We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Dr. Jennifer Hills a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Dr. Jennifer, 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.
The quest to unravel the intricate layers of our purpose became a transformative journey for Krystal Hills and me. Our exploration of self and purpose took a profound turn as we delved into the guiding principles of human design. This immersive process became a compass, navigating us through the depths of self-discovery and illuminating the keys to our respective destinies.
Our profound connection with human design became a cornerstone in understanding the unique imprints that shape our individual journeys. The intricate interplay of elements within human design provided us with profound insights into our innate strengths, challenges, and the distinctive contributions we were destined to make in this world.
Motivated by the transformative impact of this introspective journey, we passionately advocate for our members to undertake a similar exploration. We believe in the power of self-study through the lens of human design, recognizing it as a potent catalyst for aligning individuals with their life paths. This introspective process not only unveils the nuances of one’s purpose but also becomes a guiding force in navigating the complexities of life with clarity and intention.
Encouraging our members to embark on this introspective journey is not just a recommendation but a testament to its profound impact on our lives. Through this approach, individuals within our community gain a deeper understanding of their unique design, fostering a sense of empowerment and direction on their personal and professional fronts.
As we reflect on our journey, we find that human design serves as more than a tool; it becomes a companion on the path to purposeful living. The intricacies of our designs have shaped our perspectives, honed our strengths, and guided us through the challenges we encounter. By sharing this transformative experience with our community, we aspire to create a collective journey towards self-discovery, purpose, and fulfillment.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
The Leadership Academy of Creative Arts (TLACA) is a transformative force committed to fostering education, leadership, and equity within communities. Rooted in its mission to empower individuals on their journey to becoming the best versions of themselves, TLACA actively engages in initiatives that address the unique needs of marginalized communities.
One of TLACA’s recent groundbreaking endeavors is the launch of the IXL.com initiative. Through this program, TLACA has provided over 100 individuals with free IXL licenses for a year. This strategic move aligns with TLACA’s broader vision of creating equal access to educational opportunities. The IXL.com initiative has proven instrumental in increasing academic readiness for learners across various age groups, including adult education students.
TLACA’s multifaceted approach extends beyond traditional education paradigms. The organization actively contributes to equity by removing barriers and creating inclusive programs. From the collaborative vision of its founders, Krystal and Jennifer, TLACA has grown to become a cornerstone in community development.
Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, TLACA’s resilience and adaptability shone through. The organization mobilized the community through online platforms, resulting in a 75% increase in village members seeking assistance, particularly in pursuing GEDs. TLACA’s efforts have assisted over 300 students in working towards their high school credentials, with an impressive 83% success rate in subject-level exams.
In recognition of TLACA’s outstanding work and dedication towards creating new opportunities with a focus on equity, the organization was named Non-Profit of the Night by SMU. This prestigious acknowledgment underscores TLACA’s ongoing efforts to make a positive impact in the lives of those in need.
TLACA’s commitment to equity and community voice is further exemplified through its engagement with stakeholders. The organization actively involves community members of all ages in decision-making processes, providing a contextualized approach to leadership and education. By redistributing resources to historically neglected areas and designing inclusive programs, TLACA continues to bridge gaps and empower communities.
As TLACA expands its impact, the inclusion of LENA Grow in its early literacy efforts signifies a strategic move towards amplifying outcomes related to increasing early talk for young children in Dallas. Additionally, the organization empowers teens to serve as mentors in the LENA Grow program, addressing the significant mental health challenges faced by this demographic.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
In our collective journey, resilience has proven to be a foundational quality that enables us to navigate challenges and uncertainties with a positive outlook. This collective resilience has been invaluable in facing setbacks and learning from difficult experiences, fostering growth and cohesion among our team. We advise those in the early stages of their journey to cultivate resilience collectively, viewing obstacles as opportunities for growth and leveraging the strength of a supportive network.
Additionally, our shared commitment to adaptability has played a pivotal role, allowing us to embrace change, learn from diverse experiences, and remain agile in a dynamic environment. To those embarking on their journey, we encourage a collective effort to foster adaptability by staying curious as a team, seeking new perspectives, and proactively learning from a variety of experiences.
Furthermore, a dedication to continuous learning has been instrumental in expanding our collective knowledge base and staying relevant as a team. We encourage individuals in their early stages to embrace learning as a shared, lifelong journey, actively seeking new knowledge and skills. Viewing challenges as opportunities for collective growth and improvement can strengthen our team’s capabilities and impact.
Is there a particular challenge you are currently facing?
Access to consistent funding has emerged as our primary challenge in advancing and expanding our programs. While we actively engage in grant writing and secure private donations, the fundraising aspect has proven to be a limiting factor in fully scaling our efforts. A lack of sufficient resources constrains our ability to reach a broader audience and maximize the positive impact we aspire to achieve. Addressing this funding obstacle is crucial for us to sustain and expand our initiatives, ensuring that we can effectively serve and support the communities we aim to impact.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.tlacadallas.org
- Instagram: @thevillageof_tlaca
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/stbuuCQiRHKMU4m4/?mibextid=CTbP7E
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tlaca/
Image Credits
Krystal Hills Photographer
