THE MAGAZINE
January 2019 - Issue 21
Principal Responsible for Changing the School Name to Barack Obama Magnet Elementary School
Kathleen Grigsby Page 12
Successful Mississippi Women in Law
Real Estate
Business Education Finance
Music
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CEO, Publisher & Editor Joanne Bell Consulting Editors Katie Oldham Cover Photo Courtesy of University of Mississippi Contributing Writers Alexis Davis Denise Donald Layout Design Michelle Zischke Facebook Woman To Woman With Joanne The Magazine Website womantowomanwithjoanne.org Subscribe! Visit: bit.ly/joannemag
Joanne’s
Desk
BY JOANNE BELL, FOUNDER
H
appy New Year everyone! This is the time of year when everyone is starting their New Year’s Resolutions to lose weight, eat better, start trying to live right…all of the above. But did you know that you can start over at any time? You don’t have to wait until January 1st to change the way you do something, or the way you live life. Why not start now? Procrastination is the number one killer of dreams and visions, waiting until. Everyday is a new day that we can start to live again. Everyday
Contact us at: woman2woman.joanne@ yahoo.com 601-398-6733 622 During Avenue Jackson, Mississippi 39216 All rights reserved. No portion of Woman to Woman with Joanne may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. The management of Woman to Woman with Joanne is not responisble for opinions expressed by its writers. Woman to Woman with Joanne maintains the unrestricted right to edit or refuse all submitted material. All advertisements are subject to approval by the publisher. The production of Woman to Woman is funded by advertising and sponsorship.
we can choose to lose weight, eat better or be polite to people. When we wait and try to do everything at once, it overwhelms us and our bodies and we are never able to keep that New Year’s Resolution for more than a month. Let’s make the choice to everyday to take small steps to changing what we want to change. Where we are now didn’t happen overnight, so the results you want will not happen overnight either. Be patient with yourself and take it one step at a time.
In This Issue
Love ya much!
Joanne
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Ask Joanne..............................................................................................................................5 10 Ways and Reasons You Can Start Over............................................................8 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr...............................................................................................9 Cover Story: Kathleen Grigsby...........................................................................12-16 Successful Women in Mississippi.............................................................................19 Spotlight: KeNosha Whitehead.............................................................................20-21 Spotlight: Nora Southern................................................................................................22 Spotlight: Cindy McKenny.............................................................................................23 Spotlight: Meshia Edwards.............................................................................................24 Spotlight: Jordan Langworthy..................................................................................25 Spotlight: Andi Cotten ............................................................................................26-27 Feature: Tina McBride ..............................................................................................30-31 Mya Bell..............................................................................................................................34-35 Upcoming Events for 2019............................................................................................38
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Ask Joanne T his is a new addition coming in February 2019. This is an advice column where you can ask questions or for advice on a specific subject. If there are any questions you would like to ask Joanne, please email woman2woman.joanne@ yahoo.com or you can inbox our Facebook page Woman To Woman With Joanne The Magazine. Your questions will be answered in the following issue of the magazine. Questions are asked anonymously,
with the signature assuming the problem that is being expressed. You can sign your question for example, “Confused, Mississippi.”
Advice Columns generally have a limited capacity and are unable to answer all the requests they receive. In the case we are overloaded with questions and can’t answer them all in the next issue, we will answer the questions through email. I look forward to getting to know you hearing your concerns.
Love ya much!
Joanne
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10 Ways and Reasons You Can Start Over
Once you honestly commit to changes, you’ve started the process. Source: phycologytoday.com
Starting Over
Instead of making a resolution, which most of us aren’t all that great at keeping, why not look for some areas in your life where you’d like to begin anew? Here are some tools to make starting over a little easier and your new year a little more emotionally fit. 1. Starting over is not the same as recouping from a failure. It is a new beginning. This mindset is helpful because it keeps you from wasting your time being too hard on yourself. 2. Moving through life is like climbing stairs. You go up a level and then you level off. Nothing is ever a straight shot. Have some patience with yourself and with your newfound direction. 3. This new year is also a new decade. It could also be a new life if you approach it in the right way. Sometimes little ideas can turn into big things. Try writing that letter to the editor or, if you need to, make the choice to drink a little less alcohol.
4. Endings are not necessarily bad things. Even if the past year was your best so far, the one ahead might just leave it in the dust. This is also true if it’s been your worst year so far, and you’ve suddenly found yourself unemployed or unattached. 5. Starting over may feel scary, but it’s really a cause for celebration. Think of it as exciting, and many of your anxious feelings will begin to fade. 6. Remember that your future is not governed by your past. No matter what has happened in your life, you can find a way to make things a little better for yourself, and hopefully for those around you as well. 7. Having to start over is different from choosing to start over. For those whose lives are still in chaos because of manmade and natural disasters, starting over is not a choice. Giving support to those in need and being able to accept it when necessary are great qualities.
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8. Healthy alternatives to negative lifestyle patterns abound. Take baby steps if you don’t feel comfortable making all your changes on January 1. If you can’t stop a bad habit, start by cutting back. It’s okay to give yourself a little time to moderate or stop something that’s hurting you. 9. It’s not all about joining a gym to get fit. What about taking a dance class to get in shape and have fun at the same time? Starting over can mean chasing your dreams. We’re happiest when we’re moving toward a goal. 10. Starting over is about giving yourself a chance at real happiness. You will have to be brave and get good at learning new things, but how bad can that be? At the very worst, you will acquire the skills you need to start on the next project. The new year is a great time to start over. Remember that once you honestly commit to the changes, you have already begun the process.
