Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Erika Roberts . We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Erika , we’re so excited for our community to get to know you and learn from your journey and the wisdom you’ve acquired over time. Let’s kick things off with a discussion on self-confidence and self-esteem. How did you develop yours?
POSITIVE REPHRASING AND AFFIRMATIONS:
I am powerful. I am in control.
I am a capable and competent person.
I am valuable and significant.
I am an example of motivation.
I am strong, confident, and successful.
USING VISUALIZATION:
When I Determine what my goal is going to be.
I Envision the scene and what the environment might look like.
I’m Also be aware to Consider the steps that would make this moment successful.
visualizing this moment until it is time to make things happen.
And always Approach the visualized situation with confidence.
Bring a performer, teaching artist, working in the community,and now a published author I’ve always had to be in for front engaging and socializing. Being in peoples faces all the time helped me gain self confidence and self esteem along with it coming pretty natural to my character and who I am as a individual.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
My name is Erika Roberts i am a Hartford, CT native who is passionate about making a positive impact in my community and the neighborhoods where i grew up. As a result, i spent my career working for non profit organizations that help at- risk youth. In 2017, I found my passion as a youth mentor and advocate for compass youth collaborative where I helped young people navigate day-to-day challenges and build skills they need to become successful adults. I relates to some of their struggles having overcome similar obstacles, and I work hard to serve as a role model and inspiration.
Engaging with young people who remind me of my younger self has changed the course of my career and given me a greater sense of purpose. What I love most about being a mentor is giving youth a sense of direction by raising their expectations while promoting peace within the community.
I am currently working as a case manager for Hartford Communities that care’s schools program at New Visions where I am working directly with their young people to review their records, speak with their family members, and understand their history to assess their needs and conditions to prepare the proper care plan.
I founded a consulting business Black Class Enterprises LLC – that focuses on developing mindfulness, intentionality, compassion and determination in urban teenage girls.
I also founded a non profit organization T.I.F.F. Transformational information for females that I plan to build curriculum from, promoting this life skills program for at-risk girls provides essential lessons on navigating relationships. At-risk girls that have countless challenges to overcome such as abuse, anxiety, low self-esteem teen pregnancy, teen parenting, gang membership, trauma and more.
Erika is also a sports mom for both her children and makes time to workout and dance with fly fitness where she has learned to express herself through dance and drum.
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?
Building trusting and lasting relationships. – Courage Trustworthiness, including honesty, reliability, loyalty and
Integrity
Respect and courtesy
Responsibility, including accountability, diligence, perseverance, self-management skills, and self-control
Fairness, including justice and freedom from prejudice
Caring, including kindness, empathy, compassion, consideration, patience, generosity, charity, and interpersonal skills
Good citizenship, including patriotism, concern for the common good and the community, responsible decision-making skills, and respect for authority and the law
Gratitude
Be a team player – The characteristics of a good team member
Being a good collaborator takes more than just being liked by people. Sometimes it’s about making tough decisions for the benefit of the group or being the dissenting voice in a controversial meeting. Above all, a good team player has the following characteristics:
Accountability. Effective team players are accountable to themselves and to others. They take responsibility for their actions or mistakes and understand how their choices impact the team.
Flexibility. Adapting to change is a critical part of a team’s success. Strong collaborators are willing to take on new challenges to support their peers and tweak deadlines for the greater good.
Positivity. A positive mental attitude keeps morale high. Teams value people who exude optimism.
Commitment. Successful team players believe in the group’s processes and team goals. They stand in solidarity with the rest of their members.
Integrity. The value of integrity is important in a team setting. A good colleague doesn’t just say “yes” to everything — they push back on ideas they think go against the team’s values.
Creativity – Being able to come up with new ideas and concepts on the fly alternatives and possibilities.
Have a genuine desire to help others be passionate and willing to do the work!
Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?
When I’m feels stressed and overwhelmed, I take a break life is to precious and short for you to not enjoy living. Work is a thing but mental health is super important.
Take time for yourself
Get a message
Go for a road trip
Take a nap
Take a walk
Go on a hike
Give yourself grace
Have patience with yourself
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Queenme_erikaj
- Facebook: Erika Roberts
Image Credits
Photo credit- Leslie Gomes
