Tag Archives: Celebrating HERstory

Celebrating HERstory: Shavanna Cousins

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headshot of Shavanna CousinsShavanna Cousins, a marketing communications executive at Central Piedmont, makes it a point to leave each space a little better than she found it. With each personal interaction she has throughout any given day, she is mindful of the energy she’s exhibiting. “I try to be positive and optimistic in all of my conversations and relationships,” she explains. “I don’t like to leave experiences or spaces where I feel like I shifted the room or a conversation in a negative direction. It doesn’t foster connectivity, which is the foundation to any good relationship – professional or otherwise.”

The inclination to always move toward positivity and choose the right path was nurtured in Shavanna by her older sister, one of the many individuals she considers a personal mentor on a variety of levels. “She evolved as my mentor because of her life choices,” says Shavanna. “She was the first person in our family to go to college and earn her master’s degree. I guess you could say she’s the trailblazer in our family who has crafted a successful blueprint for the rest of us to use as a guide. And while we’ve taken different paths in life, I still use her as a beacon for inspiration. All of her decisions have been made with intention, and that’s something I deeply admire.” 

The sisters’ close relationship has been a source of comfort, support, and counsel for Shavanna, who, like her sister, recently became a mother. (She gave birth to a baby boy, Xavier, in April 2021.) “Motherhood has literally changed my entire world,” she says. “I’ve grown in ways I never imagined. I’ve definitely become more selfless, aware, and motivated. Motherhood is not only shaping the person I am, but also the person I’m becoming.”

As she’s added the role of “mom” to the many hats she wears on a daily basis, she’s become increasingly more aware of the many ways women contribute to society, both at home and in the workplace. That’s why Shavanna is a believer in applauding the work of those around her, whether they are her peers or supervisors, and honoring them for their accomplishments. “Women give so much to everyone, every day,” she explains. “As a result, they deserve to be seen. Many of us in our role, don’t do the work to be recognized. I think that’s why our ‘Celebrating HERstory’ campaign is so important. It’s allowing many of us who work behind the scenes, in the shadows, to step out into the light – to be respected and admired. It’s an incredible feeling and I’m honored to be a part of it.”

To Shavanna, the HERStory campaign is a step in the right direction, but she thinks there is even more that can be done to ensure people’s stories are told and shared. This can be accomplished through simple “check-ins” with co-workers… by taking the time to ask your peers how they’re doing – by performing an informal wellness check in a way. “There are times when we’re so focused on work because there is just so much to do,” she says. “But if we’re intentional and stop and check in with people, that’s how people begin to not only feel seen and heard, but also cared for. That’s what’s truly meaningful.”

When asked what final words she’d like to leave with the college community, she replies, “Women are beautifully complex. We are richly diverse and beyond capable. So, for those reasons, I would like to say to all women: ‘Thank you. Thank you for your many gifts. I see you and all of the contributions you make – big and small. You were chosen by God and called to be who you are, and I’m honored to know and serve beside you.’”

Celebrating HERstory: Dr. Shantell Strickland-Davis

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Throughout history, women have fought for progress and took great risks in order to improve their lives and others. Flash forward to today. Dr. Shantell Strickland-Davis is not just an experienced and dedicated educator, but also a leader at Central Piedmont marking her spot in history. Shantell joined the college in 2012 and served in many capacities before becoming the executive director of the Parr Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence.

“I would describe myself as a self-starter, left-hand/right-brain, super passionate enthusiast who enjoys most things in life,” Shantell explains. “I come from a happy childhood, with young adult adversities, but have since learned to appreciate the small things, value people, and lead with my beliefs in God, love, and conviction.” 

Her upbringing has undoubtedly influenced how Shantell chooses to live her life. In hard times she leans to one of her favorite scriptures to keep moving forward. It’s “1 Samuel 16:7: God doesn’t see things the way you or others see them. People judge by outward appearance, but God always looks at the heart.”

One nugget of wisdom she imparts to younger women is to understand the simple notion that, “it’s not all about you.” She invites others to open themselves up to the richness you find in service to others. She advises that once she learned this life lesson, “life has taken on new meaning and substance.”

Her passion for improving the lives of faculty and students is evident to anyone who has worked with her. When Shantell speaks, you want to listen. Shantell maintains the philosophy that integrity and honesty are central to living an authentic life. She says, “Yes, I want to be liked and respected, but I will not let that be at the expense of my own emotional, psychological, or personal values. Being transparent is important. ” 

When asked about why it’s important to honor women in the workplace, she shares, “Women are extraordinary. It is important to honor, celebrate, and recognize women for their contributions, especially in the workplace. Honoring women meaningfully starts with understanding who they are at the core, not just what you see on the surface. Once you can see a woman as her whole self, including her unique challenges, you can really begin to appreciate the awesome human she is.”