Why Is Martin Luther King Day Celebrated? Source: www.reference.com
M
artin Luther King Jr. Day was created to celebrate the life and work of the Civil Rights Era leader. Dr. King’s work was instrumental in helping African-Americans secure their rights. In addition to his work in civil rights, Dr. King also spoke up for the disadvantaged and impoverished. His stance of non-violence has helped to shape the way movements have been structured
around the world. His day also serves as a reminder that there is still work to be done if a society in which everyone is equal and respected is to be achieved. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day was signed into law in 1983 by President Ronald Reagan. It was not observed until 3 years later. Some states did not acknowledge the holiday for several years. In Arizona, Governor Bruce Babbitt used an executive order to create the holiday in 1986.
However, the next government, Evan Mecham, rescinded the order. The first year that all 50 states recognized the holiday was in 2000. In 1994, President Bill Clinton signed federal legislation that transformed the holiday into the Martin Luther King Day of Service. People are encouraged to volunteer in honor of Dr. King. There are some international cities that observe Dr. King’s day including Toronto, Canada.
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The Knights Of Pillar NURSES ASSOCIATION
EPHESIANS 6:10-18
K
PNA was established in January of 2015 under the leadership of Bertha McGruder, who had a mission and purpose to support nurses in need with health problems and to invite other nurses to be a support for each other. All too often, we as nurses were witnessing too many Homegoings Celebrations of our co-workers and peers due to health related issues. We, as nurses always take care of other people. I felt like it was time for us to take care of each other.
Within a year, we had accomplished all the necessary paper work to be classified as a 501-C non-profit group. As the years go by, we not only take care and assist our peers, but we’ve managed to assist thus far seven students with JCASF to further their studies in nursing. JCASF was established in April 2015 in honor of Joyce Conway Adams, one of our peers who passed away on the morning of our first banquet. The night was cherished in her honor.
We also hold a Memorial event each year for those who have passed on to a new life for all their years of service as nurses and nursing assistants. We host an Angel Tree event each year for gifted child/ren or family/ies in need. Each year we have our Nurses Banquet (JCASF) to award students in their 2nd year of nursing to assist with their studies. “We do our best to give back to the community.”
Bertha McGruder, President
Photo Credit: Thomas Douglas 10 • WOMAN TO WOMAN WITH JOANNE: THE MAGAZINE • Issue 21•January 2019
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Kathleen Grigsby Story written by Alexis Davis
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Woman to Woman with Joanne the Magazine had the immense pleasure of talking with Dr. Kathleen Grigsby about her personal and professional journey. She is currently the principal at Barack Obama Magnet Elementary School.
Mississippi College’s Doctoral program. In 2011, she was the first person to graduate from Mississippi College with a Doctorate in Educational Leadership.
African American deaf actor. He graduated from high school at the Southern University School for the Deaf. Then attended Delgado College in New Orleans. During this time, he was in school for carpentry when The National Theater of the Deaf came to visit the college. He expressed interest in joining the company. After auditioning, he realized he loved theater and he ended up going to Connecticut where the company was based, which afforded him the opportunity to travel the world. His family in Natchitoches was really proud of him, because they thought him being deaf would limit him, but he’s been more places in the world than his siblings. He’s been on Sesame Street, the Bozo Show, and he won a Tony Award in 1977.
My father did two tours in Australia and that’s where he met my mom Carol. After I was born they moved to the United States, and with my mom being We are delighted to share her Australian but not a native Australian, story: she was considered Both of my parents are he attended many schools, I was born in however, she graduated from Natchitoches, deaf, so I learned to sign Caucasian. You can imagine in 1976 what the East Baton Rouge Parish Louisiana, which before learning to speak. it might have been School Board in Louisiana. In 1994 was listed as one like for them to have she graduated highschool, and in of Oprah’s favorite small towns an interracial marriage, for them both 1998 she graduated with a Bachelor to visit. It’s known as the city of to experience as a couple, negative of Education in Elementary Education lights in Louisiana, the home of the attitudes and disposition toward them. from the University Natchitoches meat All of which I was unaware of until I got Here’s a little-known black of Mississippi. A year pies, and all of those to high school. history fact: My father, later, she received her things I enjoyed
S
Master of Education from the University of Mississippi.
Joseph Sarpy, in the 1960’s growing up. I spent most of my summers was the first African in Natchitoches with American deaf actor.
In 2001, Kathleen continued her teaching career in Jackson Public School District. She was named Woodville Heights’ Teacher of the Year twice. She also won a Junior League grant called Bagging Your Homework. Kathleen continued her education in 2004, where she attended Mississippi College and obtained her Education Specialist degree in Educational Leadership. In January 2008, she became a part of the first cohort at
my grandparents. Because we moved around so much, I went to school in New Orleans, Baton Rouge, and Alexandria, all in Louisiana. We also lived in Australia for about three years. I spent my third and final year of high school in Connecticut while taking correspondence courses at LSU to complete the minimum requirements for graduation.
