Reflecting on One Year Post Doctorate

It's been exactly one year since I completed one of the most rewarding journeys of my life, earning a Doctorate in Education Leadership and Management—what I lovingly refer to as the "CEO doctorate."

I had high expectations, thinking life would get easier post-graduation. But you know what? It got harder. I quickly realized there was so much more growth needed. I wanted to enhance my leadership skills, my research, my teaching, and I had a strong desire to travel.

So, how have things been going a year after graduation? Here are a few highlights from my journey:

• Received funding from and completed a certificate in Applied DEI at Brown University School of Professional Studies .
• Completed 25% of my Certificate in School Management and Leadership (CSML) at 美国哈佛商学院
• Was frequently asked if I was "rich yet" because I'm now a "doctor."
• Landed an adjunct faculty role at Purdue Global , teaching DEI in Education Context for Ed.D students.
• Landed an adjunct faculty role at Hampton University, teaching Doctoral Students in Education.
• Left a comfortable job after eight years of service.
• Became the Head Coach for Punahou School Intermediate Track & Field and coached my first season.
• Returned to University of Hawaii at Manoa to lead the DESCARTES National Science Foundation Research Traineeship in the College of Engineering, advising and onboarding our first cohort.
• Complied with multiple requests to "cut my lawn."
• Learned that while some people can "wing it," I need to be prepared at all times. Stay ready for the blessing, so you don't have to get ready.
• Launched Forward Equity Lab , a consultancy leveraging my research, publication, and teaching skills to build better organizations.
• Discovered what happens when your bank account has negative integers (e.g., -$100).
• Was humorously reminded that I'm not a "real doctor," just one of those "Jill Biden Doctors."
• Got life insurance (adulting).
• Applied for, interviewed for, and was rejected from multiple roles. Turned the tables. Began interviewing potential employers, and shifted my focus to finding the right people and places to move my change agenda forward rather than just finding work. I ask humanizing questions and respond as my true self. If we can’t connect on a human level, I know right away the “opportunity” is not for me.
• Mentored hundreds of K-12, master's, and doctoral students—my favorite part.
• Experienced financial struggles but managed to keep up with tuition payments for my kids and keep the lights on.
• Parked my BMW and opted for a scooter for easier campus commuting.
• Got my own office (no windows) in the College of Engineering at UH, where I can close and lock the door (Momma, can you see this?).
• Had many hard "talks" with God, like "WTH" are you doing??, followed by small encouragements that kept me going.
• Stayed connected with my mom, aunties, cousins, and sisters daily—they need to know I love them every day.
• Hit the gym regularly.
• Celebrated 25 years of marriage.
• Graduated a son from 美国哥伦比亚大学
• Learned that DEI is actually social-emotional learning for adults (who knew?).
• Lost 15 pounds.
• Realized the system of education is perpetually "looking" for Black male educators and leaders but not necessarily hiring.
• Gained two cats.
• Recorded a new album and released new music on my label.
• Stayed married.
• Learned that leadership involves recognizing that change takes time and that most of the work is about loving and respecting those you work with.
• Loved my children.
• Capped off the year by landing a The Fulbright Program Fellowship (did anyone say travel?)

As you can see, it's been a very full year! Yet, I feel there's still so much more to do. Here's to another year of growth as a changemaker.

Shout out to my Alma mater Drexel University's School of Education #GoDragons

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