25 minute read
get organized and Nashville, TN
Make A Definite Effect LLC
By Terry L. Watson - Photos by Tia Gray
Advertisement
Are you made for this? That is a question that LaTia “Tia” Gray will help you answer. As the owner and founder of Make A Definite Effect LLC, her goal is to simplify the lives of others. Tia is a native of Springfield TN. She is also a mother of two beautiful, and witty little girls. Tia is also a Sports Coach at heart, and certified life coach by trade. She is an author, radio personality and presenter, and host of “MadE in the Dugout”. Tia describes herself as a small-town girl with global aspirations to connect people who look like her and support the Afro cultural history, presently, and its future. “I am an ideologist, visionary, and community driven entrepreneur. I am also known for networking and connecting small business owners and individuals with resources to grow personally and professionally,” she says. Tia says that life and business are both a game and everyone must be trained properly on how to play. This can be done through guidance, strategies, and self-discovery. “As an author I write about how we are the coach of our own lives, and how our lives relate to sports. I assist others with understanding how to position people in their life, and understand their roles, and ultimately go all out for the win,” she says. Her company, Make A Definite Effect LLC was created in 2019. Tia had a vision to inspire others and build a product that would expound on the importance of relationship building. While building her company, she discovered there was a lack of representation of black excellence. She also realized that her community was missing valuable life changing information. “As I set out to expose as many businesses as I could I picked up tones of knowledge to share with the small business owners. I determined that change was needed, and I would be vehicle that would drive the change,” she says. “The first thing I did was connect others with various resources to enhance and expand their businesses.” Tia shares that it’s important for everyone to pass the “plate of knowledge”. “There is power in being your true self. I take pride in being a virtual connector for those inspired to change their lives and grow their businesses,” she says. “We offer full service virtual assistance to small business owners to help save them time and stay on top of task. This also includes strategizing ways to enhance our client’s creativity in their business through graphic content, funnels, QR codes, virtual business cards, and so much more.” Like most businesses, Tia has faced some adversity. “I think going through the quarantine during the COVID-19 pandemic allowed me time to really set with myself and get a better understanding of the steps I wanted to take. Also, working with the youth in my community and learning how much information was not accessible to them has pushed me to learn and give what I never had. The work showed me talents I had inside that I never knew was there. Through adversity I have learned more about myself and tapped into God and become more conscious of how I show up in
the world,” she says. Tia says she is inspired by her children, parents, and black “Afro” history. “if I don’t show up in the world, I know that it can delay someone else who was divinely designed to connect with me, from showing up,” she says. Tia also offers some advice to others who may be on a journey such as hers. “Start with personal development. Do your research so that you will know if what you are doing is something you are willing to put the work in to complete. Do it scared if you have to and do not second guess yourself. Most
importantly, ask for help if you need it,” she says.
Moving forward, Tia plans to integrate her coaching program with her books and radio show. She also plans to take big business steps to develop, monetize, and scale her business so that it can be more impactful for those that look to gain more exposure and enhance their business and talents. If you are interested in ways to glow up before you blow up, send Tia a message and connect with Coach Tia, the Damage Control Empress. “Damaging Control By Connecting The Dots”. h Huntsville - Jan./Feb. 2021 HuamiMagazine.com
By Laci Ollison Photos by Todd Youngblood
During a time where the world was shut down due to the Coronavirus pandemic, two women found themselves collaborating over their mutual love for black people and therapy.
Nzinga Cates and Darnita Samuels of Charlotte, N.C., are both licensed therapists in the state of North Carolina. After forming a friendship, the duo decided to create a podcast to answer questions from clients, friends, and listeners about mental health, life, and other various topics.
Born in Detroit, MI, Darnita is an auntie to several nieces and nephews. She comes from a large family that is rooted in southern traditions. Darnita says the primary focus of her practice is to provide a safe space that will encourage open dialogue to help her clients reach their goals and create a toolbox to use on their journey of this thing called life. Though Darnita embraces her season of singleness, she spends her time traveling internationally and domestically. These voyages often involve exploring new cultures. “I am a history buff and I like winery’s, vineyards, and good food,” she shares.