Here’s a little-known black history fact: My father, Joseph Sarpy, in the 1960’s was the first
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Both of my parents are deaf, so I learned to sign before learning to speak. When I was two years old, I was diagnosed with tuberculosis and hospitalized. It wasn’t until I was eight years old that a teacher told my parents I wasn’t doing well in phonics. They thought I may have been having hearing issues. My parents took me to have my hearing checked and it showed I had lost 60 percent of my hearing. The only thing they could trace it back to was the hospital stay and a side effect of antibiotics or medication. For eight years I missed learning some of my vocabulary, and we now know through research that those are the years where children are sponges and their brain makes those connections. I missed out, or at least I thought I did. I went to Australia for school because my mom wanted the family to meet her side of the family. I had a sister and we are five years apart. We eventually came back to the United States, but we as a family experienced a lot of hardships. It was very difficult for my parents to find jobs. We lived in a humble duplex, sleeping on the floors, and I was embarrassed to have organizations donate food and things just so we could survive. It was a very difficult time, but one thing that has always been a constant for me is school. I loved school. So much that as my parents were moving around and my dad eventually went back to the theater in Connecticut, I said, “No, we can’t do any more moving for three years.” And I did what I had to do to get the credit to graduate from high school early. I started college with nothing. I functioned off of student loans and student work study. My mom brought me there with about $50 and then there was no support from then on. It’s a blur, but to this day I’m still trying to figure out how I got my clothes washed and how I functioned from day to day.
Because my parents didn’t go to college, I didn’t really have anyone to guide me in terms of course selection. I knew my passion was children, but of course I was thinking about making money, so pediatrician sounded about right. I took 21 hours my first semester in college, and anybody who has been to college knows that’s insane. You don’t take Biology, Chemistry, and Psychology all in one semester. There isn’t enough time to study, so, I didn’t
we moved to Jackson, Mississippi. I was a teacher then, and people were speaking into existence the fact that I would be an administrator. I was content because I loved teaching and I loved the babies. I decided to go to Mississippi College for the Specialist Program in Educational Leadership. I found that I really loved it. I wasn’t sure how that would turn out as a career, but as God would have it, I went from being a teacher to a literacy coach, literacy specialist, and assistant principal. While I was assistant principal, I got my Doctorate and I became principal at Marshall Elementary. I helped move the school from an F-rated school to a C-rated school, and then I went to Davis Elementary. It has always been a successful school, but it has been my goal to make it even greater. In 2017 we grew 100 points on the accountability scale and I was recently nominated and named Administrator of the Year for Jackson Public School District.
do well. I made a 1.22 my freshman year, and I remember speaking to some mentors in the admission office Shortly thereafter, I was just shocked who still check on me to this day. I remember saying, “I know this is where to learn that I was chosen to represent I’m supposed to be, I saw a quote that says, Congressional District but I just feel like I am “You might have the green 2 and be one of the top four finalists for totally off in terms of light, but you might not the state of Mississippi my major.” have the green arrow.” Administrator of the year. I just don’t get awards like that, At that time, I met my husband so I still don’t really quite know how to whose mother was an educator, and process it. People ask if I am excited, she said, “That’s what I see in you. I see and it is wonderful but I am just kind of an educator.” I took some education shaking my head. Maybe it just hasn’t courses and from there I was fine. I hit me. I truly believe God has more made literally nothing but honor roll for me. I don’t know what it is, but I am from freshman year on. I never could waiting for His direction. I saw a quote make up the deficit from my freshman that says, “You might have the green year though, because my goal was a 4.0, light, but you might not have the green I thought if I can make enough I will at least get to a 3.0 by the time I graduated. arrow.” So, I am looking for exactly what direction to go in. This is just a That never happened, but it made me snapshot. so determined that I went back to get my masters and I got high honors. With How did you view Mississippi my masters, I started teaching and my before you arrived at Ole Miss and husband went to Law School. has that perception changed now? We got married in 2000 and moved to Vicksburg, Mississippi and eventually
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I had never been on the campus of Ole It didn’t get easier when I received Miss and I didn’t know much about it the accolades. When we hear about or it’s history. We didn’t have internet our school being number one in like we do now so I couldn’t Google it. I the state, administrator of the year remember going with a friend and the or when we hear about all of these campus was beautiful. The people were different awards on behalf of the friendly and inviting, and I remember school, and now that we are nationally going to a few events orientation and internationally recognized for weekend. Mississippi has truly lived up changing the name from Jefferson to its name, “The Hospitality State” Davis to Barack H. Obama Magnet and I have made sure that when people not being from Jackson, I think I had School, the success of this school just to pay my dues, so come to Mississippi doesn’t hit me like maybe it would the Mississippi has truly lived to speak. This is just from another state average person, because it took so up to its name, “The my perception but that they feel the much hard work to get it to that point. Hospitality State” and I I don’t think I’m like hospitality that was have made sure that when some others; it could shown to me. I keep a very small circle of people people come to Mississippi be several different around me as my support system and from another state that variables. It could be Mississippi has certainly first, keeping God in my life taught me to learn helped me to build on those strengths, they feel the hospitality the fact that I’m hard of hearing and I wear more about myself. so that I can continue to keep moving that was shown to me. two hearing aids. It The pace of life in the right direction. could be the fact that I’m a woman, in Mississippi allows you to reflect and it could be the fact that I call on where you are in life. I feel that Barack Obama’s Social Secretary, myself Black. The first question I get is being here has caused me to grow Deesha Dyer, came and visited and the what color are you and what are you even more. I have always had to be kids gave her a letter to give to him. mixed with? In a male dominated field, beyond my years in terms of dealing For that kind of change to happen it hasn’t been easy. I had to go through with people, so it just forced me to in the state of Mississippi, I would countless interviews just to get to the move a few years ahead of my peers, say that’s a great