INSPIRATIONS!: Inspired to Fly High!

MM's beat-up toy, so true to the character!

So some days ago, we took my son and his cousins to see Disney's Planes. Now like many other adults, the kids were just our excuse for going to see it as it was highly anticipated for me. And it did not disappoint. Now I am not a film critic, but I do connect with matters of the heart and all I can really say is that my eyes were teared up from almost the beginning to the end of this animated feature. The movie spoke to so many issues that I can relate with, but for the sake of those who have not yet seen it, i'll keep my comments brief. However, I would like to share some keys that I came away with, concepts or statements that made an impact on me. Here they are:

"I have flown thousands of miles but have been no where"

Man, that hit home the moment the words made it through my ears. I can relate having taken the "scenic route" to reach a variety of goals. Can you relate with having felt like you've gone back and forth and back and forth for years without making true progress? I want to fly a thousand more miles but this time I want to have the passport to new experiences, enriching opportunities and life long fulfillment. It's my earnest plea!

"Racing with another's shadow..." 

What an engaging concept! When I thought of this, I thought of those who proceed me; those who have been successful in areas that I can only wish for. As they lead with an impeccable and flawless example, I can relate with the notion of "racing with their shadow": working to be just as talented and just as impactful as their example, yet within a new context. It really got me thinking.

Overcoming limitations. Getting pass stigma. Breaking through barriers. 

I thought about what it's like when no one thinks you can or should make it...what it can be like when you beat the odds. And one of the most powerful things for me was in seeing the energy and freedom in overcoming fear! There is so much liberty and excitement in conquering fear and flying high!

"When you win, I win too."

I think this is what I went away with. Supporting those who are winning in the race. I might not be up at the front, but I can support the people who are, because when they win, so do I, and so does the society as a whole. Really got me thinking about some old goals and old plans. I might not be on that path today but nothing stops me from supporting those who are and watching them realize that dream as a result. It is truly empowering!

So my all-in-all scoop on Planes? I've got it on pre-order, and I'm going to look for the soundtrack! Definitely entertaining for the kids but thought-provoking for abstract thinkers. I can't wait to watch it over and over again and reinforce these and many more lessons to the kids.

Thoughtfully yours,

Lyrics by tia 2013

Inspirations!: The CEO Who Dares 2 Dream

(Inspired to Act!)

I would like to share about Ms. Tamira Dunn and her magnificent brain child, Dream Girl's Mentoring Program, an outreach to teen moms.  But first I need to give some background.

You see, Ms Dunn is doing an awesome work. An advocate for youth in the city of Baltimore, while "Building the community one teen mom at a time", she truly struck a cord with me, as I once developed an outreach to teen girls in 2003 in response to all of the teen moms who surrounded me at the time.

Ladies for Signs and Wonders was a faith-based and grassroots self-image and confidence intervention for at-risk female youth, encouraging them to make positive choices particularly surrounding sex, and develop themselves spirit, mind and body. At that time I directed a team of 10 mentors and assistant coordinators in providing an enriching experience for each young lady. The program was implemented for 3 young ladies during the Spring of 2003 and 12 ladies during the Summer of 2003, but since I decided to begin professional school that Fall, all activities ended. Today, I can’t help but hear my dear late and great Pastor Arnita Antony advising me spiritually to continue with the good work back then. Unfortunately I didn't...and the professional school didn't work out either!!!

(Listen to your Pastors, ya'll!)

So you may understand my excitement when I first met Ms. Dunn at The Haus of Silhouette "Fashions Speak" affair at Towson University on Saturday May 5th 2012. This event was meant to raise awareness about domestic violence. Ms. Dunn had a table right next to mine. I got her card and the rest is history, as she has willingly accepted my support as someone excited about her initiative.

Ms Dunn is the CEO and Founder of Dream Girls Mentoring Program Inc. Since August 2008, she has provided one-on-one mentoring, provided resources and education, encouraged career and academic development, and provided several services that impact the lives of teenage mothers. She has done this through several community activities and has partnered with city and state agencies.

Essentially, Ms. Dunn is extremely connected to the community. I truly grasped this fact when I presented "The Education Station" at The Dream Girl’s Mentoring Program Community Baby Shower.  One-hundred pregnant and teen moms registered for this event! If you know me, you know that I had the time of my life educating all of those young women!!! She honestly left many health professionals throughout the city asking: “How did she do it?”

Oh, and then I found out that she is an active member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated.  My first thought was "A bajo!" as one would say in the Yoruba language, meaning "No wonder!!!!". Yes, both active in her chapter and accounted for, it is clear that she does what she does not for her own accolades but for the greater good of the community; and at the end of the day, for the glory of God.

When I think of the Five Pearls of Zeta, I believe that she too is a pioneer, a very special Pearl who has begun initiatives that I believe are also predicated on the precepts of Scholarship, Service, Sisterly Love and Finer Womanhood.

In Scholarship, as she propels young women forward toward success; women who have been told that they can not be successful due to past decisions and current responsibilities as mothers. Ms. Dunn is already seeing the impact of her interventions as the teen moms she reaches graduate from high school. Currently a graduate student herself, she applies her academic experience to practice.

In Service, because that is all she does! Serving God through her community; serving many, many people on an individual basis, and collaborating with others through Zeta and several more partnerships.

In Sisterly Love; not just for her sisters in Zeta, but for other Greeks and beyond throughout the community. And of course, sisterly love toward all of the young women she encounters every day, giving them hope and introducing a brighter future.

Photo Courtesy of Dani McCray Photography

In Finer Womanhood, because she reminds me of what womanhood is all about. Nurturing, caring, loving, giving, serving; this is the essence of all her work, and I believe, her ministry. 

Therefore, welcomed and inspired by Ms. Dunn [and also inspired by, in my opinion, the loveliest AKA on earth, my cousin Miss Opeyemi Elizabeth Fadoju (visit her at Floss and All)], I have decided to become active in Zeta again, serving in Baltimore, MD, finally, after about 7 years since my induction in May 2006. I am inspired to act, not necessarily for current gain but for a greater future, I proceed enthusiastically.

Who doesn't want to be a part of something good--and progressive?

So be inspired, friends, family and fans as you are Cordially Invited to ACT:

The Dream for Success School Supply Donation Drive

Begins THIS SATURDAY FROM 12:00-3:00 PM

Looking forward to seeing you there!

Look out for me!

The Grand Opening of The Dream Girls Mentoring Program New Offices 

Where you can meet the staff and learn how you too can get involved.

Looking forward to seeing you there.

Look out for me!

Stay tuned HERE for details on more outreach events including The Back to School Block Party, August 24, 2013. Vendor opportunities are also available.

A Quote from Ms Tamira Dunn:

My passion and vision to promote resources and implement programs for the youth of Baltimore City is what keeps me going. 

-June 25, 2013.

The CEO

A job well done, Ms. Dunn, and congratulations on a bright future of impact and exciting positive outcomes ahead!

-Sincerely,
Lyrics by tia
07/2013