Nzinga, who is a native of Erie, PA, provides a wide array of services that cater to individuals, couples, marital relationships, and teens. She has a specialty in helping individuals who have been victimized by narcissists, as well as helping individuals discover narcissistic traits within themselves. She is also the owner of Cates Counseling, and author of What Happens In This House: A Memoir of Strength, and shares her story of being raised with the struggles of a narcissistic mother and how she prevailed to become who she is today despite being abused. Life has come full circle for Nzinga. She acknowledges that her family has played a huge part in her success as an entrepreneur and businesswoman. She also notes that she wouldn’t be as successful without the support of her husband of 17 years, and her three beautiful children.
“I actually referred someone to Nzinga,” Darnita said. “We hit it off from the first conversation. But it actually took us over a year to finally meet. Nzinga kept saying ‘let’s get coffee together,’ and one day the stars finally aligned, and we were able to get lunch.” The rest was history.
One day as the two therapists were sitting in the garage of Nzinga’s home over the pandemic, they decided they needed to start a podcast together. After a bit of discussion and planning, they released their first episode of Theralit on August 25th. “The podcast is mostly based off of anonymous questions,” said Darnita. “We’re not providing therapy but if a person needs therapy then we will provide resources on how to select a therapist.”
Darnita says that the two like giving information, breaking down the stigma, and normalizing the conversation around mental health as well.
“The beauty of the podcast is that there is no particular subject,” said Nzinga. “We don’t know what we’re going to answer until a week sometimes days before we record. So, it’s fresh. It’s ideas that come from our clients, sometimes from conversations that we have with our friends when they ask questions. It’s a wide variety of questions that we take great joy in answering. And not only that, but we add our personal touch to it. It’s not just therapeutic, but there’s never a dull moment.”
Nzinga says that they answer from their hearts, but they also answer from their own experiences. These experiences were also the driving force for both of the ladies to begin a career in mental health.
Theralit: 2 Dope Therapist’s @theralitpodcast Send all questions to theralit@outlook.com
Instagram @theralitpodcast
“I honestly didn’t like people. I just wanted to program. I wanted to be an IT person, make a lot of money, have a great house, and live a great life,” Darnita says. But unfortunately, life didn’t pan out how Darnita expected. “Moving to North Carolina actually helped me a lot because I was in a relationship and I was about to get married. But when the relationship fell apart, I was devastated. I went into a deep state of depression and I was highly dysfunctional.” Darnita ended up seeing her primary care physician who referred her to a mental health professional. Darnita shares, “Thank God for a great primary care physician that saw me. She referred me to a therapist, and I went that day. I left my primary care physician’s office and went straight to the therapist’s office. The therapist worked with me to help me heal wounds. They also helped me understand who I was and the role that I played and help me get over things that were so deeply held that were not good beliefs.” After going through therapy, Darnita decided to attend Pfeiffer University to begin her career as a therapist. “When I went to Pfeiffer I went through further therapy because that was part of their program. They say how can you have someone else in your chair if you don’t know what it feels like to be in a chair.”
Darnita says that the student therapist that she worked with, helped her break down some issues even more. “It has really been a growth opportunity for me, and as a result of this, my private practice is definitely expanding.” For Nzinga, therapy was something she realized somewhat early on that she wanted to do. “I was 19 when I went to therapy for the first time and I loved it,” Nzinga said. “I knew that based on the things I was going through in my life that there was a greater calling on my life to help people.”
Initially Nzinga did not know exactly what that calling was but after she met her first therapist, she realized that was what she wanted to do. “I had already been in college,” said Nzinga. “I believe I was an English major or something like that. But I changed my major and my career and that was it. I started off in social work and got my master’s in counseling.” One of the goals the two have for the podcast is to eventually take it on the road. “We want people to see that we’re normal people,” Darnita said. “We want people to come and meet us and be able to ask us questions on the air.” She also shares it’s important for people to see their faces too. “Representation matters,” she said. “Here’s two black female therapists that are operating their own businesses who are successful and who are gaining a foothold in the podcast industry. They also hope to break down the stigma in the African American community that therapy is not necessary. “For people who think therapy is not for us, why is it not?” Darnita asks. “We have access to every other thing, why not therapy?” Darnita says that this is a question that they get asked often. “You get a physical every year. You get a colonoscopy every year. You get checkups to make sure that your body is running right. Part of your body is your mind. Why not check on that?” 36
Darnita wants people to know that there is help out there. “You don’t have to suffer in silence. There’s a lot of mental anguish that happens and it has a direct effect on how your body reacts to certain things. That’s why we ask when is the last time you had a physical and what came back. Because we see the tolls that hurt, and pain are causing.” Nzinga says that part of being a therapist is learning when to listen. “If someone comes up to me and asks me why they need it, that tells me that they’re reaching out,” she said. “A lot of being a therapist is having a listening ear to hear what people are saying and what they are saying with their heart. And that comes out in the podcast. When we answer we answer based on what we have been through because as therapists we have both been through a lot. We give answers from the heart.” Darnita says that the two try to be as relatable as possible on the podcast as well. “We try to keep it real,” said Darnita. “We don’t try to speak so therapeutically that people don’t understand. We try to be normal, even down to the way we dress.”