start for national next step. I’m not even talking about in terms of personal growth. Living in recognition. Mississippi is watching, just to get where I Mississippi has allowed me to come because I do see some I had to interview twice for wanted to be, but into my own and appreciate who I am. great things happening. just to get to the next this job, even though people understood that the work I How do you balance step, to go from a I still get questions about what it had done proved itself to be family and work? literacy specialist to is like living in Mississippi. People do assistant principal. successful. still have this idea that we have all dirt I was in so many roads and we are walking barefoot At the end of the day, interviews to the point where I had in cotton fields with people working my family is who I really need, and I memorized the questions. Even then out there. While there may still be work hard so that we can do the things it was almost too apparent that I was some dirt roads in rural areas, that is that we need to do as a family. When being passed over. not what I see on a day to day basis. we don’t have anything going on in As a matter of fact, I am proud to call terms of all the work that I do; I try The same thing happened while going Mississippi my home. We can travel to spend all my time with my family. from assistant principal to principal. anywhere, but when I come home, I Communicating with the family when While it seemed like other people were want a place where I can just be me. we have something coming up is very getting jobs on their first interview, it Mississippi allows me to do that. important. again took me countless interviews to get the Principal position, even with my For instance, just this past week, As an administrator in the usually time at Davis. Even though I showed male dominated school systems, I knew that we had an administrator the work going from an F rated school how has that process been for you meeting all day, then I had to go to a C rated school. I had to interview as a woman? to a Better Together commission twice for this job, even though people immediately after that, and then go understood that the work I had done I can only speak to that as it relates back to school for the fourth graders proved itself to be successful. to Jackson, MS. I’m not from here poetry café. I had literally one day even though Mississippi is home, but where I was working from 7 o’clock WOMAN TO WOMAN WITH JOANNE: THE MAGAZINE •15
We have those conversations about the day and fun conversations because we are a one car family. We try not to focus on quantity but quality. That’s how we maintain balance. in the morning to 8 o’clock at night without really seeing my family or spending quality time with them. On days like that I try to make up for it by riding as a family with my husband and daughter to work and school. We have those conversations about the day and fun conversations because we are a one car family. We try not to focus on quantity but quality. That’s how we maintain balance. Some days are different because we aren’t perfect and the schedule isn’t perfect.
What advice would you give to a young lady who is looking to take the same route that you’ve taken as a teacher then administrator? Be intrinsically motivated and be a hard worker. Don’t sacrifice your values, even though compromising your values may be offered to you. Take the high road. It may take longer, but it’ll be worth it in the end. Surround yourself with positive people, and allow them to make you accountable for your dreams as well.
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I remember when I was working on my dissertation, I was home with my husband and daughter. They saw me working and decided to go out for ice cream. I said, “Oh great that would be a great break.” They said, “No, you can’t go. You’re going to stay on that couch with your laptop and work on your dissertation. We are getting out of your way.” I remember being so upset, how dare you make me accountable for this. But once it’s all said and done, you appreciate it because that’s unconditional love.
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Spotlight KeNosha Whitehead
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eNosha Whitehead, Esq., M.Div. was born in Greenville, MS, but was primarily raised in Flowood, MS. As a young girl and teenager, KeNosha spent most weekends and summers in the MS Delta as the majority of family and friends lived there. KeNosha attended Northwest Rankin High School. She received her undergraduate degree from Millsaps College, and her seminary degree from Oral Roberts University, and Mississippi College School of Law. At a young age, KeNosha knew that she possessed the heart, gift and zeal to be a lawyer, and this realization became her dream.
Women In Law
But her motivation to become a lawyer was a rare genetic condition that she was born with, called Albinism. I was convicted and convinced that I Albinism causes one to be born with was called to advocate for and defend a lack or total absence of pigment in others, and in so many instances, it her or his skin, hair, came naturally.” “There were certain and eyes. This lack difficulties—mental, of pigment causes While thinking emotional, social, and extreme sensitivity that she would academic difficulties—I to sunlight and go to Law School encountered that prompted immediately following visual impairment. and motivated me to “There were certain undergraduate school, quickly learn how to difficulties—mental, God had other plans. advocate for myself in emotional, social, During her senior year and academic various contexts.” of college, she began difficulties—I to further explore and encountered that prompted and embrace her calling to and interest motivated me to quickly learn how to in church and parachurch ministry. advocate for myself in various contexts. KeNosha made the difficult decision to This self-advocacy skill gave way to delay attending law school in an effort sincere compassion for those who felt to first pursue this important call and voiceless and powerless in their quest enrolled in seminary. While studying to prove not only did their lives matter, there, her desire to become a lawyer but the quality of their lives mattered. never subsided. In fact, the desire 20 • WOMAN TO WOMAN WITH JOANNE: THE MAGAZINE • Issue 21•January 2019
became even more invigorating. It was in seminary school where she met and formed a friendship with Angela Cox, Fourth Judicial Circuit Court Judge in Jacksonville, FL. Jude Cox invited her to share in her beautiful little girl’s journey of growing up with Albinism. She continually offered valuable and candid perspective on attaining a meaningful, successful, and sustainable career in law. After seminary, KeNosha worked at Millsaps College for a little over one year as the Assistant to the Chaplain. Then, when she was sure that the time was right, Judge Cox and some key others graciously mentored her through the law school admission process. The rest is history. From the point of being a law student to now, she realizes that she
has been blessed to work for and with some powerhouse female attorneys who have helped her cultivate her competence and confidence and to own her place as a female in Mississippi’s, oftentimes, rigidly traditional legal landscape. KeNosha is now working with a male partner, who has treated her with nothing less than dignity and respect. She felt it is important to reiterate that she has been very blessed in this regard. “If anything, because I am recently barred, I feel prejudice in the profession most due to the newness of my practice.”
