Today we’d like to introduce you to Telicia Fogle-Simon.
Telicia, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Leadership has always been a passion of mine, especially developing leadership skills in others. From the time I can remember, my family always promoted “Excellence”. Not “Excellence” in being perfect, but “Excellence” in being imperfect. Always striving to better your imperfections was what I saw in my grandfather as he went back to school to get his diploma in his golden years or my own mother that never gave up on the dream to walk across the stage with her undergraduate degree after struggling with her own personal demons. Whatever the imperfections were, through your own choice would you learn to perfect them. So this idea or theory that your imperfections can be transformed into perfections became the catalyst for the birth of Choice Nation Academy (nonprofit advocacy organization) and Grow Minds Consulting, LLC. (training and consulting education services). The journey has definitely not been an easy one thus far. There have been times when I’ve second guessed myself. “Who told me to leave my job and launch not one but two businesses in one year?” “What is my next step?” “Can this vision that I have flourish into an actual business?” There was no sure answer. However, when I reflect on the generational impact that is possible because of the choice I made to be the “genesis of transformation” I know I have to keep going.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
The road has definitely not been a smooth one. Over the last eight years, Choice Nation Academy was a vision in my head. It took and is continuing to take building relationships, networking, long nights and weekends to mold the vision. The best advice that I can give to other women, especially young aspiring women is to surround yourself with nurturers. Those who are willing to be that inner circle that many of us need these days. That circle that will pray for you and with you or that will be your co-pilot on this wild rollercoaster known as “Entrepreneurship” or like I like to call it…. finding your “WHY”.
What should we know about Choice Nation Academy? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
My work starts and ends with evolution, change, development or leveling up one’s self. Whether it is supporting the growth and development of my own five children or it is mentoring someone on their journey to finding their “WHY”. In 2017, Choice Nation Academy launched with a mission to offer opportunities for underprivileged youth to become empowered decision-making leaders through personal development and community engagement. With community partnerships and parental support, we are able to offer youth (ages 8-15) summer leadership institutes youth advocacy assistance, and mentorship. We are most proud that in 2019 87% of our youth have identifed and are working their academic plans towards their college & career path. Building relationships with the community, having humility, showing ownership, expressing individuality, and always striving for excellence is what set us apart.
Do you have any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general? What has worked well for you?
Finding a mentor that aligns with your vision can be a challenging thing, however, it is possible. What I’ve found is that there is not one mentor, but multiple mentors that are needed to succeed in any endeavor. Different people bring different perspectives and expertise. For me, I’ve been blessed to have all types of mentors in my life from individuals to organizations. Do not close yourself off. Be willing to put yourself out there to be heard by others. There is always someone out there is aligned to your destiny. It is all in a matter of you working your plan, believing in it, staying focused, and valuing relationships.
Pricing:
- 5 Week Summer Leadership Institute – $675 per youth
- Advocacy Consultation – $75
- Mentorship Program – $150
Contact Info:
- Address: 12955 Willow Place Drive West
Unit 691686
Houston, Texas 77269 - Website: www.choicenationacademy.org
- Phone: 8325592610
- Email: choicenationacademy@gmail.com
- Instagram: @academychoice
- Facebook: @academychoice
- Twitter: @academychoice
Image Credit:
Choice Nation Academy
YAMO
Prarie View A & M Agg Life
Dream 2 Vision Education
Northweast Assistance Ministries
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