Nzinga and Darnita both operate their own private practices and offer the ability to see their clients virtually. h
Nzinga Cates MA, NCC, LCMHC Cates Counseling and Consulting PLLC 704-412-9684 Nzingacates@gmail.com Darnita D. Samuels MSA MA LMFT 919-807-1692 darnitasamuelsmft@outlook.com
Say Yes Guilford
By Tonya Dixon Photos by JLG Photography
Ask Wendy Poteat what Say Yes Guilford is about, and she can quickly recite the mission and purpose of the community-centered, educational nonprofit - Say Yes Guilford is committed to providing access to support services and scholarships designed to prepare Guilford County Schools’ students for success in college, career, and life.
Moreover, as president and chief executive officer of Say Yes Guilford (SYG), she has a focused passion to not only see the organization flourish, but more importantly, to see Guilford County students and even those of the entire State of North Carolina flourish educationally and ultimately professionally.
“I know that we are Say Yes Guilford, but I believe what we are building in Guilford County would be of such benefit to the smaller counties that surround us I would love for us to be able to extend outreach in different counties,” said Poteat. “I think something like this is so needed especially in rural areas where students graduate and don’t have the opportunity or resources to go to college.”
“I would love to see us working in that direction, talking to those municipalities and being able to help smaller areas create industry. It is clear that workforce development is predicated on a foundation of education.”
Say Yes Guilford is an individual non-profit. It was established in Guilford County in 2015 – one of the first Say Yes organizations in the Southeast United States. All others are in the northern region of the country.
In order to be chosen as a Say Yes community, Guilford County directors had to spend significant time and energy fundraising to establish the endowment that would be used for student development and scholarships. Through continued community support, the program will be able to continue serving students and extend its annual distribution amount.
While SYG is growing and looking toward eventual expansion, Poteat and staff are doing the necessary work to make sure the organization flourishes and has the ability to help the most students possible.
Currently, SYG partners with every public college and university in North Carolina and more than 100 private institutions around the country to offer scholarships to Guilford County Schools’ graduates. The organization’s endowment has provided for numerous students and, with continued support will impact the primary, secondary and post-secondary education of many more.
From 2016-2020 SYG has awarded $7,396,600 in tuition awards, $1,953,317 in Choice Grants, and $845,550 in Opportunity Grants for a total of $10,195,467 paid directly to GCS students. Through private compact scholarships, $18,326,076 has been awarded to GCS students whose household income is less than $75,000 per year. The total leverage from 20162020 is $28,521,543.
SYG utilizes numerous equitable wrap-around student support services that embrace differences and eliminate barriers to educational opportunities. While it is known for scholarship distribution, the organization ultimately provides resources that equip students from Kindergarten to career and every stage in between including early literacy skills training, book giveaways, free SAT and ACT prep classes and community engagement opportunities.
Poteat says making sure to properly serve the organization’s community was the first matter she addressed when she started working with the program in 2019. Equity was a major factor.
Continued on the next page
“When I first began, one of the first things that I looked at were the different components of the program, including scholarship and support services,” she said. “I realized the schools we partnered with were Title I schools. It was evident that we had to be intentional about the support services we were offering and make sure that we were offering what kids needed, had adequate access and ensured they met eligibility requirements.”
Leading the organization was a naturally progressive step for Poteat, who has proven expertise in public policy, politics and education. It was a position she didn’t seek, but it was a role she knew was perfect to take. Her journey to Say Yes is impressive, but not one she ever envisioned she would take.
“My passion has always been education. Growing up I knew I would go to college. I wanted to be a lawyer. I knew this was where I wanted to be, but my journey to get here was unconventional,” she said.
A native of Sweet Gum – a very small town in Caswell County, North Carolina – Poteat initially studied economics at North Carolina A&T State University. She was a Chancellor’s Scholar and held a full scholarship. However, despite her opportunity and desire for education, many unforeseen obstacles and tragedy derailed her efforts.