enough how critical it is that you find When asked what advice she would a woman lawyer to inspire and guide give to a young lady that desired you through your journey. If you can, to become a lawyer, she said, “The find several. You will be amazed at aspiration to become an attorney is how helpful and willing women in this a tall order, and the accomplishment profession are to come alongside can sometimes seem too tall or you to support and cheer you to the unattainable. But let me reassure finish line. Most importantly, discover you, no matter your position or your true reason circumstances in But let me reassure you, and motivation for life, YOU CAN DO IT. no matter your position or “why” you want to be Whenever the desire surfaces and you make circumstances in life, YOU a lawyer. Make sure CAN DO IT. that, along with all the the decision to go for superficial reasons, you it, start planning right have some deeply significant ones that then. Do your research about the law will anchor you.” school admission requirements, and start preparing your academic and professional resume. I cannot stress
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Spotlight Women In Business Nora Southern
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ora Southern, married and a mother of six children attended American College of Nursing. Nora has worked 15 years in the Medical Billing field as a Regional Intake Coordinator. Never forgetting her love for baking, Nora opened Sweet Reflections by Nora Gourmet Bakery specializing in hand crafted pastries. As a rising star, Nora served in the organization Butterflies by Grace Defined by Faith and also served on the board with the Agape Crossroads CDC Program which focuses on the Jackson Public Schools District (Backpack Buddy). Nora’s heart for the young ladies of Mississippi leads her to be a mentor and speaker. A true motivator, Nora’s genuine and engaging manner inspires those she comes in contact with. As a speaker, Nora gives concrete advice on real world ideas that the audience can implement immediately.
if anyone would like to purchased pastries. I shared my story of how every time I would go visit my daughter and her family, they would have me baking my homemade Sweet Potato Pies for their Church family. That following week I had my first pie order and two weeks later I’m processing other papers and accounts for my business. In memory of my Mother, it was like I had to move forward. I dedicated it to her. When I started I went to several Five-star restaurants for them to try my pastries and the head Chefs gave me great reviews, but it would take a lot to get them in the restaurants. I never took that as a no. I said different scriptures to keep me moving forward. (My Pastors gave us this motto at church) Some will, some want, so what, someone is waiting.
I would like to give the same “I have always had a passion for challenge to each of you wandering baking. My mother and I would bake and asking God what is your Gift or pastries together. I never thought of purpose. I challenge it as a business until I challenge you to write you to write down one Saturday at the down three things that you three things that Church Triumphant you love doing. That Global. Pastor Tonya love doing. will take you from Ware was teaching a Good to Great. Remember Gods word, series on Going from Good to Great, I can do all things thru Christ who and she challenged us. She said God strengthens me. has blessed us all with a gift and a purpose that will take us from Good Nora is the Owner of Sweet to Great. She asked us to write down Reflections by Nora three things that we truly love to do. It was like something elevated in me. That •A member of WSBA (Women Small very next week we had a meeting and Business Association) I stated that I love baking and asked
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•A member of EPWA (Empowering Progressive Women Association) •A Member of the only Mastermind Group in Jackson Mississippi •Director of Events for WFP (Women for Progress of Mississippi) •Treasurer of the Pink CEO •Certified by the S.O.A.R. Bible School
Spotlight Women In Finance Cindy McKenny
C
indy McKenny was born and raised in Crystal Springs, MS. She attended Crystal Springs High School and Jackson State University. In 2011, having maybe ten clients at the time, Cindy was preparing friends and families taxes as a small hobby that provided extra income. In 2015, she lost her job, and felt the need to do what was necessary to make ends meet, so she became a little more serious about the tax industry. Her children were her motivation and she wanted to show them “through the trials and hard times how not to give up but work harder for what they believe in and go for it.” With her clientele still not where she needed it to be to make a decent salary, in 2016, Cindy had a talk with God and asked Him to carry her as she stepped out on Faith to open her tax office.
One of the problems she faced was getting people to take her business seriously and gaining the trust of the community due to Cindy’s Tax Services, LLC being fairly new in the tax industry. Her advice to our readers would be to stay consistent and to know that anything worth having is worth
working for and does not come easy. Invest in yourself. Always be open to learn and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Have an accountability partner and remember that everything doesn’t always work the first time around, but don’t give up when it gets hard.
Her children were her motivation and she wanted to show them “through
the trials and hard times how not to give up but work harder for what they believe in and go for it.”
In the summer of 2016 she signed her first lease for her office. She then became more intrigued with learning the ins and outs and the ups and downs of the industry. She began to take marketing seriously and started attending seminars and being a vendor at different events to network with other like-minded individuals. Cindy noticed that her clientele began to grow as she marked her brand Cindy’s Tax Services, LLC. It was at that time she began to take investing in herself and her business seriously. In 2018 Cindy became a licensed Instructor and taught her first income tax class in her building. She also enrolled at Jackson State University where she majored in Accounting and has since begun to hire new employees for the upcoming tax season.
photo credit Bryan McKenny WOMAN TO WOMAN WITH JOANNE: THE MAGAZINE •23
Spotlight Women in Real Estate Meshia Edwards
M
eshia Edwards was born in Vicksburg, MS but relocated to Jackson, MS with her family when she was ten years old. She graduated from Jim Hill High School in 1997 and received her Associates Degree in Childhood Development from Hinds Community College in 2013. Meshia married her husband Alonzo Edwards at twenty years old and they have been married for 20 years. They are very proud parents of three young adults; ages 21, 19, and 17, and two fur babies (German Shepherd and Pug). “Real Estate Is a Profession That Chose Me,” Meshia stated. She never in a million years thought this is what she would be doing. “It never crossed my mind. As a matter of fact, when I bought my first three homes, I looked at my realtor and thought… I could not do her job; it looked hard. But here I am!
