Career Exploration Discovery eBook What Makes Me Successful (Vol. 2 - Black Women)
Today I Want to Be a...
Pilot like Tracy Atobatele 3 Things that Make Me Successful at My Job Detailed oriented Takes responsibility for my decisions and actions Extremely time conscious
Photo Credit Rhedeont Photography www.Rhedeont.com/photo
www.TodayIWant2Be.com
About Me Tracy Atobatele has had an aviation career spanning over eight years. She started out as a Very Important Person (V.I.P) flight attendant and a private jet leasing broker. Currently she is a commercial pilot with plans of branching out to aircraft acquisition in the near future. She loves being a pilot because every aspect of aviation excites her. She believes she is the best at what she does and has worked hard to earn every certificate she has received. Tracy says this is the only job that she would do over and over again even if she did not get paid.
Words of Affirmation/Encouragement Mon.
You are perfect the way you are.
Tues.
You are smart.
Wed.
You can achieve anything you set your mind on.
Thurs. Fri.
You will succeed in all that you do. No matter what obstacles come your way, you will overcome them.
Sat.
Love the skin you’re in.
Sun.
Black girls rock!
Weekly Goals Week 1
Find a mentor.
Week 2
Learn five ways you can become more organized.
Week 3
Research and learn more about your career choice.
Week 4
Find out if there is a flight simulator in your city and ask your parents if you can go visit it.
Week 5 Look at www.TodayIWant2Be.com under “Interviews” to find out the day and time of Tracy’s LIVE interview.
Today I Want to Be a... Senior Mechanical Engineer
3 Things that Make Me Successful at My Job Innovative Team player Problem solver
like Tiffani Teachey
www.TodayIWant2Be.com
Photo Credit Ariel Enid Photography www.ArielEnid.com
About Me Tiffani Teachey is a Senior Mechanical Engineer, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) advocate, and professional speaker. She also is the author of the children’s book, What Can I Be? STEM Careers from A to Z. An engineer with more than fifteen years of experience, Tiffani has a passion for inspiring the next generation to engage in STEM careers.
Words of Affirmation/Encouragement Mon.
Believe it, and then you can achieve it!
Tues.
You can be anything you put your mind to.
Wed.
NOTHING is impossible.
Thurs. Fri.
You are worth it! Don’t quit.
Sat.
Be bold and unique.
Sun.
Strive and thrive for excellence.
Weekly Goals Week 1
Seek out a mentor and role model that can guide you.
Week 2
Find hands-on STEM activities.
Week 3
Aim to do well in math, science, and communication (writing, presentations, etc.).
Week 4
Find and join a STEM program or camp.
Week 5 Look at www.TodayIWant2Be.com under “Interviews” to find out the day and time of Tiffani’s LIVE interview.
Today I Want to Be a... English-Language Arts Resource Teacher like Shontell Woods 3 Things that Make Me Successful at My Job Collaborative planning Building and maintaining relationships Effective communication skills
www.TodayIWant2Be.com
About Me Shontell is in her 14th year in education as a Teacher. She is passionate about making sure all students reach their full potential, no matter the kinds of obstacles they may face. Being in education allows her to mentor and motivate both students and teachers. Her philosophy of teaching includes building positive and meaningful relationships to help impact the future. She is also a mentor and children's book author.
Words of Affirmation/Encouragement Mon.
Stay in peace, not in pieces.
Tues.
Inhale positivity; exhale doubt.
Wed.
Progress takes place outside of your comfort zone.
Thurs. Fri.
Inhale positivity; exhale doubt. Chase your dreams and love yourself.
Sat.
Repeat, “I am growing into my full potential”.
Sun.
Repeat, “I am worthy”.
Weekly Goals Week 1
Journal why you want to pursue this particular career choice.
Week 2
Identify three people who will be your accountability partners.
Week 3
Research collegiate programs that offer your desired career choice.
Week 4
Meet and interview 2-3 people who currently work in your desired career choice.
Week 5 Look at www.TodayIWant2Be.com under “Interviews” to find out the day and time of Shontell’s LIVE interview.
Today I Want to Be a...
Principal
like Vera Cleveland 3 Things that Make Me Successful at My Job Consistency Active listening Accessible to people
www.TodayIWant2Be.com
Photo Credit J.Core Photography www.JCorePhotography.com
Words of Affirmation/Encouragement
About Me Vera Cleveland is a native of Texas. She has been in education for 10 years. She started as a teacher, and for the past three years has been a school principal. Vera is passionate and committed to leading students and encouraging them to dream big. Her greatest reward in education is seeing students and adults achieve things that once seemed impossible!
