Meet Tateanna Foster

We recently connected with Tateanna Foster and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Tateanna, thank you so much for opening up with us about some important, but sometimes personal topics. One that really matters to us is overcoming Imposter Syndrome because we’ve seen how so many people are held back in life because of this and so we’d really appreciate hearing about how you overcame Imposter Syndrome.

I haven’t completely overcome imposter syndrome; it’s an ongoing, intentional process. Early in my career in social work I began in special education, and as the program administrator of an early childhood therapeutic day school, I frequently found myself as the only African American woman in the room, advocating for the accommodations of students. In my business, at the Place of Impact, I am dedicated to modeling and teaching other employees and leaders how to create a feeling of belongingness for themselves in environments that may not naturally foster it. Imposter syndrome can be paralyzing, especially when you are scared to make a mistake. It can hold you back from taking risks and moving forward in your career. Recognizing this, I actively work to overcome these feelings through several strategies, focusing particularly on positive psychological reframing, advocating for myself, and practicing self-compassion.
Positive Psychological Reframing
Positive psychological reframing involves changing the way I perceive and respond to challenging situations. Instead of viewing my doubts and fears as evidence of inadequacy, I reframe them as opportunities for growth and learning. For instance, when I feel out of place in a meeting, I remind myself that my unique perspective as an African American woman is valuable and necessary. This shift in mindset helps me recognize that my presence in these spaces is not only justified but also beneficial.
Advocating for Myself
Advocating for myself means actively ensuring that my needs and boundaries are respected in the workplace. This includes setting clear boundaries and requesting accommodations when necessary. It’s about being assertive and communicating my needs confidently and professionally.
For example:
• I set clear boundaries regarding my availability and workload. For example, I make it known that I need uninterrupted time for focused work or that I am unavailable for meetings during certain hours to maintain a work-life balance.
• I am not afraid to ask for what I need to perform my best. This might include requesting additional resources, support, or flexibility in my schedule. I approach these requests with the understanding that my well-being and productivity are linked.
• In meetings or discussions, I make it a point to voice my opinions and ideas, even if they differ from the majority. This not only affirms my presence but also encourages a culture of diversity and inclusion.
Practicing Self-Compassion
Practicing self-compassion involves being kind to myself, especially during moments of failure or self-doubt. When I make mistakes, I treat myself with the same kindness and understanding that I would offer a friend. I remind myself that it’s okay to be imperfect and that I am doing my best. I seek support from trusted colleagues, mentors, and friends. Sharing my experiences and hearing theirs helps me feel less isolated and more connected.
By integrating these tools into my daily life, I am continuously working towards overcoming imposter syndrome. It’s a journey that requires ongoing effort, but each step forward helps me build confidence and resilience. I am not only navigating my own path but also modeling for others how to create a sense of belonging and self-worth in challenging environments.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I am a licensed clinical social worker and a certified integrative mental health professional. I currently serve as the Director of Human Resources at the iCan Dream Center, a therapeutic day school, and I am also the Chief Impact Leader, Owner, and Founder of the Place of Impact. Throughout my adolescence, I faced numerous challenges, including domestic violence, parent absenteeism, chronic illness, and neurodiversity. These personal experiences profoundly shaped my approach to mental health and fueled my passion for supporting others. My journey into the mental health profession was a natural progression, because of the challenges I had to overcome and even gave me the calling to help others. My perseverance became my purpose which manifested early on, as I led adult Bible study classes during my teenage years, an experience that became a catalyst for my ability to teach and connect with individuals from all walks of life.
I was once told, “Where there is a vacuum of leadership, someone will step in.” Early in my career, I chose to be that person. In 2014, I became the youngest supervisor for a Community and Police collaborated camp, creating a training template that was used for years, training over 100 team members until the program ended in 2019 due to COVID-19. This role laid the foundation for my views on leadership and team training.
Following grad school, I stepped into the role of lead social worker at a therapeutic day school with the same mindset. In my second year, I facilitated trainings and spoke at conferences supporting educators and administrators working with neurodiverse students. In 2019, I was selected to speak at the Pan-African Congress on Autism in Nairobi, Kenya. This opportunity reinforced my calling and my ability to teach people from all walks of life. Reflecting on my journey, I recognize that the adolescent me, who experienced countless challenges and trauma, would have to overcome fear and doubt to accomplish all she set out to do.
Working through my trauma has given me unique insights and deep empathy for those navigating similar struggles. These personal experiences have profoundly shaped my approach to mental health and have fueled my passion for supporting others. These challenges inspired me to create the Place of Impact, a space dedicated to fostering mental health and well-being. At the Place of Impact, we focus on holistic healing and support, recognizing that mental and emotional health are integral to overall well-being.
In my various roles, I’ve encountered numerous coworkers and employees who, like me, have faced significant trauma yet continue to navigate work environments that can be replete with triggers and additional stressors. This shared experience has fueled my dedication to providing employees with the tools they need to support their mental health both within and outside the workplace. I also recognized a critical need for practical mental health support specifically tailored for the BIPOC community, which led to the development of targeted training programs for leaders.
At the Place of Impact, the mission is to guide individuals on their journey to holistic well-being through the power of collective healing. I firmly believe that mental and emotional health should not be isolated aspects of life but should be actively nurtured in every environment. Through expertly crafted mental health groups, trainings, and retreats, I aim to create transformative wellness experiences. My philosophy is that true well-being extends beyond the individual, encompassing the collective spirit of communities coming together to learn and heal.
One of the most special aspects of my work is empowering individuals to manage the side effects of trauma and foster healthier lifestyles through a deeper understanding of the connection between trauma and the nervous system. This insight enables individuals to practice self-advocacy across the various spaces they navigate, leading to more balanced and resilient lives. It is exciting that every individual has the power to take this mental health knowledge back to their village and model the practices they learn. This philosophy emphasizes the ripple effect of positive change; as individuals improve their mental health, they can inspire and support those around them. It becomes even more special when individuals become conduits of impact, spreading wellness wherever they go.
However, the work at the Place of Impact extends beyond individual empowerment. I collaborate closely with organizational leaders to promote top-down change that prioritizes mental health. Working with leaders has been particularly rewarding as they set the organizational tone for how mental health is communicated and valued among employees. As my work continues I look forward to conducting more training programs for managers and C-suite teams that are designed to enhance their ability to support their teams effectively, fostering a healthier workplace environment.
In addition to my current role as Director of Human Resources, my clinical background has influenced my contribution to an upcoming anthology about mental health for the BIPOC community in the workplace. My chapter specifically addresses the importance of protective policies and practices in supporting the mental health of BIPOC employees. This book, which will be published on December 15, 2024, aims to provide valuable insights and strategies for creating inclusive and supportive work environments.

