By Design Consulting, LLC

03/13/2026

It’s Friday and the final day of the Rural Pathways Project Institute 3—and what a meaningful few days it has been.

Our conversations have centered on advancing DEEP K–12 pathways, strengthening partnerships, and thinking intentionally about how we create opportunities for students in rural communities. The work is complex, but the commitment in the room reminds me why this work matters.

I’m especially grateful to serve as a coach on this project, supporting colleges in Ohio and Texas. One of the greatest gifts of this work is how much I learn from them with every interaction. It’s always powerful to see how different states approach challenges, innovate, and support students in ways that move the work forward.

Every time we bring educators, leaders, and partners together with a shared purpose, we move one step closer to building pathways that truly support students—from where they are to where they want to be.

Grateful for the dialogue, the collaboration, and the continued focus on student success and opportunity.

Now let’s finish strong. 💚

03/12/2026

Day 2 | Rural Pathways Project Institute #3

Today’s conversations pushed us deeper into what it really means to advance DEEP K–12 pathways in rural communities.

Rural institutions play a powerful role in expanding opportunity. When K–12 systems, community colleges, and workforce partners align with intention, we create pathways that help students not only access education—but move through it with purpose and momentum.

Day 2 reminded me that meaningful progress requires more than strategy. It requires:

• Honest reflection about where gaps still exist
• Cross-sector collaboration that moves beyond silos
• A commitment to designing systems that truly work for rural learners

The work happening in this space is critical. Rural communities deserve pathways that are intentional, equitable, and built for long-term student success.

Grateful to be in community with leaders who are committed to doing this work well.

Looking forward to the conversations that Day 3 will bring.

HigherEducation

03/11/2026

I love ❤️ and am deeply thankful that my college supports me in helping other colleges advance their student success work through my coaching and training roles with Achieving the Dream, National Center for Inquiry and Improvement, and Complete College America.

This week I’m with some of my favorites—the incredible team at the National Center for Inquiry and Improvement—for the Rural Pathways Project Institute #3. My history with the leaders of this organization goes back more than 12 years, and I’m grateful for the continued support and the trust they place in me to contribute to the meaningful work they are doing.

It’s always meaningful to be in spaces where people are deeply committed to improving outcomes for students and communities. Opportunities like this remind me how powerful collaboration can be when organizations and leaders come together with a shared commitment to student success. Grateful to continue learning, contributing, and being part of work that truly makes a difference.

02/03/2026

Leadership looks good on me. 🎤✨

Showing up rooted, ready, and fully in my purpose—one keynote at a time.

12/06/2025

🎨 Introducing… The Authentic Life Adult Coloring Book! ✨

Created with intention. Designed for your peace. Rooted in purpose.

I’m so excited to share something deeply meaningful with you — The Authentic Life Adult Coloring Book. This isn’t just a coloring book; it’s a moment to breathe, recenter, and pour back into yourself.

Every page was crafted to help you slow down, tap into your creativity, and reconnect with the parts of you that deserve ease, joy, and restoration. Whether you’re unwinding after a long day, looking for a mindful practice, or gifting something that actually speaks to the soul — this is it.

🖤 Perfect for you.
🖤 Perfect as a gift.
🖤 Perfect for anyone on a journey toward authenticity, healing, and self-discovery.

✨ Grab your copy today and step into your soft, intentional season:
👉🏽 https://a.co/d/2Yd0FDM

Thank you for always supporting the work and the mission. This is just the beginning. 💛

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.

12/01/2025

It’s a new week, but that doesn’t mean you need a “new you.”

Sometimes the most powerful thing you can do on a Monday is recommit to who you already are:
• The you who has already overcome real stuff.
• The you who shows up even when you’re tired.
• The you who is allowed to choose peace and still be ambitious.

This week, give yourself permission to:
• Say no without apologizing.
• Protect your energy without guilt.
• Take one bold step that’s aligned with your purpose, not someone else’s expectations.

You don’t have to do it all.
You just have to do what’s yours to do.

✨ Small note: My The Authentic Life coloring books are on sale right now—created for those moments when you need to breathe, reset, and pour back into you.
👉🏽https://a.co/d/2oIXiN9

11/30/2025

Coloring Book ✨

🎄✨ Holiday Gift Alert! ✨🎄
If you’re looking for a meaningful, feel-good gift this season, the Coloring Book is officially here — and it’s the perfect way to add a little peace, joy, and authenticity to someone’s holiday.

📘 Hardcover available now:
https://a.co/d/bLpZST9
📚 Paperback expected Monday (pending Amazon approval)

⸻

💛 Why You Should Buy It

✔️ It’s more than a coloring book.
Each page was intentionally designed to help you unplug, reset, and reconnect with yourself — something we all deserve during the busy holiday season.

✔️ A tool for mental wellness.
Coloring reduces stress, calms the nervous system, and creates space for reflection. This book blends mindfulness with messages rooted in authenticity and self-love.

✔️ Beautifully crafted & gift-ready.
The hardcover edition makes for a stunning, durable keepsake — perfect for gifting or adding to your personal self-care routine.

✔️ Supports a Black woman–owned business.
Every purchase pours back into The Authentic Life mission of helping women (and everyone) live boldly, confidently, and without apology.

⸻

🎁 Who You Can Gift It To

✨ The women in your life who do everything for everyone and need a moment to breathe.
✨ Your girlfriends, sisters, and aunties who love self-care, journaling, or creative outlets.
✨ College students who need an easy way to de-stress.
✨ Coworkers or supervisors as a thoughtful wellness gift.
✨ Teen girls as they learn to embrace confidence and identity.
✨ Moms who rarely take time for themselves.
✨ Teachers, counselors, and social workers who give so much of their emotional energy.
✨ Anyone on an emotional wellness journey who’s learning to slow down and live authentically.

And honestly… get one for yourself, too. You deserve a moment of color, calm, and authenticity. 💛

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.