#ProfessionalAF

Welcome back to my weekly-ish newsletter, y'all! This month has been AMAZING and I hope it's been a blessing to you as it has to me. March is a month that celebrates me (3/6 ?? ?? ) and millions of women around the world for Women's History Month . I have been inspired by women who paved the way for me but also took the time to intentionally inspire younger women who are about to embark on their journeys as professionals, too. Here are a few of my favorite moments from this month.

I'm Feeling 32!

Somebody's getting old, and it's not me! I celebrated 32 years of life on March 6th - and in grand style. I had friends travel to celebrate me, I ate well and felt oh so pretty, too. Birthdays are super important and personal to me; it's what I consider your new year - full of restoration, celebration, and intention setting. I'm so blessed to have survived last year, without losing my mind or my edges LOL! Additionally, I was able to reflect on what I want this year, which is to unconditionally love all the things dear to me: myself, family, friends, and my businesses. I'm up for the challenge and I'm so thankful to have a meaningful life lived thus far. Oh, and I continued my bday tattoo tradition (I thought of this as it is currently in the icky peeling stage and slightly itching as I type this!).

I met Bozoma Saint John, y'all!

So, I personally believe in manifestation and this was a moment I totally manifested a few years ago. My previous boss, Reese McGillie put me onto Boz back in 2019, when I asked her for recommendations for people to follow and wanted to know who inspired her. She was like listen, you have to learn about Bozoma Saint John. When one powerful Black woman puts you onto another powerful Black woman, you just know it's legit, right? I began following her journey and learning more about her as a CMO and also her friends that do amazing work in the industry and beyond. Well, fast forward to 2023, I was able to connect with her through a group she formed around her book and we finally met. I'll spare all the details, but let's just say that the book is LIFE CHANGING (buy it...you won't regret it ) and being able to see how she can stand in her authenticity and still be deemed as one of the most powerful CMOs in the world...that's inspiration. Plus, she curses like me and still is #professionalaf . Bozoma Saint John , thank you for being you, thank you for supporting me, and thank you for pouring your life's journey into this book to inspire Black girls with big names to never shrink for the comfort of others (and even ourselves at times). Lastly, I was able to put my #research skills to work and moderate an intimate discussion around her book with our group. It was so good, we only got through the first 3 chapters; I'm looking forward to the next 3 and the next and the next!

I delivered my 1st keynote

Remember manifestation? So back in January, I was chatting with my soror and dynamic speaker Sasha S. about her journey as a public speaker. I've had the chance to follow in her footsteps, literally, since watching her stroll back in our college days in Jacksonville, FL. After becoming her soror, I've been able to watch her grow over the years from smaller speaking engagements, launching a successful podcast, and now traveling the world as a paid public speaker. I asked for advice on how to get the keynote and I followed her advice step by step, just like I did those strolls many years ago ?? ?? . Well, it worked and I was able to deliver a meaningful conversation to the women of Women in Media (UGA) ! Crazy thing is that as I walked the halls of Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication, University of Georgia , I saw a very familiar face plastered on the walls - it was Emily Ward ! When I was a coordinator for a radio cluster in Jacksonville, FL, I met Emily fresh out of college and jumping into radio sales under the leadership of Nichole Hartman . What's wild is that I included Nichole in my presentation to recognize how much her leadership impacted me as a women leader. I promise I couldn't make this up! Y'all, it was such a sweet surprise how we are really doing things out here in media and marketing. I then entered the room, warmly greeted by the best student event coordinators and lunch (They anticipated I needed to eat prior to speaking, I mean, there are super grown folks that aren't as buttoned up, ok!). After warming up and getting the ladies seated, my mentee, Jonina B. , gave me an introduction that almost made me cry. Plus, I was able to meet amazing future marketing and media leaders and hear about their upcoming travel to Cannes Lions (so jealous!). I wanted these ladies to understand that they are in control of their journey, their success, and their personal brands. Being able to be asked hard questions and vulnerable share was truly transformative and I can't say thanks enough for the opportunity. GOOOO DAWGS!

Y'all, March was amazing. I don't want to forget the other wins this month and will quickly shout out a few more highlights of my personal and professional circles.

My sis, Yolett McPhee-McCuin took her team to March Madness and made history with her leadership and success at #OleMiss ! I was able to celebrate my dearest soror and friend Rosalyn Stevens as she approaches her wedding day and see her balance work and life as a #prettyboss . I loved on my friends Bianca Goolsby, MBA , and Michele K. Rayner, Esq. on their trip to Atlanta and got to catch up on all the things from Florida #politics and #education to life in and of itself. Lastly, I lived and loved my way through March and it truly has ushered in a new era of my life.

This Women's History Month, I learned that professionalism is subjective and often iterated in ways that protect the traditional standard of the world: white, straight, affluent, able-bodied, and male. As women, it's ok not to be everyone's cup of sweet tea. It's ok to show up prim and proper, just like it's ok to show up respectfully brash, and taking up space. I am who I am, and I have paid (and will continue to pay) my dues to be able to authentically be me - I encourage all women to do the same because as long as you get the job done at your highest quality and effort, you're #professionalaf and don't let anyone tell you differently.

I'll leave you with this question: What did March bring you? Let me know in the comments and thanks so much for reading #unlimitedbeliefs .