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?

Looking back on my journey, three qualities and skills stand out as particularly impactful: resilience, prayer, and creativity. These attributes have been essential in navigating the challenges of my career and fostering growth and success.
Resilience
Resilience is crucial for any successful entrepreneur. This quality allows you to bounce back from setbacks and view failures as opportunities for learning and growth. The entrepreneurial path is often filled with obstacles and unforeseen challenges. Resilience helps you to persist despite these difficulties, maintaining your focus and determination. Understanding that failure is a natural part of the growth process can transform setbacks into valuable lessons, ultimately strengthening your resolve and guiding you toward success.
Prayer
Prayer has been a vital part of my journey, especially when facing uncertainty and difficult decisions. Seeking God’s guidance through prayer provides clarity, strength, and a sense of peace. It helps me stay grounded and focused on my purpose, knowing that I am not alone in my struggles. Prayer has helped me find reassurance in moments of doubt, ultimately guiding me towards the right path.
Creativity
Creativity is indispensable for problem-solving and developing innovative solutions. As an entrepreneur, you will encounter numerous situations that require creative thinking to navigate. Creativity allows you to approach challenges from new angles and devise unique strategies. However, stress can significantly hinder creativity, making it important to prioritize self-care. Don’t let the challenges of life snuff out your creativity. Prioritize childlike fun and adventure to spark your creativity!
Advice for Those Early in Their Journey
For those who are early in their journey, developing a sense of curiosity and the habit of asking questions is crucial. When you don’t know how to do something, it’s important to recognize that there is no shame in asking for help or seeking guidance. Everyone encounters situations where they need guidance, and seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness. By asking for help, you can gain new insights, uncover hidden opportunities, and make informed decisions. Remember, it’s better to ask and learn than to struggle in silence.

What is the number one obstacle or challenge you are currently facing and what are you doing to try to resolve or overcome this challenge?

One significant challenge I am currently facing is securing funding for annual festivals during Mental Health Awareness Month. We partnered with the Village of Park Forest, Illinois for our first annual Mental Health Fest and it was an amazing event. These community events, which include activities such as sound baths, breath work, yoga, mental health professional panels, and art therapy, are designed to be completely free to the community. Finding the necessary funding to support these events has been a significant obstacle.
To address this challenge, I am working to create partnerships with companies whose missions align with supporting the mental health of the BIPOC community. Additionally, I am developing a survey to send to local businesses to gauge their interest in supporting these events within their community. Although this process is challenging, I firmly believe that mental health should be a priority for every business, as it significantly impacts employees’ well-being, productivity, and the overall company culture.
By building these partnerships and engaging with the community, I hope to secure the necessary resources to continue offering these valuable events. The goal is to create accessible opportunities for collective healing and wellness, ultimately fostering a healthier and more resilient community. So if you are willing to build community and partnership to support the mental health of the BIPOC community connect with me!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.theplaceofimpact.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theplaceofimpact?igsh=cG12eXhsdmE1Z2o2
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tateanna-foster-42940967