Marsha A Mockabee

Early Years

Thinking back to your early years, was there a teacher or professor that had a significant impact on your professional journey? If so, please share.

PROFESSIONAL TITLE:

President & CEO

Urban League of Greater Cleveland

HOMETOWN: Cleveland, Ohio

EDUCATION:

• Certificate in Nonprofit Management Case Western Reserve University

• BS in Youth Development

Concordia University

• MBM, Indiana Weslyan

CIVIC ENGAGEMENT:

• Co-Chair, Racism as a Public Health

Crisis for City of Cleveland

• Member, Workforce Committee for Citizens Advisory Committee on EquityCuyahoga County

• Leadership Council Member, Greater Cleveland Career Consortium

Chair, Governance Committee

Member, Expansion Committee

• Board Member, UBIZ Venture Capital Fund

• Board Member, Women of Color Foundation

• Board Member, Unify Labs

• Committee Member, Leadership Cleveland Selection Committee

• Member, National Coalition of 100 Black Women

MY MANTRA…

To God be the glory!

Yes, my 9th grade guidance counselor, Mr. Carlton Davis saw potential in me and surrounded me with mentors like the late Stephanie Tubbs Jones and exposed me to opportunities that helped me to grow socially and emotionally.

CAREER

What professional accomplishment are you most humbled by and why?

Having been identified by National Urban League leadership as the person who could take the organization forward.

Also having led a coalition of community leaders and stakeholders in a local reenactment and celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the March on Washington for Jobs and Justice.

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion is vital to the longevity and success of any professional. On your most challenging day, where do you draw inspiration to continue feeding your passion for this work?

It is in our organizational DNA. It is our mission and my personal passion. We are asked to play leadership roles in many initiatives attempting to craft their DEI focus. Finally I am so proud of the League’s Equity Institute that was launched in December of last year. We will begin taking applications for our new DEI Development Academy by end of April for the first cohort

What is the toughest decision you’ve made professionally?

Having to lay off 1/2 of the ULGC staff back in 2009

PHILOSOPHY

The essentials to creating a harmonious work environment are…

Bring firm, but fair.

Communicate, communicate.

Transparency and accountability.

What have you come to learn about success?

Success is only a step in the journey. Once you reach a level of success, it’s time to move to significance. Success is what you earn for yourself. Significance is how you empower others.

What have you come to learn about balancing career and lifestyle?

That I am not very good at it. This is a continuing area of growth for me.

My Confessions

What part of your job brings you the most joy?

Seeing others reach their goals and potential.

What is the most important lesson you’ve learned professionally? How do you apply this lesson to the work you do?

Operating with integrity is one of the most important attributes of a servant-leader.

FUN FACT

My ideal vacation is… Walking on the beach by day and listening to the waves while getting a massage in the evening.

G E T T H E B A G.

■ Grow your business to $1Million+.

■ Transition from side-hustler to CEO.

■ Be inspired by and learn from a community of BOSSES.

■ Easily access info about small business grants, funding and business opportunities.

■ Gain insider tips and information about business funding options.

■ Succeed in business AND be inspired to practice self-care.

■ Discover Black women-owned and socially responsible brands.

■ Meet authentic champions of Black women-owned businesses who want you to succeed.

■ Have fun!

LOOK NO FURTHER, VISIT US @ www.getthebag.biz info@getthebag.biz