Tag Archives: HerStory

Celebrating HERstory: Lauren Estes

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Lauren Estes headshotToday, women continue to redefine their own opportunities, amplify voices that typically go unheard, and pave the way for future generations. Lauren Estes is no exception to this trailblazing spirit. Determined, strong, persistent, and decisive are a few adjectives that come to mind when describing Lauren.

Lauren joined Central Piedmont in 2014 and worked in Student Life and Service Learning before becoming an Early Childhood Education advisor at the college. Lauren believes “history is whatever you make it,” as she shares, “moments that happen in our lives – some we don’t think twice about – literally could be a life-changing moment for someone else.”

She is an advocate for students and knows first-hand the impact of going the extra mile, recalling a pivotal moment in her career where she drew inspiration from a professor who made her feel important. Lauren shares, “My professor at Appalachian State, Dr. Barnes, who was a political science professor, made me feel important. He spent the time to really engage me as a student, and I convinced myself he saw this extra thing in me. Looking back, I think every one of his students felt that way. His impact on me made me want to work in education too. I want to engage with students in a way that makes them feel not only important, but also valuable and extra in some way.”

As an advisor, she takes pride in being able to communicate directly with students, addressing their questions about their program and educational journey. Lauren has learned to be mindful and claims, “being who you are, and being authentic and speaking your truth, even if it’s in disagreement with those around you, is important”. She’s also learned that even in speaking truths, demonstrating respect for others is ultimately the best way you can advocate for yourself and share your voice.

Naming Ruth Bader Ginsburg as a strong influential role model, Lauren shares a common outlook to this notable heroine who fought tirelessly for justice throughout her career. “I’m a feminist. I believe in the equity of the sexes in all ways. Because women so often are either pushed aside or silenced, we miss out on opportunities. If we actually get to a space of equality, there’s just so much more we could all do together. I believe deeply in not just my goals, but also in my gender.”

She also has a strong appreciation for the women who’ve inspired and supported her in her everyday life. They include previous and current instructors, mentors, and colleagues. When asked, she reveals her philosophy on honoring women more effectively and meaningfully: “Celebrating, not just the massive figures in women’s history, but also the everyday people is important because I think women should see themselves as having a legacy. History is built on small moments that made an impact on someone,” says Lauren. “As a woman, I also would like to see Women’s History programs run by men. I’d like to see sessions that are catered to both men and women – there is a way for us all to enjoy and learn from women’s history.”

Lauren leaves the college community with these words of encouragement, “Women’s History Month is about remembering whose shoulders you stand on and celebrating how far we’ve come. But we also can’t be afraid to acknowledge how far we still have left to go. Acknowledging what has happened shouldn’t diminish our ability to continue to change things in the future.”

Celebrating HERstory: Nzingha Williams

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Nzingha WilliamsIntuitive. Bold. Empathic. These are three words that come to mind when describing Career and Technical Education Coordinator, Nzingha Williams. Every day Nzingha works with students of all ages to guide them on the pathway toward a career – whether they’re high school students looking for an apprenticeship or an adult looking to change careers.

“I do a lot of reflecting to make sure how I represent myself is what I want to put out into the world.  I would also describe myself as someone who does bold things – I do things boldly even in fear, even though I may be afraid. I don’t shy away from doing the hard things, but I try to do them in love and with compassion.”

Prior to working at Central Piedmont, she graduated from North Carolina State University with two bachelor’s degrees in psychology and criminology, as well as earning an MBA online. She is currently pursuing her doctorate in Community College Leadership from NC State.

A pivotal moment that helped shape her was an undergraduate internship as a psychology major where her supervisor confronted her with an observation. After receiving rave reviews on her work ethic, she also heard “‘Nzingha, you’re too quiet. Your head is down in the work and you do the work well but I feel like you have a lot to say.” As a natural introvert, the feedback was a little bit off-putting at first. But that moment ultimately caused an awakening that helped Nzingha understand her words, thoughts, and objections add value. It was the epiphany she needed – the confirmation of ‘your voice matters’ forever changed her outlook and approach.

Nzingha shares that her mom is one of her personal role models who shaped the woman she is today. “She was a single mother and created a space for me where I could evolve. Her strength, her resilience, her intellect, and then also her ability to work with people. As I look back through my childhood, I don’t know how she did it – her strength, her resilience, her intellect, and then also her ability to work with people.” 

“My mom has [a] gift. Everybody loves her. People open up to her. People aren’t threatened by her and they feel at peace around her.  She has a way of loving people where they are and challenging them to come up to a level where she sees they need to be. Those are skills that I strive every day to possess. She’s a teacher, so she does that with her students and in her personal life.”

Every day Nzingha works to have the same positive impact on her students as her mother had on her life. Women in history often inspire – motivating others to pave the paths they choose to take. Nzingha also gleaned inspiration from a former boss who challenged her on a professional level but also poured into her on a personal level. Mentorship is powerful and those closest to us often make the most meaningful impact.

It is so important that we not only honor great women in history but also honor and recognize women we work with and see in our workplace every day. “Pay [women] what we are worth. But honor us in the positions that you give us,” Nzingha says, “that is how an institution can honor women more effectively and meaningfully.”

One of Nzingha’s favorite things to do when she needs motivation is to read the Bible or listen to music. Faith keeps her grounded and is a huge part of her identity. But, whether it’s old school gospel or crowd-favorite Rihanna – music also serves as a refuge and source of joy for Nzingha who’s been dancing since the age of four.  Fun fact – She was formally trained in jazz, ballet, and en pointe up until sixth grade but has spent the last couple of years studying liturgical dancing which is an expression of worship.

When asked about what final words to leave with our Central Piedmont community regarding Women’s History Month, she replies “Women go through a lot, we have to honor their sacrifices. We’ve all gone through so much in these last three years and that’s tough. I would encourage all of us to operate in a space of grace. We all are trying to do our best.”