Dr. Matthews
My Whole Round Brown Self
This is the part I can’t stand, “Tell me a little about yourself.” What I most often want to say is, “I’m a badass & you probably shouldn’t fuck with me if your intent isn’t positive,” but our society doesn’t actually like that approach coming from Black women (or any women really). Societal norms don’t often stop me because, let’s be real, those expectations are vagaries of oppression & provide so few real benefits that the effort that it takes to sustain them causes more harm than good.
Here’s a little background on who I am and why I find myself offering these services.
I have a rich background that spans academia, counseling, organizational consulting, and executive coaching. In that work, I remain dedicated to dismantling systemic barriers and fostering environments where women of the global majority can not only survive but thrive. Supporting and empowering women is my superpower. I’m not even sure how I developed it.
My mother tells me, regularly, that I am the same person that I’ve always been. She marvels at it because she has so rarely seen it, but who I am is deeply, firmly and immutably made. This doesn’t mean that I don’t shift when new information comes my way. Change is inevitable & I am only afraid of it when I have failed to plan. I am only angry about it when I have not anticipated it. Change is the one constancy of human life & I don’t fight it unless it is damaging.
I earn a Ph.D. in Sociology from the University of Oklahoma, a masters in Counseling from Mississippi State University, a Bachelors degree in English Literature and I am working on a certificate of Instructional Design (just because). As an university professor, I work to illuminate the intricate dynamics of race, gender, socio-economic class and power within academic and professional settings. However, my commitment extends beyond theory into actionable, real-world change.
My approach to this work is deeply personal. Drawing from my own experiences as a BIPOC woman navigating the turbulent waters of higher education and corporate America, I bring comprehension, cultural insight, and strategic acumen to my work. My innovative methods and unwavering dedication have transformed the lives of countless individuals, guiding them towards achieving their full potential.
One of the things I do best is talk, because for me, talking is a major facet in gaining deploying knowledge. My goal is to inspire and challenge audiences to think critically about many facets of social life and the role that power plays in inclusion (or exclusion) and how to address them in personal and professional life. This is especially important for women of the global majority. My aim is to make sure that my voice sounds a call to action that resonates in classrooms, boardrooms, and community spaces alike.
I envisions a world where BIPOC women and femmes are not only recognized for their contributions but are also celebrated for their inherent strength and leadership. And through my work, I am not just envisioning this world; I am doing my part to actively create it by sharing my knowledge and expertise with others who need the support.
Join me and One Woman’s Work, Unlimited on a transformative journey towards equity, empowerment, and excellence. Together, we can reshape the future.