Meet Blair Peters

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Blair Peters. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

BLAIR, so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?

In 2018, I graduated from Middle Tennessee State University with a bachelor’s of science degree in biochemistry and business administration. Shortly after graduating I realized that if I was going to be successful at anything, I could not depend on anything. No, I could not depend on my college degree to pay bills. In fact, the degree was completely useless before obtaining 2 years of relevant work experience. I accumulated so much debt I worked 3 jobs.

During this difficult period, I experienced many challenges and I spent a lot of time alone. I spent many hours researching great ideas. A wise man once said “great ideals know no nationality.” Marcus Garvey further explained sarcastically by saying “All intelligent people know that one’s nationality has nothing to do with great ideals and great principles. If because I am a Jamaican, the Negro should not accept the principle of race rights and liberty, or the ideal of a free and independent race; then you may well say that because Jesus was a Nazarene the outside world should not accept his doctrine of Christianity, because He was an “alien.” “Because Martin Luther was born in Germany, the world should not accept the doctrine of Protestantism. Because Alexander Hamilton and Lafayette were not born in America, Americans should not accept and appreciate the benefits they bestowed upon the nation. Because Marconi was an Italian, we of the new world should not make use of wireless telegraphy. Again I say, great principles, great ideals know no nationality.”

This resonated with me deeply. I decided to establish a 501c3 nonprofit organization without mentorship. To be clear, I would not recommend embarking on a business journey without a mentor. Mentors provide invaluable knowledge because they have experience. Challanges and road blocks only exist where there is lack of knowledge and/or lack of adequate resources such as funding for programs.

In 2019, I gave birth to my most prized possession. Mentor to Motivate (MTM) is a 501©3 nonprofit organization serving underrepresented students (K-12) in Nashville, Tennessee. Underrepresented students include but are not limited to: at-risk, disabled, gifted, non-traditional, traditional, transitional, troubled, and underrepresented students.

Being the only one in a dark room puts things into a perspective that requires immediate action, and while being the only one in the room, the only one with a vison, there’s only one candidate for the job. The only one in the room.

According to ChatGPT, based on survey report in the United States more than 5 million people are discriminated against annually. The discrimination in the United States focus areas are: employment, housing, hate crimes, education, and healthcare. As a black woman, I overcome discrimination obstacles daily. There are too many places, people and institutions partaking in discriminatory acts. I do not recommend turning the other cheek, I recommend education and organization to persons experiencing discrimination. As there are not enough educated persons with established organizations, to eliminate discrimination or worse endured for more than 400 years.

Reports show that zip code 37208 is one of the most incarcerated zip codes in the nation, I am a proud native of this zip code. Although mental health is not a crime, jail or death is often the outcome. Current mental health programs are not easily accessible and crisis prevention is a fatal risk for most families.

The only reason I want more is to give more. I am very grateful for my position and will continue to increase access to resources and programs. Even though I have been discriminated against, abused, harassed, and most of all disrespected. Still I rise, to any occasion relentlessly and gracefully to achieve my ancestor’s wildest dream.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

Most exciting and special thing that I do is provide a positive impact to human life. Everything I do is with love, everything I organize is with genuine people, every student and/or patient that I meet, I positively impact. I pride myself on leaving any and every thing/place/person better than I found it. I am most excited for my future; I know the best is yet to come. Each day I ask God to grant me the strength, knowledge, and resources not to give up or quit for anything.

At age 7, I dreamed of having a career in Anesthesia after having hernia repair surgery at Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital. The reason I fell in love with Anesthesia was simple and immature. I was firm with my instructions when I asked for the exact laughing gas that my best friend (sixelA) had at the dentist. The anesthesia provider did exactly what I asked, without knowing my best friend or her dentist. Bubbly as ever, I was very impressed, I went for the routine surgery and began to chase my dream of a career in Anesthesia.

I maintained a 4.0GPA and I was offered a position at Vanderbilt University Medical Center a few months before graduation. I enjoy being a dependable part of the anesthesia care team. My current position is stressful in a good way as each day is rewarding. In my professional career, I anticipate the needs of the patient inside the operating room. The anesthesia care team is responsible for preparing the patient for surgery, maintaining the patient during surgery, and post-anesthesia care.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Quality knowledge is accurate, timeless, unbiased, and relevant. Knowledge is a powerful tool that is required to achieve and maintain success. Most impactful areas of knowledge in my opinion is math science and history. It is most important to understand history in order to achieve your destiny.

Quality skills influence productivity and desired outcomes. I am known for working well under pressure. I don’t panic and I do exactly what I say I’m going to do. I possess a work ethic that is deemed above and beyond it is an invaluable skill. I have grown more discipline since the establishment of Mentor to Motivate (MTM). The quality skill of discipline is a worthwhile journey that does not happen overnight. While increasing self-discipline, I have earned new strengths and eliminated personal weaknesses and distractions. Accountability is the quality skill that sets me aside from others. Accountability is one of the most important skills that I have developed in my professional career.

One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?

Collaboration is a powerful tool. I would love to connect with all interested community leaders, local artists, educators, parents, and students. Feel free to call or text 615-352-3389

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.ment2motivate.org
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ment2motivate
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ZlFwqv5SL4&list=LL&index=138
• Other: https://www.ment2motivate.org/pay

Image Credits

Marcus Maddox
Drumatized Cares
Kobe Young
Jeonita White
Jhaniece Wright
James Yeargins
Tony Soung
Eric Johnson
Makayla Scruggs
Taylor Langston
Monico Sanders