In addition to the joy she gets from seeing faculty achieve milestones in life, she says it’s Central Piedmont’s values that mean a lot to her.  Shantell shares, “I am excited that Central Piedmont is putting the efforts in making equity a priority across all “-isms,” including sexism. As a marginalized gender, women have been susceptible to systemic practices that advance inequities; bringing forth the value women bring to the workplace and beyond forces us all to acknowledge our worth.”

Viewing the world outside of your own perspective can be a challenge. But Shantell explains, “it’s critical to acknowledge and appreciate others – pay attention, listen, help, support, and care.” This outlook has helped her navigate her career in a way to highlight others who are inspirational and perhaps undervalued or underrepresented.

Shantell also serves on the Academic Affairs Council and helps influence key strategies to get all students and employees on a career and educational pathway that is going to provide the best opportunity for them to reach their goals. Although this work comes along with challenges, she says, “I recognize there will be good times and bad, ups and downs, celebrations and challenges; however, nothing lasts forever. It’s important to live in the moment, embrace the good, and learn from the times that seem to hurt the most.”

Humbled by the opportunity to be selected for the HERstory campaign, Shantell wants the community to know, “Every woman here at the college deserves a bow – thank you for all that you do each day, here, and away. Your strength, compassion, integrity, and support for others don’t go unnoticed or unappreciated!”

 

Celebrating HERstory: Tracy Threatt

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Tracy Threatt; April 15th, 2019Historically, women who looked beyond their roles as mother, daughter, wife, partner and sister and took up the call to serve our nation have done so with little recognition. These women took on challenges with fortitude and resilience and never gave up – this is the essence of Tracy Threatt, a student counselor for Military Families and Veterans Services at Central Piedmont. 

Tracy helps students achieve their higher education goals and find meaningful career pathways crucial to the economic success of veterans. When she’s not helping veterans and their families at Central Piedmont, you can find Tracy enjoying time with her family and friends.  

Although sharing educational opportunities with veterans in the Charlotte community is her passion now, her future wasn’t always so clear. Tracy shares, “I joined the Navy. Although I was patriotic, it was mainly because I was running from school. I wasn’t a very good student at all. I didn’t like school.” But this pivotal experience changed the trajectory of what was to come. “When I joined the Navy, I saw a different side of myself. I developed leadership skills. I started to believe I could do whatever I wanted to do,” says Tracy.

This new-found confidence would remain present as Tracy navigated her career, and even more so now as she is currently pursuing a doctorate in Education & Leadership.  Her dissertation is about female veterans who have successfully transitioned out of the military and enrolled in community college. Being in the last term of her doctoral program is something Tracy would have never expected. But one recurring revelation she gleaned from her time in the military is, “you never know what you’re capable of doing  until you have to do it.”

Tracy has definitely tapped into her mission! She shares, “you have to have a voice, not just for yourself, but also for the other people around you.” This responsibility lives at the core of Tracy’s boldness, along with her strong faith in God, which keeps her centered. She shares, “I read Proverbs 3: 5-6 every day because life can be hard. Motivational quotes are good, but I rely on the Bible. My favorite scripture says, “Trust in the Lord with all thy heart and lean not on thy own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him and he will direct thy path.”  

Naming her mother and uncle as inspirations for her personal life, her family also taught her the importance of personal relationships and influence. That may be why her family’s mantra is to “be the person that makes everybody feel like they are somebody.”  With this adopted life philosophy, Tracy also says, “what you put out into the universe is what you’re gonna get in return. So treat everyone with respect and dignity.” 

Family and friends who have known Tracy for years, now look at her as a different person – but in a good way. As she advocates for students and fellow employees she advises, “We can honor women more meaningfully by allowing them to use their voices more and giving them a seat at the table to speak on their own behalf. Giving women a platform, along with the freedom and space for them to be themselves is the best way to honor them.”

When asked about what final words to leave with our Central Piedmont community regarding Women’s History Month, she replies, “Be yourself. Never let anyone define who you are. Walk in your greatness and don’t wait for someone to give you permission to be great. Use your obstacles as stepping stones and continue on and upward because there is something in you that this world needs.”

Celebrating HERstory: Katrina Johnson

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headshot for Katrina D JohnsonKnowing what’s important, what drives you, and how you want to be remembered creates tremendous clarity in how you should live your life. Katrina Johnson is creating a legacy to remember. An empathetic leader, who leads with her heart – both at Central Piedmont and in the Charlotte community – she speaks highly of her upbringing which shaped her into the person she is today. Katrina shares, “I was raised with love, affection, and respect for learning and I strive to provide the same with everyone in my sphere of influence. I believe laughter makes the world go ‘round…I love jokes and making people smile.”

As a cheerleading coach at Johnson C. Smith, she takes the same approach to leading her team on and off the court. In every sense of the word, she is her team’s greatest cheerleader – a feeling all students and employees who cross her path would agree to as well.

