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2019 American Business Woman of ABWA
2019 American Business Woman of ABWA
Please introduce and tell us a little about yourself? My career in education spans an eighteen-year period in which I have accomplished much as a classroom teacher, professional development trainer, data analysis and research field coordinator, speaker and certified National School Reform Faculty Critical Friends Group Coach. Under my leadership, Lupus Columbia South Carolina (LCSC), the nonprofit charity I co-founded to raise awareness of and advocacy for lupus patients like myself in South Carolina; caught the eye of The National Lupus Foundation of America, Inc. (LFA) and was once the only South Carolina lupus nonprofit associated with the national organization. I served as the Chief Volunteer Officer of the then newly transitioned LFA South Carolina Community Partner (LFASCCP). I played an integral part in bringing lupus to the forefront of awareness in South Carolina. Although LFASCCP is no longer established, Lupus Columbia SC, along with The Lupus Liar, offers support groups within the state of South Carolina. My grassroots volunteer work with
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lupus in the community sparked a partnership with the Institute for Partnership to Eliminate Health Disparities (IPEHD) Arnold School of Public Health of the University of South Carolina to spread the word on the development of a South Carolina Lupus Registry. A nationally renowned speaker, author, and professional development trainer, I have presented at several conferences around the country. I have presented at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, SC as a keynote speaker for Lupus Patient Education Day, TEDxDenverED in Denver, CO and Lupus House Party at the M.U.S.C.L.E research group at MUSC just to name a few. I was diagnosed with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus in early 1993. The beginning of my walk with lupus was painful and confusing. my senior year in high school, I was placed as a homebound student and had to complete my last year of high school from the confines of my bedroom. No discouraged, I completed
my senior year with honors. I graduated from the University of South Carolina-Aiken campus with a bachelor’s in Business Education and double minor in Business and Marketing. I then went on to complete her graduate studies at Walden University with a Master of Science in Educational Technology, followed by an Education Specialist degree from Nova Southeastern University in Computing Technology in Education. With God, I have accomplished all of this while continuing to battle the ever changing effects of lupus.
You are an Educator in Aiken County Public School District, what inspired you to become a teacher? I started out as an Educator in Aiken County Public School District in 1998. Since then I’ve been able to take my experience as an educator into the corporate realm as a Senior Professional Learning Manager based in New York. And now I am back in the classroom as a Business Education Teacher in District Five of Lexington and Richland Countiesof Chapin, South Carolina and loving it! I’ve always had a passion for serving and teaching others because I am inspired by those I teach. I learn so much from helping others.
What has been the most rewarding about teaching school? Oh my! There are so many intrinsic treats I have been able to take advantage of by teaching school. My students are the most amazing individuals in this world. Where else would I get to have new experiences everyday than in a classroom. Younever get bored with young people. I think what’s rewarding is the magnificence of their honesty. You are forced to look in a mirror each time a young person discovers something new in your lessons and in being with you as their teacher. You are a mentor and model of a human being when you teach young people.
You created a charity organization called “The Lupus Liar.” Please tell us more about your organization. The charity division of The Lupus Liar is the volunteer part of the organization. The volunteer priorities are based with Lupus Columbia SC, a registered charity in South Carolina. In general all activities, volunteer based work, support calls, and support group meetings are done to serve those in need that are diagnosed with Lupus. We can never have enough support when it comes to helping those in need. Lupus is such a devastating and confusing illness that many people don’t understand how to aid others in managing the disease.
Where can our readers learn more about your organization and support you in your efforts to educate people about Lupus? My flagship company, The Lupus Liar, allows me to educate, advocate and raise awareness about lupus as a highly sought after speaker, critically acclaimed author, presenterand trainer. I am devoted to helping others face life with an open mind, heart and spirit. Readers can learn more about current works within the lupus community at Facebook.com/TheLupusLiar. Access to videos, clips, pictures, and articles are also available on my other social media channels like Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter. If you prefer to listen, you can subscribe to my podcast at iTunes and Spotify. You can access all channels through my website www.TheLupusLiar.com.
What was your inspiration to help Lupus survivors and why do you think it is important to bring awareness to this autoimmune disease? When I was first diagnosed with Lupus the diagnosing doctor told me that I only had less than a few years to live. Well, past ten years later, I continue my journey hoping to inspire those who know me. I am also inspired by my cousin, Nigel. He has been diagnosed with lupus for over 33 years now. As a male diagnosed with Lupus, he experiences a lot of his trials unbeknownst to many because men are still considered a rarity when it comes to this mysterious illness.
You wrote a book called, “Diary of a Mad Lupus Patient” that was an Amazon Bestseller. Please tell us more about your book. I am blessed to have published several books and am currently working on the soon to be released "Keeping Up With Lupus: A Digital Guide." “Diary of a Mad Lupus Patient” is a book that chronicles the first few years of my life after diagnosis. It provides insight to the sporadic doctor appointments, mental and physical stress, and confusion that Lupus brings into your life. It started from me taking short notes about how Ifelt because, at the time, my diagnosing doctor didn’t feel that I was clear enough about my pain levels and struggle with my symptoms. I am excited about the work I am doing on this book with registered nurse Kimberly Hartmann. We are pending the finalization of completing a medical resource edition of the book. It’s very exciting!
Do you have any upcoming conferences, events, or workshops coming up in 2020? Besides a few health fairs and community events, I do have a few upcoming conferences or speaking engagements coming up in 2020. I will be participating inthe Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) annual Lupus Education Day in May. I will be posting about them in my blog and on my socialmedia channels. Another event that I am excited to be apart of is HealtheVoices in April of 2020. Our volunteer support group will also be holding a lupus education workshop in our local community. I will also be holding a workshop on how others can move into a paid advocacy role for their hard work and commitment to helping others be a patient voice for themselves or those they love.
Give us some words to educate, inspire, encourage women and all of our readers of Growth Women’s Business Networks Magazine. I keep God close to my heart, express my life's ups and downs, and take refuge in happiness and trials. I continue to see my physicians regularly. I believe that the gift of a healthy life is not often received. Yet, the art of loving the life that you have and the health that you can achieve, makes life all the more special.