“I lost my parents in a murder-suicide my freshman year in college. Then my sophomore year I had a child. I eventually completed three years at A&T, but then I didn’t have the money to continue,” she said. “I wasn’t focused. Really, I was just broken. I needed to heal and figure my life out.”
Poteat spent the next several years working in the restaurant industry, but she knew she had to finish her degree. Not only was it imperative for her professional growth, but she believed she had to set an example for her children.
“I knew I couldn’t push them to go to college and finish, if I didn’t finish college,” she said. “I didn’t want to be that parent that was telling my kids to do something that I wasn’t able to do. So, I quit my job and went back to school. I graduated from Guilford College in 2010. I originally started college in 1991. It took me that long to finally finish and obtain my degree.” Her path may have been unorthodox, but it turned out to be the best route for her to take. After graduating, she took a coordinator-level position with Greensboro Partnership which is now the Greensboro Chamber of Commerce. Between 2006 and 2010 she consistently moved through the ranks and ultimately became manager of government affairs. That position provided her the opportunity to become a registered lobbyist, making way for continued opportunities.
“Being registered as a lobbyist with that position really pushed me into lobbying work. I went from that role to a private organization health and human services agency in Raleigh. I gained corporate and foundation work at the same time.” Said Poteat. “It wasn’t just another opportunity. I always say I have been on God’s journey. There’s no way that I could have formulated this myself.”
She eventually accepted a position with the Winston-Salem Chamber of Commerce as director of government Affairs. Again, her lobbying experience was significantly vital to the role.
“I remember one of my mentors told me, ‘you’ll know it’s time to do something different when the things that you are not lobbying for are the things that keep you up at night,’” said Poteat. “At the time, the city of Charlotte was adopting the HB2 Law, better known as the “Bathroom Bill. It was controversial and it was keeping me up at night because my brother is part of the LGBTQ+ community and I felt so terrible that I couldn’t do something with my platform to help him. That’s when I switched jobs. I went to the United Way. I was actually doing work similar to what I’m doing now.”
Before she knew it, another opportunity was presented. It was Say Yes Guilford, but it wasn’t a move that she was terribly interested in pursuing. Unfortunately, the organization’s reputation was in need of repair. However, the position would provide the opportunity for Poteat to work in a community where she lived.
“My youngest son told me it would be cool if I could help the kids that he went to school with. It means a lot to me because I live in this community and I’m able to help these students,” she said. “I was in the nail salon and a little girl walked up to me. She said, ‘you’re the Say Yes lady. You guys gave me $2,500 to go to school last year.’ It means a lot to me that I can impact the people and place where I actually live.”
Poteat says in addition to helping students in her own community, she sees the hard and diligent work of her co-workers and knows they are just as committed to the success of the organization and students.
“The staff are truly the boots on the ground. They take the strategic plans and turn them into tangible work for our students and families. The work is tedious and requires a lot of dedicated people to make it happen, but it’s tremendously rewarding,” she said. We receive a great deal of support from committee and board members and community advocates giving constructive feedback and cheers.
Community support and participation is a key element to SYG’s success. Poteat says there is a message and request for philanthropic support, but it’s not eclipsed by the need for the community to understand, support and utilize the variety of support services provided.
“I see us being able to build out what we’re doing in a way that we’re serving all students. We have on average 5,000 students in a senior class every year. Statistically, only about 55% of the students that graduate will end up enrolled in college in the fall immediately after high school. I want us to be able to impact every senior class in some way. Even if they don’t get scholarship money from Say Yes, I want them to take the SAT prep class. I want them to gain some sort of educational weapon. I want us to be able to say that every kid that graduated from Guilford County Schools had access to something that Say Yes was offering and were positively touched by the program,” said Poteat.
“I really feel like we have built a sellable product. When I came, there were some things that Say Yes was still trying to figure out. We had to go out and build relationships and gain credibility as the organization that did the things that we said we were going to do.”
With the onset of COVID-19, the SYG staff and organization were able to pivot to virtual options still making over 7,000 interactions with students and families during the first year of county-wide support service offerings, which was almost a 200 percent increase over the previous year.
