has allowed me to bounce back from setbacks and overcome obstacles with grace and courage. Staying open to learning has fueled my growth, curiosity, and creativity, enabling me to constantly deepen my understanding of what I need to do to better myself or others (I believe we are stronger in numbers not alone). Ultimately, I know that I have the inner drive to persevere. I know that real progress often involves stepping outside of my comfort zone. That’s why I’m not afraid to take intentional risks, whether it’s in my career or personal life.

I would say that to others as well. Change is inevitable and often scary, but what lies on the other side of fear is never defeat. Maybe a lesson learned but defeat I feel only happens when you don’t try.

Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?
The most impactful thing my parents did for me was allow me to be me. They allowed me to try anything I wanted growing up so I did softball, track, cheerleading, swimming, etc. They trusted because they raised my sisters and me to be honest. The level of support they gave and still give allowed/allows me to safely take risks and try new things without fear of failing. They were honest about life even while protective. I love that my parents became my friend as an adult.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
DeAsia Photography

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