We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Kiarra Trammell a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Kiarra, so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?
Navigating spaces where I am the only individual who looks like me has been a significant aspect of my journey towards effectiveness and success. It’s been a learning process that has taught me resilience, adaptability, and the importance of staying true to myself. First and foremost, being the only one who looks like me in a room has often meant confronting feelings of isolation or being an outsider. However, I’ve learned to view this as an opportunity rather than a setback. It’s a chance to bring a unique perspective to the table, one that might not have been considered otherwise. I’ve found that embracing my differences and confidently expressing my viewpoints can lead to valuable insights and solutions. I’ve had to learn to speak up for myself and advocate for my ideas with conviction. This has strengthened my communication skills and enhanced my ability to influence others positively.Being able to quickly assess a situation and adjust my approach accordingly has been crucial in ensuring my effectiveness. Whether it’s modifying my communication style or finding common ground with others, I’ve learned to be flexible without compromising my authenticity.
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’d be delighted to share more about my nonprofit organization Encourage H.E.R. Academy Inc. and what makes it so special to me.
At Encourage H.E.R. Academy, we’re dedicated to providing mentorship and support to girls of color aged 6-17. Our mission is not just about academic growth but also about nurturing personal development and empowering these young girls to become leaders in their communities. What sets us apart is our commitment to creating a safe and inclusive space where girls can explore their identities, discover their passions, and build the skills they need to succeed.
One of the most exciting aspects of my work is seeing the transformation in these girls as they progress through our program. Witnessing their confidence grow, their ambitions soar, and their voices become stronger is incredibly rewarding. Knowing that we’re making a tangible difference in their lives and helping to shape the leaders of tomorrow fills me with a sense of purpose and fulfillment like nothing else.
My journey into founding Encourage H.E.R. Academy was deeply personal. After exploring various career paths post-college, I realized that my true calling lay in making a difference in the lives of others, particularly girls of color in my hometown of Athens, GA. Recognizing a glaring need for a supportive community where these girls could thrive, I took a leap of faith and founded our organization.
The name ‘Encourage H.E.R.’ reflects our core values of Hope, Empowerment, and Resilience. It’s about instilling these qualities in the girls we mentor, helping them realize their full potential and overcome any obstacles they may face.
Moreover, as a woman of color from Athens, I’m passionate about shining a spotlight on the vibrant community that often gets overshadowed by the city’s collegiate identity. Encourage H.E.R. Academy is not just a program; it’s a celebration of the rich heritage and diverse stories of the long-time residents of Athens. It’s about creating a space where girls can feel seen, heard, and valued for who they are.
What makes Encourage H.E.R. Academy so special is the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of young girls and contribute to building a more inclusive and empowered community. I’m incredibly grateful for the journey that led me to this work, and I’m excited to continue empowering the next generation of leaders.
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?
Reflecting on my journey, I believe three qualities have been particularly impactful: resilience, empathy, and adaptability.
Resilience has been crucial in navigating the inevitable challenges and setbacks along the way. It’s the ability to bounce back from adversity, to keep pushing forward even when things get tough. Cultivating resilience involves developing a growth mindset, staying focused on long-term goals, and learning from failure rather than letting it deter you. Empathy has also played a significant role in my journey, especially in the work of mentorship and community building. It’s the ability to understand and connect with others’ experiences and perspectives, to build meaningful relationships based on mutual respect and understanding. Developing empathy involves actively listening to others, seeking to understand their needs and concerns, and being willing to put yourself in their shoes.Lastly, adaptability has been essential in navigating the ever-changing landscape of my work and responding effectively to new challenges and opportunities. It’s the ability to pivot and adjust course when necessary, to embrace change rather than resisting it. Developing adaptability involves being open to new ideas and approaches, being willing to step out of your comfort zone, and being proactive in seeking out new opportunities for growth and learning.
My advice to those early in their journey is to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth, to believe in themselves even when faced with setbacks, and to cultivate a support system of mentors and peers who can provide guidance and encouragement.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
Collaboration is key to the success of Encourage H.E.R. Academy Inc. We are always open to partnering with individuals, organizations, and businesses that share our mission and values.
We are particularly interested in collaborating with:
1. Mentors and Role Models: Individuals who are passionate about empowering girls of color and have expertise in areas such as education, leadership development, STEM, arts, and entrepreneurship.
2. Community Organizations: Organizations that provide complementary services or resources to support the holistic development of young girls, such as after-school programs, tutoring services, mental health support, and recreational activities.
3. Schools and Educational Institutions: Schools and educational institutions that are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion and are interested in implementing mentorship and leadership development programs for their students.
4. Corporate Partners: Businesses and corporations that are committed to social responsibility and are interested in supporting initiatives aimed at empowering girls of color, either through financial contributions, in-kind donations, or employee volunteering opportunities.
If you are interested in collaborating with us or learning more about our programs and initiatives, we encourage you to reach out to us through our website www.encourageheracademy.com or contact us directly at (678)708-6954. We believe that by joining forces with like-minded individuals and organizations, we can amplify our impact and create positive change in the lives of girls of color in our community and beyond. We look forward to hearing from you and exploring potential collaboration opportunities.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.encourageheracademy.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/her.academy
- Facebook: HERAcademy21
- Linkedin: KiarraTrammell
Image Credits
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