The overarching goal is to ensure that students that need the most are offered the most support. Philanthropic supporters and donors are critical to the success of Say Yes Guilford and the organization’s ability to fulfill its mission, create equitable opportunities for the next generation of leaders and build an educated workforce for Guilford County and beyond. h
Wendy Poteat President and CEO (336) 814-2233 wpoteat@sayyesguilford.org www.sayyesguilford.org PO Box 309 - Jamestown, NC 27282
Little Learners Academy LLC
By Terry L. Watson Photos by Bernard Smith Photography
For Kendra McKinney, it all begins with a genuine love for children. As the owner of Little Learners Academy, she is helping to shape and mold the lives of her young students into phenomenal individuals. A native of Belton, S.C., Kendra holds a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from University of South Carolina Upstate, and a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Phoenix.
“I love everything about what I do. I love the opportunity that I have to witness children learn and grow. I also love the look on parent’s faces when they see their child accomplish goals,” she says. Located in Maudlin, SC, Little Learner Academy operates under a simple Christian based philosophy that’s based on the elements of student success. Little Learners Academy understands that there are several different learning methods, which may hinder levels of achievement in a traditional academic setting. They offer activities and individual attention to ensure all students achieve academic success and positively build self-esteem. “The students are taught to thrive spiritually, emotionally, and academically,” Kendra says.
The system of Little Learner Academy is a multifaceted approach to education, including a spread of academic courses, plus a variety of extra-curricular activities and enrichment programs. Small class sizes enhance the academic experience, and their graduates will be educated spiritually, academically, emotionally, and socially. Furthermore, Kendra shares her students will be motivated to go out into the world to duplicate what they’ve learned and pursue their purpose in life. Kendra’s educational journey began in 2013. ‘I was a teacher at the SC School for the Deaf and Blind when the decision was made to transition out of the public school system. As a parent of a special needs child and other children, who needed childcare and attended the public school system, I decided to begin an in-home daycare. I had a vision that would allow parents to be comfortable with dropping their children off in a home like environment, where they would grow and learn safely,” she says. The vision was large, but the start was very small, Kendra shares. “I began at my home in the Blue Ridge Area of Greer, S.C., with seven children which grew to more than 14. I gave myself a two-year window to transition into a center or return to work. I knew that was not in God’s plan or my plan,” Kendra says.
She continued to press on. In 2015, doors would eventually open for Kendra at a new location, 102 Pinecrest Drive in Mauldin, S.C., and Little Learners Academy LLC was born.
That building had a capacity to accommodate 58 students and six teachers, and that number was reached within nine months. Kendra says they found themselves searching for another location. “Growth, understanding, and pruning happened at 102 Pinecrest Drive but in 2019, we were introduced to another location at 437 W. Butler Road. We grew to 8,000 square feet, as opposed to 2500 at our previous location. God had yet again shown His favor and proven to me I was indeed walking in purpose,” Kendra says.
After nine months of renovation, Little Learners Academy moved into their new location in January 2020. Their enrollment grew to 75 children and then came the Corona Virus pandemic. They closed their doors by choice for a period in March 25, until April 27, 2020.
Kendra shares their faith didn’t allow them to miss a beat. “We currently are not back at the number of 75 enrolled students, but we have exceeded that mark and are at 98. We have also applied to become an independent private school,” she says.
Presently, Little Learner Academy has 45 school age children enrolled, and are successfully completing virtual schooling each day. They also have two clinical therapists on site that offer individual, group, and family sessions along with play therapy for children to develop socially. There is also a coach that teaches Mindful Kids through meditation.
Little Learner Academy also offers Occupational, Physical, and Speech Therapy through Tri County Therapy. In 2021, they will begin a Home school Co-op.
Though the road hasn’t always been easy, Kendra says she wouldn’t change anything about her journey. “Everything has purpose. Everything that has happened was to sharpen me for my next step into my destiny,” she says.
The future appears to be very bright for Kendra McKinney and Little Learners Academy. “This is not a job it’s my calling, and I’m walking in purpose. I am inspired every day, knowing that God is going to reveal another part of my vision. My plans are to have an accredited independent private school that serves all children. I also hope to franchise Little Learners Academy LLC. I have a special place in my journey for children with special needs and I want to incorporate them in all areas including education and childcare. This is my testimony. Believe, have faith, run toward your destiny, pray for purpose, and live life on purpose,” she says. h Pictured with Kendra is her husband Marquee.
437 West Butler Road Mauldin, SC 29662 (864) 568-5200 www.littlelearners.one
#theblacklegacymatters
Schedule your 15-minute chat. Use promo code: HUAMI The Direct Scheduling Link: leadher.as.me Tyneka Howard - H2G Leadership Group Lead(H)er – Faith, Fitness, Relationship, & Career 202-709-6447 - www.h2gleadher.net
