Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Carla Washington. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Carla, looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?
I get my work ethic from my parents. Ever since I can remember, my parents would always say “Respect and Hard work will take you places where money won’t”. Such a simple yet impactful statement. My entire life I’ve always had to work harder than most to attain what I desired. I find that when you cultivate a strong and meaningful work ethic, you’ll often elicit respect and admiration in different arenas, may be it from family/friends to the workplace.
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?
From birth, Carla’s purpose in life was to be a conqueror. Carla alongside her twin brother Carlos were born two months premature. During infancy, her parents were advised by medical professionals of the long term effects of having a child prematurely (stunted growth, delayed cognitive abilities, etc). Even with those possibilities, the determined spirits of her parents afforded them the tenacity and strength to “insult the standard” for their children to be victors in all they aspired them to be. A strong educational foundation was always in the forefront of their household as her parents knew that education would be the key to limitless possibilities. Her parents were very active in the schools and would advocate for Carla and her siblings in every way. From the start, it was destined for Carla to be an advocate, a servant leader, and most importantly, a conqueror.
Carla’s professional focus as an educator is to serve all students and families with a strong passion for underserved and/or marginalized communities. In her formative years, Carla was blessed to have many Black Educators and/or Educators who advocated for minorities (ethnicity, socioeconomic status, or gender) in arenas that would challenge the status quo. The impact those individuals had on Carla were and continue to be a primary reason why she strives to be a vessel for so many students and families who need advocates and voices to understand and communicate their feelings and concerns without judgement, fear, or embarrassment. Carla attributes much of her successes and “driven purpose” to those influences and roles models.
Being a first generation college student, Carla understands the importance of exposure and opportunities for students who lack direct influences, connections (or stability) to achieve feats beyond one’s scope or grasp. Carla’s personal pathways that have landed her to where she is today were most certainly met with roadblocks however with willpower, resilience, support, and a strong work ethic, she achieve’s success step by step, day by day. Carla’s advocacy for all in her school community (and beyond) is what fulfills her the most. Carla often subscribes to the notion that as a servant leader, it’s her duty and responsibility to lead, guide, and work alongside anyone to achieve a goal. Wherever the need is, if willing and able, she will be there to support.
In her spare time, Carla loves to spend time with family, friends, travel, avid sports fan, and working out to include her latest passion which is being a Silks Aerialist.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Genuine, Compassionate, Strong-Willed.
If you face a road-block, explore other avenues to get to your desired destination. Often times a road block is simply a delay, not a denial. Always be intentional and genuine with the people you meet. You never know what someone sees in you and how they can help you along the way.
In terms of compassion, extend grace to yourself and others. Many times we often discount people or ourselves when we are not at our best. Everyone has a story, Everyone has personal struggles and battles unknown to us. Always show grace and compassion.
Being strong-willed doesn’t happen overnight. You have to hone in traits such as your personal work ethic and your determined spirit. Surround yourself with people (professional peers and idols, positive family/friends), places (ex. professional organizations), and things (ex. book studies, mindfulness practices, self-care) that will “fill your cup” in ways that are needed to live our your purpose. And most importantly, if at first you don’t succeed, try again!
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 (and my siblings) and continue to do for us is encourage and inspire us to be the best we can be. During their formative years, my parents did not have the opportunity to go to college however they desired to have their children exposed to all opportunities that would prepare us for life after high school. My mother was very instrumental in the ole saying “when there is a will, there is a way”. She did not take no for an answer often and she would explore opportunities that would assist my brothers and I with our future goals. I vividly remember how my twin brother and I didn’t qualify for a college program called Upward Bound which is targeted for low-income, minority based-students. My mother did her research, made connections, and found a a clause in which we qualified as first generation college students. That program served a pivotal role in my life in preparing us for life after high school. Assisting us with college applications fees, college tours, vouchers to take SAT/ACT examinations, opportunities to take college courses in high school, etc. But most importantly, the confidence I gained being surrounded by peers and role models who shared similarities with a vision of being a productive and successful human being. My father was a hardworking provider who was instrumentally involved as our sports coach during youth sports and exploring places and things outside of our vantage point so we could be well-rounded individuals. He always saids to remain humble in all you do because everyone’s journey has a story.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.greenville.k12.sc.us/jlmann/staff/admin/
- Twitter: https://x.com/carlawpe?s=21
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
