Meet Dr. Candice Bledsoe

We recently connected with Dr. Candice Bledsoe and have shared our conversation below.

Dr. Bledsoe, we’re so appreciative of you taking the time to share your nuggets of wisdom with our community. One of the topics we think is most important for folks looking to level up their lives is building up their self-confidence and self-esteem. Can you share how you developed your confidence?

I have to thank my community for developing my confidence and self-esteem as child. My community, which consists of my parents, family, neighborhood friends, church, and community organizations. They poured into me as young girl and pulled together resources to help develop me into the young woman that I am today.

Certainly, my mother and father played a major role in my life. I would also highlight the relationships with my grandmothers were critical to my academic, leadership, and spiritual development. My maternal grandmother, the late Rebecca Bell, an accomplished entrepreneur who specialized in fashion and interior design stressed the importance of creativity, art, and being unique. My paternal grandmother, the late Johnnie Mae Lucas, who I called my M’Dear, was a passionate educator. She taught me many lessons that helped me excel in math, science, English, oratory, and storytelling. My community fueled my passion for innovation, entrepreneurship, and leadership

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
Today, I am the Global CEO of the Action Research Center. We provide innovative programming to enhance equity in our communities. Our programs encourage student and community leadership development. We envision all stakeholders serving as change agents in their communities. We equip students, parents, teachers, and community leaders with the knowledge and skills to become change agents. Our programs, Cutting Edge Youth Summit and Young Social Innovators & Social Entreprenuers, has received national recognition for our dedication and commitment to developing changemakers. In fact, 99% of CEYS students graduate with a HS diploma, and 90% CEYS students enroll in college.

Our Women of Collective shares the stories of minoritized women in America. Through thought-provoking and award-winning performances, we aim to lift up and create space for women of color to share their voices, especially as it relates to the intersection of race, gender, and class. Technology has allowed us to expand our gatherings to in person and virtual. As a result, we have over 11,000 members across the globe. Our vision is to create strong communities of color whose inherent value and dignity is experienced in all aspects of society. As the drum majors of justice, we bear witness. We carry our sisters’ stories with us and in us, giving birth to our shared truth.

I also am a professor and hold appointments at Penn State University, the Center for the Study of Higher Education, Anti-Racist Leadership Academy, SMU Cox School of Business, and Hunt Institute of Engineering and Humanity.

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?
That’s a great question. The three qualities that are most impactful on my journey are being able to network well, communicate with others, and take risks. For people who are early in their career, these qualites are essential to help you achieve your goals. Do not be afraid to share your strengths and how they align with your organization’s goals. Futhermore, having a mentor and a sponsor can help introduce you to opportunities that can help enhance your career.

Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?
When I feel overwelmed I a take time to rest. Self-care and rest are critical to having a healthy life. Remember, to exercise, eat a balanced meal, sleep. and have time for prayer & self reflection. A good book to read more about self-care is entitled, “Rest is Resistance,” by Tricia Hersey who is also the founder of the Nap Ministry.

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Image Credits
Guy Rogers

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