My husband is a mortgage professional and has been for 15 years. He’s very good at it so I thought I’d give it a shot; I found out quickly that sitting behind a desk crunching numbers wasn’t for me. After deciding that, I then opened a credit repair business that was very successful, but it wasn’t my “IT” and I knew it, so I decided to close that business. While being around my hubby and watching his interaction with realtors on the daily, and listening to a lot of people complain about services they were receiving; there came my desire to become a REALTOR. I knew the level of service that I would provide, no matter how much home a person would qualify for. Growing up believing that only rich people owned houses, I knew there were more people out there that thought like me. And I wanted to make a difference.
so…. I found my “IT.” Meshia shared that her first concern was safety. Real estate is one of those professions where you have to think ahead of every person that contacts you, because you never know the intentions of the person on the other end of the phone. She operates her business utilizing and sticking to certain safety precautions that have been put in place.
“To anyone desiring to work in real estate as a profession, it’s a great career choice but you must have a passion for “it” and “people.” You get out of it what you put in it. It does require long hours and a lot of marketing dollars because you have to get your name out there and buzzing. I would also suggest you sit down and talk with your family so they understand that you will be selfemployed, and you have to build your brand, which requires Once I made up my mind that Real Estate If passion is your driving a lot of time away from force GO FOR IT, and you’ll the family. Remember, was what I wanted to do, I talked to my make the money that comes it takes money to along with it.” make money, but also husband to be sure remember if money is he was ok with the your driving force then it’s likely not decision. We decided I should go for it. I took the necessary classes and passed the profession for you. Most people phase out within that first year because the exam on my first try. I then started they spend more money than they with a small brokerage where my first make … If passion is your driving force year I produced over $1,000,000 in GO FOR IT, and you’ll make the money sales. Every year following, I’ve been a that comes along with it.” multimillion-dollar producer. I have now been serving the real estate community for 11 years. I opened my brokerage, Community First Real Estate, after year 5 in the business and have been able to bless hundreds of families thus far and continuing to do
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Community First Real Estate 601.956.6567
Spotlight Women In Education Jordan Langworthy
J
ordan Langworthy was born and raised in Clinton, MS and graduated from Clinton High School in 2008. She graduated with her bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Mississippi College in 2012 and a master’s degree in Secondary Education from William Carey University in 2017. Music education shaped Jordan’s life. Her foundation began during her primary school years where she remembers the music classroom being where she felt safe, wanted and
where she was able to develop her confidence. During college, Jordan was afforded the opportunities to travel and perform in South Africa, Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center where she was able to learn from amazing conductors. Both of her parents have undergraduate and graduate degrees in music and have instilled in Jordan the desire to pursue her dreams.
education is vital in our schools today. I honestly believe that our music classrooms are the reason most of our students come to school.”
Jordan’s advice to a young lady that desires to become a Music Teacher, in her personal philosophy, is to choose relationships with students. This was the best way that Jordan found to teach them and reach them. Her journey to becoming a music “Establishing a tone of trust and educator has been the most rewarding accountability is crucial in creating a journey of her life thus far. She is community within your classroom. I currently in her sixth year of teaching constantly remind myself that I do not and she is the Director of choral teach choir, I teach students. These activities at Germantown High School. students come from all different ethnicities, socio-economic statuses “Keeping your priorities in order is and walks of life. No matter our key in succeeding in anything,” Jordan differences, when they put on their shared. “Personally, in my classroom, I choir uniform you no longer see their focus on building intrinsic motivation. socio-economic status, you see a When students are intrinsically community. And as soon as they open motivated it their mouths to sing, you Jordan’s advice to a young no longer see their skin creates an environment of lady that desires to become color, you see their hearts. a Music Teacher, in her accountability And that is the beauty of personal philosophy, is to music. It takes us all where between them which choose relationships with we are in life and brings aids in their us together. The most students. overall journey precious moments I have to success. Teaching is a gift that I had during my teaching career so far continue to learn and grow from every have not been during performances. day I have the opportunity to do it. It They have been during rehearsals. is imperative that I not only hold my It is in the rehearsals where we are students to a high standard but instill able to not only work and interact in them such an attitude that they but build community and exhibit hold each other accountable. I hope accountability, it is all about the that they are able to learn to listen and process. The performance allows the gain knowledge and experiences from audience to experience the product. one another. As I continually pour my In closing, no matter how much love I passion and knowledge for music into put into my students and career I will them, they pour their wisdom into me. always receive so much more. Let us I constantly encourage my students to continue to sow love so that we may do their best in every aspect of their reap it.” lives and to always stay humble. Music WOMAN TO WOMAN WITH JOANNE: THE MAGAZINE •25
Spotlight Andi Cotten
Andi Cotten is a singer/songwriter hailing from Mississippi.