Mon.
Never give up!
Tues.
Look how far you have come! Keep going!
Wed.
You matter!
Thurs.
Dream BIG!
Fri.
Stay positive!
Sat.
Keep God first!
Sun.
Seize the day!
Weekly Goals Week 1
Write down why education matters.
Week 2
Think about why you want to work in the education field. Write your "why".
Week 3
Research universities that have great education programs.
Week 4
Study your principal. Write down what they do well.
Week 5 Write down who your role model is and explain why.
Today I Want to Be a...
Pastry Chef like Leia Perez
3 Things that Make Me Successful at My Job Being punctual Excellent researcher Ability to anticipate problems
www.TodayIWant2Be.com
Words of Affirmation/Encouragement
About Me Leia Perez, owner of Candyland Designs Company, is a former Accountant turned Pastry Chef! In 2017 Perez paused the use of her degree in Business Management and Finance and took on her cake designing hobby full time. She was inspired to pursue her passion by creative cake designers like Timbo, Natalie Sideserf, and Tortik Anushka. She enjoys design work and loves to make people smile by performing random acts of kindness. Each month she donates a portion of her cake profits to her favorite charity, No Kid Hungry.
Mon.
Mediocrity will never do. You are capable of something better.
Tues.
Inspiration exists, but it has to find you working.
Wed.
Creativity is the way I share my soul with the world.
Thurs. Fri.
Don't say "I wish"; say "I will!" The more you love yourself, the less nonsense you'll tolerate.
Sat.
Doing what you love is freedom. Loving what you do is happiness.
Sun.
Positive mindset yields positive results.
Weekly Goals Week 1
Watch baking, frosting, and cake decorating YouTube tutorials.
Week 2
Practice a new recipe you find on Pinterest’s website.
Week 3
Plan a bake sale fundraiser event and invite everyone!
Week 4
Learn to look at yourself for areas of improvement. Take pictures of your products, get feedback from consumers, thank them, improve your product and repeat all of the goals!
Week 5 Look at www.TodayIWant2Be.com under “Interviews” to find out the day and time of Leia’s LIVE interview.
Today I Want to Be a... Offensive Assistant Football Coach
like Jennifer King 3 Things that Make Me Successful at My Job Team player Strong writing skills Ability to communicate clearly
www.TodayIWant2Be.com
Photo Credit Andrea Salazar Photography IG : @AndreaSalazarPhotography
About Me
Following a successful 12-year college basketball coaching career, which included a National Championship and National Coach of the Year honors in 2017, Jennifer King decided to step away from the hardwood and coach football full time. She has interned with the National Football League’s (NFL) Carolina Panthers on two occasions working with the wide receivers and running backs. Her coaching journey took her to Arizona, where she coached wide receivers with the Arizona Hotshots and then to New Hampshire to work with wide receivers at Dartmouth College. It was there that she did offensive quality control for the 2019 Ivy League Champions. As a two-time women's tackle football National Champion, Jennifer currently works as an Offensive Assistant with the NFL’s Washington Football Team. As the Offensive Assistant, she works with running backs and offensive quality control. Jennifer states that she loves her job because she gets to combine her passions of football and coaching.
Words of Affirmation/Encouragement Mon.
Control the controllable.
Tues.
Attack the day with enthusiasm.
Wed.
Be thankful.
Thurs.
Be a blessing to others.
Fri.
Be so good you can't be denied.
Sat.
Be your best; you are so strong.
Sun.
Do the right thing, even when no one is watching.
Weekly Goals Week 1
Look up the various jobs within a sports organization to see what interests you.
Week 2
List the skills needed to be successful in the sports field. What do you need to improve?
Week 3
Ask your parents if you can send emails to people in positions of interest, expressing your interests and goals.
Week 4
Look up colleges with strong major programs in your desired field.
Week 5 Look at www.TodayIWant2Be.com under “Interviews” to find out the day and time of Jennifer’s LIVE interview.
Today I Want to Be a...
Judge like Judge Linda Dunson 3 Things that Make Me Successful at My Job Ability to listen Being compassionate Ability to comprehend and think critically
Photo Credit Jeremy L. Curtis Email: arkitektion@gmail.com
www.TodayIWant2Be.com
About Me Linda Marie Dunson is one of the history-making "Houston19 BlackGirlMagic" female judges who were elected to a variety of judicial benches in Harris County, Texas in 2018. Judge Dunson is the Presiding Judge of the 309th Family District Court in Houston, Texas. Judge Dunson has spent her life fighting for civil rights and social and economic justice of underserved and underprivileged communities. She believes that the family is the foundation of our democracy, and as such, healthy families are crucial to the stability of the American infrastructure. In her position as a family court judge, Judge Dunson oversees the rendering of fair, respectful, and impartial justice for children and families in general.