Katrina serves as the assistant director of Mentoring and Bridge for the college. She is no stranger to the invaluable benefits of mentoring and shares, “I am deeply grateful to have a variety of leaders who have mentored and coached me throughout my career. In their honor, I am committed to mentoring and coaching others in their leadership journey. My mom and dad are my greatest role models.”

Upon completing her dual degree in Master of Business Administration and Master of Leadership at Pfeiffer University, she tapped into her divine purpose which has set the tone for the way she approaches her power of influence every day. Katrina says, “through those experiences I was able to push through self-doubt and realized I was living into my strengths and serving others in the way God intended.”

Having previously worked for Fortune 500 companies and for the Red Cross as Director of Disaster Education, her career path could have taken a number of directions. But joining Central Piedmont 13 years ago, she knew it was a pivotal moment in her career. “My mother is a retired high school vocational teacher and my father is a retired educator who has served as a teacher, college president, associate superintendent in multiple systems within North Carolina, Dean of Education at UNCW and Fayetteville State, explains Katrina. “So I come from a long line of educators which made my decision to come to Central Piedmont very personal and meaningful to me.”

One of Katrina’s favorite quotes is, “no matter how educated, talented, rich, or cool you believe you are, how you treat people ultimately tells all.” She believes leading a life of kindness is ultimately how we can have the greatest impact on those around us. This philosophy is also at the heart of her opinion on how we can honor great women in history. 

Katrina shares, “I believe women should be honored because of the sacrifices made throughout history and the continued struggle to be seen, respected, and have an equal seat at the table. Women are resilient and we take responsibility with love and honor despite our struggles. We can best recognize women with respect, courtesy, and in work like this social media campaign to publicly recognize the work we do and the history we represent.”

When asked about what final words to leave with our Central Piedmont community regarding Women’s History Month, she replies, “Be proud of who you are, where you came from, and where you are in your life’s journey. Be passionate in service to our students. Be purposeful in how you lead to conquer the possibilities for the Charlotte community.”

Celebrating HERstory: Jennifer Conway

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Jennifer Conway is no stranger to hard work. And with a smile that lights up a room, and a helping hand always willing to extend – she epitomizes what it means to live in service to others. “I would never ask anyone to do anything that I would not do myself. I believe in leaving a place better than I found it and really paying attention to how we take care of the people in the process.”

Her passion and dedication to helping students is obvious to anyone who has met her almost 20 years of working at Central Piedmont. Jenn is a student engagement coordinator who helps connect students to their interests, and makes them feel at home while they’re a student at Central Piedmont everyday. 

Jenn Conway cares deeply. It’s evident in the way she leads and chooses to show up for her students and co-workers everyday. “I watched Mr. Rogers growing up. The way he talked to people, the way he took care of people – that philosophy of helping and taking care; that was a part of the formative experience of my life,”  Jenn shares. As an older sibling, her early years were also shaped by her family and the natural role of care-taker many eldest siblings often take on.

Although Jenn cites Fred Rogers, Michelle Obama, and Simone Biles as sources of inspiration, she believes the people you meet day-to-day are the ones who have the greatest and most direct impact on your life. And you have the power to influence theirs as well!

She works with various student clubs and offers support to students with leadership and personal development. Jenn can easily rattle off names of students – both past and present – who have had a huge impact on her life. One of her proudest achievements is the lasting relationships she’s created with students.

“I love the Maya Angelou quote about (how) people may forget the things you say but they’ll never forget the way you make them feel, that’s something that I absolutely live by,” Jenn says, “I want everyone to feel included, welcomed, and valued. We all have a place in this very big world. I will always try to take care of the people around me – I want everyone to feel important.”

Her philosophy? Everyone is capable of leading. Jenn believes, “influence is different from authority, it’s also true that some people’s impact can definitely not match the scope of their power (or position),” Jenn says. “There are many women who are incredibly influential, but are not always in a position of authority. Great ideas can come from anywhere. And I think the college is doing good work to open doors and invite more people to the table.” It is so important that we not only honor great women in history, but also honor women we work with and see in our workplace every day.

Jenn shares, “I feel like women, and people of color, in particular have to be very mindful of the version of themselves on display to the world. And when it’s okay to show our true feelings and when it is not. Find your network of people who can wrap their arms around you. Help lift each other up – we have to take care of each other in that way.”

One thing we can all do to recognize those daily sacrifices is “take additional steps to care and be flexible. In addition to work, women often shoulder the family caretaking and childcare. We are constantly juggling many things in our lives,” Jenn says. 

When asked about what final words to leave with our Central Piedmont community regarding Women’s History Month, she replies, “Just like Black History Month shouldn’t just be a month, Women’s History Month should also not just be a month. We celebrate these things because it’s incredibly important and deserves the spotlight – but I think these are year-round endeavors. We’ve got to continue making progress.”