We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Karen Arrington. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Karen below.
Karen, 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.
I was a professional job hopper. Throughout my career, I found myself constantly searching for fulfillment, moving from one job to another. However, amidst this journey, I discovered that there were certain aspects in each role that truly ignited my passion. These areas included mentorship, international travel, writing, and empowering women.
As the founder of the Miss Black USA Pageant, the largest and most prestigious pageant for women of color, I have had the incredible opportunity to witness and facilitate life transformations. It became clear to me that sometimes, all it takes is a gentle nudge, a push, or simply showing someone what they cannot see themselves.
Through my role as a mentor, I found myself consistently offering the same advice, which inspired me to write my award-winning book, “Your Next Level Life.” This book, which won the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Literary Work, shares seven tried and true rules for success that anyone can apply to elevate their lives to the next level, whatever that may look like for them.
Having worked for several different airlines and traveled to over 97 countries, I have truly embraced the power of travel. It has opened up a whole new world for me, expanding my horizons and broadening my perspective. Now, I organize international retreats to empower other women and help them expand their own horizons.
I consider myself incredibly fortunate to have found a way to combine my passions and work in alignment with my purpose. In 2007, I made the bold decision to resign from my last full-time job, and since then, I have never looked back.
Finding my purpose has been a journey of self-discovery, embracing my passions, and aligning my work with my values. It has allowed me to make a meaningful impact and live a life of fulfillment and joy. I am excited to continue this journey, inspiring others to find their purpose and create their own path to success.
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?
From a young age, I discovered the power of literature and the stories of remarkable African-American sheroes like Sojourner Truth and Harriet Tubman. Their tales of triumph ignited a fire within me that has never waned. It awakened a deep desire to be a voice for the silenced, marginalized, and unheard voices of women of color.
Books became the fertile ground where the seeds of my purpose were planted and nurtured. Embracing my calling, I embarked on a journey that has led me to diverse projects throughout my life and career. In 1986, I took the bold step of founding The Miss Black USA Pageant, the first scholarship pageant for African-American women in the nation. This endeavor opened doors for me to co-found Diabetes Awareness Day in Gambia, West Africa, and to be appointed as the Goodwill Ambassador to Sierra Leone. Along the way, I have mentored over 1,000 young women and secured over $500K in scholarships, grants, and life-changing career opportunities for emerging leaders.
While my path has taken various forms, my ultimate goal remains constant: to empower women to reclaim their power, redefine their destinies, and shatter expectations. This unwavering motivation led me to write ‘Your Next Level Life: 7 Rules of Power, Confidence, & Opportunity for Black Women in America.’ I firmly believe that the voices of diverse women belong on the shelves of bookstores and libraries. It is not only necessary but essential that we tell our stories, allowing readers to see themselves reflected in these narratives.
My journey in finding my purpose has been a testament to the transformative power of literature, mentorship, and advocacy. It has taught me the importance of amplifying marginalized voices and creating spaces for women to thrive. I am committed to continuing this journey, uplifting others, and ensuring that every woman has the opportunity to embrace her power and rewrite her own narrative.
In addition to hosting international retreats, and power trips around the world, I also offer one-on-one next level breakthrough sessions for women ready for their next level. To schedule, visit www.karenarrington.com
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
In my book, ‘Your Next Level Life,’ I emphasize the transformative power of giving back right from the start. It’s crucial not to wait for some distant future to make a difference in the world. Instead, begin on day one. Become a mentor and share the knowledge and wisdom you have acquired. Many people believe that you need to be a wealthy philanthropist like Oprah or have a million dollars to give back. However, giving back also includes the invaluable resource of time, which is something we all have the ability to offer. I didn’t set out to become a philanthropist; I simply set out to do good. I didn’t seek permission to co-found the first Diabetes Awareness Day in the Gambia, West Africa; I took action. This initiative led to my appointment as a Goodwill Ambassador by the President of the country.
Additionally, I strongly advocate for the importance of finding your people, your inner circle, your power entourage. It’s time to move away from spending time with people who share your problems and instead surround yourself with individuals who possess the solutions. I firmly believe that there is no problem I could face without having someone in my inner circle whom I can call and find a solution. Cultivating your inner circle can expand your world, make it larger, and help you bring your dreams to fruition. Take an inventory of your inner circle and ask yourself: who do I want to surround myself with?
Being a mentor has been one of the most fulfilling experiences of my life. I have personally mentored over 1,000 young women, assisting them in overcoming obstacles, redefining their destinies, and defying expectations. Anyone can become a mentor, and through this role, I have learned so much about myself. It has allowed me to cultivate my superpower of meeting people where they are and guiding them to their next level. The best way to find a mentor is to become one.
The power of giving back and finding your inner circle is immeasurable. It not only transforms the lives of others but also enriches your own journey. By embracing these principles, we can create a ripple effect of positive change and empower others to reach their full potential. I am committed to continuing this mission, inspiring others to give back and surround themselves with a supportive network that propels them towards their dreams.
Who is your ideal client or what sort of characteristics would make someone an ideal client for you?
As an author of “Your Next Level Life” and the founder of the Miss Black USA Pageant, my ideal coaching client would be someone who is driven, ambitious, and committed to personal growth and empowerment. My coaching is designed to support individuals who are ready to take their lives to the next level, whether it’s in their career, relationships, or personal development.
My ideal client is someone who is open-minded and willing to challenge themselves to overcome obstacles and break through limitations. They are eager to embrace change, step out of their comfort zone, and pursue their dreams with passion and determination. They understand the value of mentorship and are seeking guidance to navigate their own journey of success.
My coaching is particularly impactful for women of color who are looking for a mentor who understands their unique experiences and can provide tailored guidance and support. My ideal client recognizes the importance of representation and is committed to empowering themselves and others within their community.
Overall, my ideal coaching client is someone who is ready to embrace their power, redefine their destiny, and defy expectations. They are motivated to create positive change in their lives and are seeking a mentor who can guide them on their path to success.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.karenarrington.com
- Instagram: @karen_arrington
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KarenArringtonEmpowers
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/authorkarenarrington/
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