Words of Affirmation/Encouragement Mon.
You are uniquely created.
Tues.
You are equipped for greatness.
Wed.
You are your ancestors’ wildest dreams.
Thurs. Fri.
Tomorrow brings another chance. You are awesome.
Sat.
Never forget to show compassion.
Sun.
You are gifted.
Weekly Goals Week 1
Set goals which are driven by your passion and write them down.
Week 2
Each day complete a task that brings you closer to your goal.
Week 3
Each day reflect with gratitude on your blessings no matter how small you think they are, be thankful.
Week 4
Each day find something that makes you smile.
Week 5
Each month find at least one person to interact with who possesses the characteristics/skills to which you aspire.
Today I Want to Be a...
Real Estate Investor like Kendra Barnes 3 Things that Make Me Successful at My Job Determination Willingness to pivot Money making mindset
www.TodayIWant2Be.com
About Me Kendra Barnes is a full-time Real Estate Investor and founder of The Key Resource. Her real estate investments afforded her the ability to retire from the 9-5 life at the age of 32. She created The Key Resource to inspire, empower, and educate people about the power of homeownership and real estate investment.
Words of Affirmation/Encouragement Mon.
You are worthy of wealth.
Tues.
Abundance is all around you.
Wed.
We are all a work in progress.
Her key message to anyone looking to buy a home or a rental property is: “You don’t have hit the lottery or be left an inheritance to buy property. You can start with what you have right now. You are worthy of wealth.”
Thurs.
You've got what it takes to get where you want to go.
Fri.
Take action today. Every little step counts!
Kendra was born in Virginia, raised in Texas and went to undergrad at North Carolina A&T State University. She received her Masters in Agricultural Economics from Purdue University before moving to Washington D.C.
Sat.
Be proud of how far you've come.
Sun.
Don't be afraid to fail; be afraid of NOT trying!
Weekly Goals Week 1
Write down your goals in life.
Week 2
Take a look at your spending habits.
Week 3
Create a budget and start saving your money.
Week 4
Start a side hustle.
Week 5
Look at www.TodayIWant2Be.com under “Interviews” to find out the day and time of Kendra’s LIVE interview.
Today I Want to Be a...
Marketing Director
like Brittany Hutchinson 3 Things that Make Me Successful at My Job Willingness to learn Ability to listen to others Time management skills
www.TodayIWant2Be.com
About Me Brittany Hutchinson is the Creative Director of Beloved B Queen, Inc., a boutique marketing, professional branding, and virtual administrative support firm. Brittany has spent several years working for Fortune 500 companies and a local university in Tampa, FL. At the university she develops press releases, plans networking events, and creates processes to help departments become successful. The purpose of her recently formed firm is to help women-led businesses develop their social media and blog efforts, provide event planning and fundraising support, as well as virtual administrative duties. Brittany has been able to achieve success in corporate America and is now paying it forward to help other small businesses to rise and shine.
Words of Affirmation/Encouragement Mon.
You will be successful.
Tues.
Consistency is key.
Wed.
Stay focused.
Thurs.
Invest in yourself.
Fri.
Trust the process.
Sat.
Pray for it and then GO GET IT!
Sun.
Stretch yourself past your imagination, and then you will exceed your potential.
Weekly Goals Week 1
Research three local companies you would volunteer with to shadow their creative or Public Relations department.
Week 2
Learn what a Communication/Creative Director does at work.
Week 3
Research five colleges that have marketing, communications, and/or graphic design programs.
Week 4
Write down a "game plan" on how you can become a Communications/Creative Director and share your goals with a parent/friend.
Week 5
Start working on your resume. It can include your volunteer work.
Today I Want to Be a...
Business Owner
like Martinique Brown 3 Things that Make Me Successful at My Job Ingenuity Perseverance Self-motivating
www.TodayIWant2Be.com
About Me Born in Dayton, Ohio and currently residing in Orlando, Florida, Martinique Brown has a true entrepreneur spirit. She is the founder and owner of two companies, Everything Authors and Today I Want To Be. Her different businesses focus on hosting and producing web shows and creating opportunities for kids and young people to explore various career fields. She considers herself a Serial Entrepreneur because none of her business ventures are in the same industry. She enjoys being a Business Owner because of the freedom it allows her to create companies around her interests. She also enjoys the challenge of seeing if she can turn her ideas into successful companies.