H
er single “Tinted Blue” immediately begins with an atmospheric sensation placing you into a different ethereal than you are currently in. Her soft vocals supported by a strong vocal resonance floats beautifully on top of the subdued instrumental before the hook transitions in. A hollow and magical sound you can’t seem to resist! The tone of the song is delightful yet calmly passionate. “I wish you, you’re a diamond tinted blue” Andi sings.. Although this single can’t be exactly easily deciphered and interpreted by first hearing, if you hone in into the lyrics and the song-writing substance it holds, you will see how Andi was able to metaphorically write her song while attaining a sense of mystery behind her lyricism. However, I believe that’s the beauty behind it is the fun puzzling decoding of the song’s meaning and uncovering the many layers behind it! Here is her story: Andi is short for Andrea. I am married with 3 boys and live in Mississippi. Two of our boys are identical twins, so days are busy and life can get messy. I am from a very small community. So far out that I rode the only school bus to a private school in town. I was the middle child of 3, with an older sister and younger brother, and then a half-brother when I was 10 years old. He was like a real-life baby doll for me. My grandpa owned a general store that served as a gathering for the community and I worked there as a teen, and even met my husband there for the first time. I married, moved away, and returned to build a home and start a family. I am surrounded by land, trees, and family.
Women In Music I started writing songs after I became they were dating. She gave it to me and I wear it often. I have to tell where a mother. Life changed drastically in I came from to show where I am now. an instant. Mostly because I realized I found this part of songwriting a how much God loved me. Not only challenge. I wanted to be careful not because I was given so much to love to offend or hurt anyone I love. I also but that I was trusted with 2 babies didn’t want to come across as a victim at one time. I am constantly learning about myself while I am so thankful for the or resentful. I want getting to know them. seasons of change and new others to see triumph and forgiveness. Everything we know beginnings. When I became a is because we learned parent, I couldn’t it from somebody stand the thought of my children not or somewhere. The pressure to be an forgiving me. This song reminds me of honest example has not always been who I am. The scary part about life is easy. But just like the South has crazy seasons, so do I. I am so thankful for the that we are affected by others and we seasons of change and new beginnings. affect others. My story is about a child with divorced parents. My dad gave my mom a golden cross necklace when
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This song “Tinted Blue” has so much symbolism, but the idea came from an aquamarine birthstone. I was born on
a Sunday morning in March. I wanted of this song, the title took on a life of to tell my story without telling it all. It’s itself. I began to see how through the important for others to see themselves honesty of our flaws, we can more in their mind and not me. The blue effectively serve and love others. represents the flaws or scars we bear, but the diamond represents the value. My biggest challenge, by far, has Arise and shine is like an overcomer been knowing where I belong. I can statement. To me it still feel like that little The best advice I’ve says, “get up and get country girl on the received this year was over it!” only school bus riding that my music is not for into town. Finding A color that is everyone. My vision and my place and voice Tinted Blue can audience has narrowed and has taken years. be many shades to it has grown. I’m no longer The best advice I’ve different people. Blue trying to please the whole received this year has always been my was that my music is world. favorite color. Before not for everyone. My I was born my great vision and audience grandmother made a blue and white has narrowed and it has grown. I’m baby blanket. I slept with that thing no longer trying to please the whole entirely too long. During the recording world. Women’s Ministry is where my
heart longs to be heard. Most of my songs were written during or after a women’s Bible study. Us girls have to be reminded we are good enough. This next year is already shining bright. Tinted Blue the album is set for release on Feb. 7th, 2019. It contains 7 songs with titles like: Refined, Come to Life, and Standing Free. Just those words make me feel stronger. I hope to be relatable and that others feel understood because of the words. New producer Casey Combest at Blue Sky Studios in Jackson has stretched me into this next phase.
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Photo Credit: eugenesergeev/Adobe Stock
Feature
Tina McBride Woman To Woman With Joanne The Magazine had the pleasure of talking with Tina McBride with TAPS (Thick And Proud Sisters). We are pleased to share a part of her story with you.
T
ina was born in Jackson, Mississippi where she has lived most of her life. She graduated from Tougaloo College and then moved to Greenville, Mississippi for a short while. Then her husband’s job transferred them to Houston, Texas and staying there for two years, they moved to Beaumont, Texas. Although she and her husband made life time friends, they wanted to come back
home to Mississippi to be closer to their parents. Back in Mississippi, Tina had her two daughters, but six months after their second daughter’s birth she and her husband divorced. The divorce was beyond tragic, and the beginning of her story. They were married for 13 years and they were college sweethearts. Tina learned that her husband had
an affair which was a very traumatic experience. “Divorce is not just between the man and the woman, it is between everybody.” Looking back at this part of her life, “I should have handled it differently. I grieved for two years and I was strictly in mommy mode. I shut down in every other area in my life. I knew I had to work because my daughters were depending on me. I would get up, go to work, and come home which became my routine for two years. The third year my friends started trying to get me to come to their house to hang out to get out of the house. The fourth year is when I finally decided to move forward.” In order to heal, Tina continued to go to church. “I lost friendships and I was even becoming paranoid about going to church for fear that they would know something was wrong. At night, I was searching for books that would keep me going, but instead I found scriptures. If I felt sad, I would find a scripture about being sad and write it down. As a result, I ended up with a book that told me every feeling I felt and the scripture that would go with it. I began to write because I realized there were other people hurting just like I was, and I tried to write to inspire them, which helped me feel better along the way. When I saw things happen to people in the news, even though I didn’t know them, I would write something for them, and send it to them in the mail with no expectancy of receiving anything in return. I wanted to show that I understood what pain was. Although I had never lost a child, I still understood
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Tina wanted to encourage readers not to dwell on the past, but to keep moving. that people need to know that God is still there. The one thing I never ran from, was God. I always stayed close to Him.
