Do it in Heels     June 20, 2022

I close my laptop after another training, take down the projector, and get ready to hail a tuk tuk, I think back to the woman who first introduced me to the world of training. I talked about her this morning and even shared some of her quotes with the Imani team. Athena DuPre is the director of the Strategic Communications and Leadership Development graduate program at the University of West Florida. She is also one of the most influential mentors of my life. In the first class that I had with her, I remember thinking, I don’t know who this blonde hair, high heel wearing, crazy lady is…

but I want to be her. 

As I got to know Athena over the next four years, finishing my bachelors and working on my masters, that desire grew more and more. Along with it came the realization that I would never be Athena… and that was important. Because, I have grown to realize that I have my own version of how I do things. I love the journey as I discover my preferences, nuances, and my personal quirks. Yet, there are so many aspects and parts of my work that I’ve created on the foundation of what I’ve learned from Athena. This has me constantly being reminded of her impact. 

So, as I encourage this awesome team through yet another ridiculous learning activities, I smile when I think back to how she would do this is students, but of course, she would do it in heels.