Words of Affirmation/Encouragement Mon.
Say to yourself, “I win because I keep going.”
Tues.
You are valuable and don’t let people treat you any differently.
Wed.
It’s ok that things are hard, just don’t quit.
Thurs.
Someone needs you to share the gifts and talents you have, so keep going.
Fri.
Say to yourself, “This girl (boy) won’t stop.”
Sat.
True beauty is seen by how you treat people.
Sun.
Don’t believe people that say you can’t do something because you are smart enough to learn how to get it done.
Weekly Goals Week 1
Write down three things you really love to do.
Week 2
From the things you love doing, research and find six jobs that will allow you to do those things.
Week 3
Research and write down business owners names and companies that focuses on the jobs you listed last week.
Week 4
Research how the business owners you listed started their companies. What are some things they have in common?
Week 5
Look at www.TodayIWant2Be.com under “Interviews” to find out the day and time of Martinique’s LIVE interview.
Today I Want to Be a...
Technical Recruiter like Ashley Hall 3 Things that Make Me Successful at My Job Confidence Organizational skills
Great customer service skills
www.TodayIWant2Be.com
About Me Ashley Hall is a native of Dayton, Ohio. She graduated from the illustrious North Carolina A&T State University (Aggie Pride!) with a Bachelor of Science in Finance and a Master of Business Administration from Liberty University. She now is a Technical Recruiter for an awardwinning industry leader talent solutions company. She enjoys her role because she can help change a person's life from discovering what they want in their next position to resulting in a job offer to help achieve their professional and personal goals.
Words of Affirmation/Encouragement Mon.
You matter.
Tues.
You are necessary.
Wed.
Focus on your wins.
Thurs. Fri.
Pray for God to bring wise, faithful friends into your life. You are loved.
Sat.
You will prosper in all things.
Sun.
Do what you say you will do.
Weekly Goals Week 1
Focus on being patient and organized.
Week 2
Build solid relationships.
Week 3
Learn to listen more rather than talk.
Week 4
Research five ways to build your confidence.
Week 5
Look at www.TodayIWant2Be.com under “Interviews” to find out the day and time of Ashley’s LIVE interview.
Today I Want to Be a...
Social Worker
like Symone' Miller 3 Things that Make Me Successful at My Job Displaying empathy Having self-awareness Being an advocate for others
Photo Credit DSQ Photography www.DSQPhotography.com
www.TodayIWant2Be.com
Words of Affirmation/Encouragement
About Me Symone' Miller was born and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and has been working in the social work field for nine years. Symone' is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who coordinates care for people who have mental health and substance use challenges. Symone' also provides in-home therapy to individuals and families who are unable to meet in a traditional setting. She' owns a private practice Expanding Your Horizons, LLC and is the author of The Life and Legacy of Lear Green. Symone' enjoys advocating for people and connecting people to resources to improve their overall quality of life.
Mon.
It is ok not to be ok.
Tues.
Consistency is key.
Wed.
We are all a work in progress.
Thurs. Fri.
Keep moving forward. You are enough.
Sat.
Doubt kills more dreams than failure ever will.
Sun.
You get what you work for not what you wish for.
Weekly Goals Week 1
Find out what certifications and licensure are needed to be a Social Worker.
Week 2
Find organizations in your city that provide food, shelter, and clothing for the community.
Week 3
Practice multitasking and managing your time effectively.
Week 4
Learn to look at yourself for areas of improvement.
Week 5
Look at www.TodayIWant2Be.com under “Interviews” to find out the day and time of Symone’s LIVE interview.
Quotes We To Keep You Encouraged Throughout The Year
"With enough desire nothing will stop you" "Stay curious"
"If you can dream it, you can do it" - Walt Disney
"It doesn't matter what you're trying to accomplish. It's all a matter of discipline... " - Wilma Rudolph "Our life is what our thoughts make it " -Marcus Aurelius
"It's You vs. You today"
"You should keep going just to see what happens"
"You and you alone stop the pursuit of your dreams"
"Tough times don’t last, tough people do" - Gregory Peck
"Success is no accident. It is hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice and most of all, love of what you are doing or learning to do" - Pele
"It’s only crazy until you do it" -Nike
"The biggest risk is not to do anything"
"You Win Because You Keep Going"
"It’s ok that it’s hard"