had lost both my girls and I had no interested in helping others and share idea what I was going to do. I was the same heart as you for people. To be starting to feel the effects of the Empty around a group of strong black women Nest Syndrome. That’s when I met and actually see it, it’s so powerful. Funmi Queen Franklin of Thick And Everybody has their own personalities, Writing has been a source of help, Proud Sisters. But now Tina is finding and when you get them all together, giving back and a certain type of herself, and TAPS has really helped that’s power. I didn’t realize we have ministry that I am able to offer. I’ve had her figure out who she is. TAPS allows that here in Jackson, Mississippi.” coworkers come to me and ask me to you to meet other women that are write certain things for them based just as powerful and not afraid to step Tina is getting married in March 2019 on something that out and make things and she feels that he came at the The one thing I never ran is either going on in happen. I didn’t realize right time. After going through that from, was God. I always their personal life, or an organization like traumatic four-year period after her stayed close to Him. the life of a friend. I TAPS existed in Jackson, divorce, she didn’t want to carry all that don’t have to ask for many details, but Mississippi. I had never attended a pain from relationship to the next. She I say a prayer, ‘Lord, you know, them. fashion show, but I decided to attend was afraid she would never be able to You tell me what to write.’ As a result one that Queen was hosting. I noticed open her heart up to anybody else, but of this prayer, every writing that I have how one of the models from the God brought her somebody to love. ever done has fit everybody’s needs. I fashion show walked in with a few Originally Tina and her fiancé thought begin every writing with a scripture and other people, she commanded the they would have a small, quiet wedding the writing goes around the scripture. room and I wanted to know who she with just a few friends but that number was. I walked up to her and started a has grown to almost 300 invitations. I have shared my story with my conversation and she told me about Tina will be marrying Steven Powell and children and I have used it to try to TAPS and I decided I begin every writing with she couldn’t be happier. teach them that disappointment to become a part of a scripture and the writing comes, and it comes in ways that you it. It’s probably one of goes around the scripture. After sharing her story never expect. You don’t get married the best things that with Woman To Woman thinking you will divorce. You go in has ever happened to me, especially With Joanne The Magazine, Tina thinking this is it, this is my family.” at the time in my life that it happened. wanted to encourage readers not to I am the oldest one in the group, but dwell on the past, but to keep moving. Thick And Proud Sisters (TAPS) they all have made me feel like one Life is going to be hard, and there After my daughter and granddaughter of them. It’s been wonderful meeting are going to be challenges. Surround moved to Urban, Texas and my other people like that and being involved yourself with people that love you, daughter went off to college, I felt I and surrounded by people who are keep God first, and just keep moving forward. Don’t look back. There is so much out there to enjoy.
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By: Denise Donald
W
inter is here! Let the weather be cold, not your wardrobe! Keep your wardrobe “hot” with these three winter fashion essentials!
2. A beanie cap! A beanie cap is a must for the cold weather. For an added bonus, place a brooch on the side of the cap. Beanie caps come in a large variety of colors and materials.
1. A poncho/shawl! These are great for the winter! They also make a great transition piece (from fall to winter or winter to spring). Depending on the occasion and style of the poncho, you may easily add a long sleeve fitted t-shirt or a button up collared shirt underneath the poncho.
3. A winter scarf! From florals to stripes, winter scarves are warm and fashionable! Pair your winter scarf with your poncho. You may also pair your winter scarf with a chunky sweater or even a sweatshirt!
Enjoy the winter weather! Stay warm and fashionable with these three winter fashion essentials! For more awesome fashion tips, go to www.mypinkleopard.com and subscribe to our mailing list! #mypinkleopard
WOMAN TO WOMAN WITH JOANNE: THE MAGAZINE •33
MYA BELL,
a Sophomore at Germantown High School, is inspiring to be a photographer. She specializes in capturing God’s glorious creations of nature through her lense.
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Woman To Woman With Joanne’s Let’s Talk Sessions provide a safe environment for women to come and share whatever is on their heart - burdens, struggles, joys. We invite women to share openly without fear of being judged, talked about, or broadcast all over social media.
Upcoming Events for
2019
Let’s Talk Sessions are held at the Mantle once a month.
February
March
February 28th - Let’s Talk Session, 7pm - 8pm 622 Duling Ave, Jackson, MS 39216
March 16th - Woman to Woman with Joanne presents the Third Annual Mississippi Legends Ball March 21st - Let’s Talk Session, 7pm - 8pm 622 Duling Ave, Jackson, MS 39216
April
April 18th - Let’s Talk Session, 7pm - 8pm 622 Duling Ave, Jackson, MS 39216
July
July 18th - Let’s Talk Session, 7pm - 8pm 622 Duling Ave, Jackson, MS 39216
October
October 17th - Let’s Talk Session, 7pm - 8pm 622 Duling Ave, Jackson, MS 39216
May
May 16th - Let’s Talk Session, 7pm - 8pm 622 Duling Ave, Jackson, MS 39216
August
August 30th-31st - Annual Empowerment Conference, Friday Night-A Night of Worship 6pm - 9pm Saturday-Conference Speakers 1oam - 2pm Location To Be Announced
November
November 21st - Let’s Talk Session, 7pm - 8pm 622 Duling Ave, Jackson, MS 39216
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June
June 20th - Let’s Talk Session, 7pm - 8pm 622 Duling Ave, Jackson, MS 39216
September
September 19th - Let’s Talk Session, 7pm - 8pm 622 Duling Ave, Jackson, MS 39216
December
December 19th - Let’s Talk Session, 7pm - 8pm 622 Duling Ave, Jackson, MS 39216
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