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

Inspirations: The Way You Make Me Feel, MJ!

Image courtesy of DrAjao

(Inspired to Praise)

The first time I heard my sons' cries, my response was exactly the same.
I mean, imagine that moment when a person doesn't exist and then the next moment they do, and they proclaim their arrival with a strong, wailing greeting.

Praise exploded from my heart at that moment!
Unrestrained and unrestricted praise.
I couldn't have cared less about the OBs, Nurses, Anesthesiology, Techs and others present
I actually couldn't help myself and I couldn't contain it.
Both were amazing moments.

From their first cries till now, my MJ still compels me to praise. I'm sure you know what I mean.

When we look them over...you know, tilt our heads to the side and look real close at their features...
How likened they are to us and/or our spouses?
Fearful at times at the resemblance?
I look at how wondrously they are made and again I am compelled to praise.
"My God! You are wonderful!"

What about how they surprise us at the intricate details and knowledge
That they soak up moment by moment, without our intervention?
We think 'How could someone so small be so smart?' 
When they say witty things, we wonder how this whole person could have come out from us!:
"I am actually a parent! Who would have thought? Thank You, Jesus!"

And when we look at how they are literally maturing before our eyes,
Becoming more handsome and more beautiful, and think 
'What a perfect blend of genes! LORD, You are amazing!

GOD is worthy of all this praise, for HE designed them specially to bring us joy in life.

So my dear children, my MJ, thank you for inspiring me to praise. 

For inspiring me to praise through my example to you. 

Praise through my love and service to you as your mom; 

Through discipline, as I envision the astute men you will one day be. 

Inspired to draw closer to the Lord so that I can teach you the things of God; 

The pleasures of knowing HIM in your youth, 

In being so near and dear to Him that he orchestrates your plans, 

Giving you opportunities that I didn't have

Praise through my work because all that I am today 

Is because you inspired me to do better,

You are the reason my life has changed today, 

Because you inspired me to get off my butt and get out the door to make something happen!

That's how you make me feel, my MJ,

'Cause as another MJ (2009-2013) said:

Oh I'll Be Workin' From Nine To Five

To Buy You Things To Keep you by my side

Enjoy this track with me as a tribute to the MJ we celebrate today.

I remember where I was this day in 2009, MM still in utero and Jojo only a dream

I'm grateful to have them both as a source of joy today.

I love you, My MJ.

06/25/13

Inspirations: Z is for Zaner SA

Image by DrAjao

(The SUPERS have resurfaced!)

You guys, this May marked A DECADE since I graduated from College! And although I have been in the field for almost 10 years, I was inspired by an exceptional young lady, the Student Keynote Speaker at The University of Maryland College Park (UMCP) 2013 Commencement activities for The School of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences.

Her name is Ms. Stefanie Anne Zaner, but pretty soon, the scientific world will know her well as Zaner SA. Well, actually, Ms. Zaner was first know as The Iron Kid of Darnestown who completed 13 years of elementary, middle and high school without a single absence.

Ms. Zaner became just as impressive in College, as she didn't just BS to get a BS! Having received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Biological Sciences: Physiology and Neurobiology this May, Ms. Zaner earned a University Honors Citation and has been inducted into Phi Beta Kappa and the Primannum Honor Societies. She was the type of student who "camped outside her professors' offices," using all the resources available to her as a student who invested in her own education.

You would think she would forsake all else and face the studies as a "responsible scholar". Rather, she believed in the power and opportunity found in student involvement. She was President of the Charles R. Drew Pre-Medical/Pre-Health Society; Head Recruitment Ambassador for the College of Computer, Mathematical and Natural Sciences, and played the clarinet as a member of the Mighty Sound of Maryland Marching Band and the Pep Band for all 4 years.

Student activity is great; but so is that moo-lah. Ms Zaner was a Teaching Assistant for Biometrics and Mammalian Physiology. She has been a Research Assistant at the National Institute of Child Health and Development. Finding opportunities to apply her book knowledge, she was also a Radiology Assistant at Washington Hospital Center.

Now she is going to complete a Post-Bac Research Training program, then off to Med School! She is impressive indeed! Ms. Zaner is living proof that busy girls get it done--and that they do it big!

So to all my Super Women out there excelling in life;

Skillfully managing spirituality, academia, career, family, service and self;

I salute you!

Zaner SA, I hope to hear more about you through your activities in science, research and medicine; and definitely in the media! You've truly inspired me that it is possible to do it all, and do it well. Congratulations!

Enjoy Zaner SA’s Witty Keynote Address on

The ABCs According to the UMCP Class of 2013

Based on evidence-based research: real student survey responses.

Genius!

Inspirations: DARA!

DARA♥ 

Excellence Through Endurance

I drove home through a terrible storm last evening. My only company were comforting lyrics and sounds from the CD player; words accompanied by base and a catchy chorus from the song "Without You" of DARA's new release “Colors of my Heart”. So I sang along:

Oh. Oh. Oh…Nothing in this world would matter without You...

Whoa Oh. Oh. Oh...Nothing in this world would matter without You.

Without You. Without You…

While I was prayerfully struggling with visibility, 
With the tremendous downpour of rain, 
And as I faced weather conditions that have taken so many lives, 
I wailed out those Oooooohs!, and focused on a God who matters no matter what happens.

Of course, after a repeat or two (or three) I decided to let the tracks proceed. To the glory of God I made it home safely, and appropriately, I couldn't help but join in to  the song “You Deserve” with lifted hands:

You deserve all my worship,

You deserve all my praise,

You deserve all my worship,

Jesus You deserve. 

Jesus You deserve...

Truly there is nothing like the right music at the right moments!

DARA's “Colors of my Heart” is an eclectic selection of creative arrangements, exciting transitions, and outstanding usage of culture and language. Exuding excellence, DARA’s project was well worth the wait! Not only is it soulful and entertaining, but the lyrical expressions that were crafted are true and Biblically sound. You cannot deny her strategic use of partnerships, as every aspect of the music, sound, background vocals, production, and branding are truly on point. It is clear that when DARA♥ was ready to hit the stage, she did so with the power and presence of God backing her up! 

DARA♥, Lyrics by tia applauds you. You are truly an inspiration.

Family, Fans and Friends, you are missing out if you don’t have your own personal copy of the “Colors of my Heart” album. 

Get yours today!   Also visit her website for updates (full site coming soon)!

DARA♥, we look forward to hearing more about the success that is already yours.

With love,

Lyrics by tia
06/2013