We recently connected with Valencia Hicks-Harris, Ph.D. and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Valencia, thanks for sharing your insights with our community today. Part of your success, no doubt, is due to your work ethic and so we’d love if you could open up about where you got your work ethic from?
Reflecting on the powerful influences that have shaped my work ethic, I realize it’s a blend of the incredible values instilled by both my dad and mom.
Growing up as the youngest among four, and the only girl, I always looked up to my brothers. My dad’s words echo in my mind: “A person should work and live by the sweat of their brow.” I adopted this philosophy, believing in the importance of always being engaged in meaningful work.
My dad’s relentless dedication to securing multiple streams of income ensured that our family never went without. Witnessing his hard work left an indelible mark on my approach to life and career.
On the other side, my mom, a former educator, showcased unparalleled commitment in her classroom. She went above and beyond for her students, accumulating so many sick and vacation days over two years. Their joint wisdom taught us, their children, to stick to our word, persevere through challenges, and always leave a space better than we found it.
As I navigate my professional journey, I carry with me the invaluable lessons from my parents. Gratitude fills my heart for the foundation they’ve provided, guiding me to embrace hard work, resilience, and the pursuit of excellence.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
As a nonprofit leader in my hometown of Raleigh, NC, and a former elementary STEAM teacher, I’ve witnessed the endless possibilities of engaging young minds in STEAM education. The cyclical nature of the engineering design process pushes individuals to think innovatively, voice unique perspectives, and collaborate to create solutions. This journey led me to found Empower All during a pivotal moment in 2020.
During the global upheaval following the COVID-19 pandemic and the tragic death of George Floyd, the need for transformative change was palpable. Pursuing my Ph.D. in educational equity at NCSU, I felt a deep desire to ensure my research wasn’t just academic but genuinely transformative.
The vision for Empower All was born from a commitment to honor the work of past educators and create a nonprofit addressing historical inequities while paving the way for an inclusive future. I reached out to Emily and Amanda, fellow educators and cherished friends, whose diverse backgrounds in STEM coaching, elementary classrooms, and Spanish education made them the perfect partners.
Together, we envision a world where every individual, regardless of background, has an equal shot at success. Empower All is our testament to resilience, unity, and an unwavering belief in the potential of every student.
OUR WHY
We create customized STEAM-centered learning experiences so that every child has access to educational equity.
VISION
We imagine a world where every child is empowered to activate their inner genius, living a life with limitless opportunities in an equitable society.
MISSION
We utilize STEAM to co-create spaces, empowering youth to affirm cultural identity, grow in social-emotional learning, and explore entrepreneurship.
As the CEO & Founder of Empower All, one of the most fulfilling aspects of my role is witnessing my research, dreams, and vision come to fruition. Entrepreneurship, while challenging, is immensely rewarding because it allows me to bet on myself, stay true to the work ethics instilled by my parents, and unleash my creative mind without fear of limitations.
Being able to bring innovative ideas to life is truly empowering. One such out-of-the-box concept was to cultivate a conference where we delve into challenging topics, forging a path forward. S.M.A.S.H (Supporting Mental-health Advocacy & STEAM through Hip-hop), a vision that materialized with the incredible support of my dedicated team and our partner, Transcend Resource Solutions, LLC.
Save the Date!
Every November (Veteran’s Day Weekend), Empower All hosts the annual S.M.A.S.H Summit. This groundbreaking event sparks meaningful conversations, bringing together diverse perspectives to address pressing issues in mental health and STEAM through the lens of Hip-hop.
But it doesn’t end there! Fireside S.M.A.S.H Chats
Bi-monthly, our Fireside S.M.A.S.H Chats keep the conversation alive, fostering an ongoing dialogue that transcends boundaries and fosters positive change.
Join the Conversation
I’m proud to invite you all to be part of this transformative journey. Let’s continue pushing boundaries, challenging norms, and creating spaces where impactful discussions lead to actionable solutions.
Empower All is not just a nonprofit—it’s a movement for change, and I’m excited to see what the future holds as we empower individuals and communities together.
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?
Reflecting on my journey, I’ve come to appreciate the pivotal role played by three key elements—skills, qualities, and knowledge—that have been instrumental in making a meaningful impact. Here they are:
1. Communication Skills: Transformative and Authentic Engagement
Effective communication is more than just conveying information—it’s about creating transformational and authentic connections. Engaging with individuals and communities at a level that goes beyond transactions has been a cornerstone of my journey. It’s the art of fostering genuine relationships that drive positive change.
2. Relevant Experience: Building “Street Credibility”
Experience in the field you aim to serve is invaluable. My background as a former elementary educator, STEAM educator, college instructor, and a parent of a school-aged child has helped build what I like to call “street credibility.” This hands-on experience ensures a deep understanding of the key issues I seek to address. It’s not just about knowledge; it’s about lived experiences that resonate with those we serve.
3. Community Knowledge: Understanding the Heartbeat
Knowing the people, businesses, and organizations you serve is paramount. As a Raleigh native, my roots run deep in the community. This intimate knowledge of the history and dynamics allows me to ensure that the ideas and solutions brought forth align seamlessly with the community’s needs. Understanding the heartbeat of the community is a guiding force in effective leadership.
Leadership Advice: Stay Humble, Listen, Be Authentic
To fellow leaders stepping into their purpose, I offer this advice: remain humble, listen intently to the community, and be authentic always. Leadership is not just about guiding; it’s about understanding, connecting, and co-creating a future that aligns with the aspirations and needs of those you serve.
Let’s continue to lead with purpose, empathy, and a commitment to positive impact!
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
I wholeheartedly believe in the transformative power of community, collaborations, and partnerships. At Empower All, we’re on a mission to make a real impact, and we’re always on the lookout for kindred souls who share our vision.
Mission-Aligned Collaborators
If you’re passionate, authentic, and ready to roll up your sleeves to address root issues, we invite you to join us. Whether you’re an individual, organization, or business, we welcome your energy and expertise as we work together to tackle the racial and gender gap in STEM careers.
Empowering Youth: Tackling the Mental Health Crisis
Additionally, we extend a warm invitation to partners and collaborators who share our commitment to addressing the mental health crisis among our youth. It’s a critical issue, and we believe that by locking arms with like-minded individuals and organizations, we can make a significant impact.
Why Collaborate with Empower All?
Mission Alignment: We are dedicated to creating a more equitable future for all.
Authenticity: We value genuine connections and authentic collaborations.
Boots on the Ground: We believe in taking tangible actions to address root issues.
Let’s Make a Difference Together!
If you’re ready to make a difference and believe in the power of collective action, reach out to us. Whether you have ideas, resources, or a shared passion, let’s lock arms and empower the next generation.
www.empower-allinc.org
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.empower-allinc.org/
- Instagram: @empower_all_inc
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valencia-harris-phd-8a4a4a212/
