Meet Marshella Lie

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Marshella Lie a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Marshella, 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?

Being the only one in the room who looks like me has actually strengthened me as an educator. At first, it was intimidating, but I learned to see my background as a strength, not a barrier. It allows me to bring a unique perspective to conversations about student needs, equity, and culturally responsive teaching.

I focus on building credibility through preparation, genuine collaboration, and a commitment to student success. Over time, I’ve found that when I lead with authenticity and use my voice to advocate for all learners, people respect that, regardless of our differences. Instead of trying to blend in, I’ve learned to stand out with purpose and uniqueness. The bottom line is that I stay true to myself despite all my imperfection.

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?

I stepped foot in the United States as a teenager without knowing a single word of English. I still remember what it felt like to sit in a classroom, unable to understand the language around me—yet determined not to let that define my future. What began as a struggle to pronounce even the simplest words eventually became a passion that shaped my life’s purpose.

Learning English was not just about memorizing vocabulary. It was about finding my voice. Every word I mastered represented a barrier overcome, every sentence I wrote reflected a dream that once felt impossible. Over time, I moved from being a silent observer in the classroom to the one standing in front of it, teaching, mentoring, and inspiring others who felt unseen or underestimated.

Today, I am an English professor, a writer, and a curriculum designer. Not despite being a non-native speaker, but because of it. The very thing that once made me feel different became my greatest strength. I went from not being able to write a single sentence in English to becoming the author of textbooks, academic curricula, and books that are now used to teach and empower others.

My journey is proof that language is not just a tool for communication, it is a bridge to opportunity, identity, and transformation. I carry my past with pride because it reminds my students, especially those who doubt themselves, that fluency is not inherited, but rather earned. And every voice, no matter where it begins, is capable of greatness when it chooses perseverance over fear.

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?

I’d like to think that my three strong qualities are resilience, curiosity, and purpose-driven leadership.

I learned to believe in my potential even when I had no evidence of success yet. That mindset kept me going through every challenge, rejection, and failure. Resilience became my foundation.

I did not become a professor because I knew everything—I became one because I never stopped learning. Every new word, every book, and every classroom experience was an opportunity to grow. My curiosity led me from being a student of English to becoming a creator of knowledge—writing curricula, textbooks, and literature.

I never pursued education just for myself. I pursued it to create pathways for others, especially those who feel invisible in academic spaces. Leading with purpose gave me the courage to speak up, create change, and represent voices that were not at the table.

My pieces of advice to all:
1. Resilience is built by pushing through discomfort one step at a time. Surround yourself with people who lift you up, and remind yourself that progress matters more than perfection.
2. Be hungry to learn. Ask questions. Read widely. Invest in skills that scare you. Growth will always begin where your comfort zone ends.
3. Find your “why.” When your work is tied to a mission larger than yourself, you won’t just chase success. You will create impact.

You don’t need to have it all figured out right now. Start where you are, with what you have. Focus on building resilience, committing to growth, and finding purpose in your work. These three qualities won’t just open doors, they will give you the strength to walk through them, even when you are the only one in the room who looks like you.

Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?

My greatest source of strength has been my husband. From the very beginning of my academic journey, he believed in me even before I fully believed in myself. While the world saw my limitations, he saw my potential. His constant encouragement, emotional support, and unwavering faith in my abilities helped me develop the confidence, resilience, and courage I needed to keep going, especially during the hardest moments of my life when I had to work full-time while pursuing my doctorate degree and being a mom of a young kid.

He didn’t just support my dreams; he actively cultivated them. When I struggled with language, he reminded me that my voice deserved to be heard. When I doubted whether I could become a professor, he reminded me that my journey—from learning English to writing textbooks—was not a barrier, but my greatest asset. His mindset helped me transform obstacles into opportunities and guided me to see challenges as stepping stones rather than roadblocks.

His love has been the quiet force behind every achievement. He helped me develop not only the skills and knowledge I needed to succeed, but also the inner strength to walk into any room, no matter who was there, and know that I belonged.

In every chapter of my life, his belief in me has been the foundation upon which I built my own belief in myself.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @mmarshellaa
• Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/marshellalie