The power of speaking up

Quote found on the Internet

“The power of speaking up is an open culture where people feel empowered to express opinion, debate issues, provide insight and perspective, and is the starting point for an organization to grow and succeed.”

Dedicated to creating a culture where every voice is heard and valued, I believe in the power of speaking up to drive organizational growth and success. My mission is to promote honesty, respect, and influence through transparent and constructive dialogues.

With a robust background in communication and problem-solving, I bring a unique perspective to discussions and decision-making processes. I actively engage in debates, providing insight and perspective to contribute to effective solutions.

Throughout my career, I have successfully raised concerns about workplace safety, ethical issues, and harassment, leading to tangible improvements in organizational processes and outcomes. I have a proven track record of driving positive change through open and honest conversations.

“Speaking up at work can have many benefits, including:

Personal and professional growth

Speaking up can help you build confidence, skills, and influence. It can also help you develop new skills and stay up to date with industry trends.

Innovation

Speaking up can generate new ideas and encourage new perspectives.

Positive change

Speaking up can help protect individuals and preserve the integrity of the organization. For example, you can raise concerns about workplace safety, ethical dilemmas, or harassment. You can also provide constructive feedback to help organizations improve their processes, products, and services.

Sense of belonging

Speaking up can create a sense of psychological safety, trust, and belonging. Employees who feel respected and supported are generally more motivated and productive.

Visibility and credibility

Speaking up can help you gain visibility, increase your influence, and enhance your credibility and social capital.

It is important for many reasons, including:

Honesty

Speaking up can be a form of honesty that builds trust, especially when combined with empathy and tact.

Unique perspective

You might have unique knowledge or experience that can be valuable in a situation, and no one else can share your perspective.

Respect

Speaking up can show respect for others' opinions, even if you disagree.

Influence

Speaking up can help you strengthen your influence and make sure your team is heard.

Upward communication

Speaking up can be important in an organization because it can help improve employee participation and performance.

Unexpected opportunities

Speaking up can open up unexpected opportunities, such as putting you in the minds of your peers and manager when they see a relevant opportunity.

Sense of responsibility

Speaking up can give you a sense of responsibility and fulfillment, and it can also encourage others to speak up as well.”

I paint

I paint with either my hands or paint brush. Just ask questions if you do not know. I paint because growing up in America as a black female was not easy for me. Therefore, I painted how I felt about my life, my experiences, and my world. "The only thing I know is that I paint because I have the need to, I always paint what goes through my head without any other consideration. ” - Frida Kahlo

Peacock

“The female peacock, also known as a peahen, can also represent inner beauty and self-love. Beauty: Peacocks' iridescent feathers can symbolize external beauty and capture attention. However, peacocks can also remind us that true beauty comes from within, and that nurturing our souls can enhance our outer appearance. Self-love: Peacocks can represent the importance of self-love and acceptance.” “Important qualities in the workplace include self-expression, optimism, individuality, personal reflection, being observant, and passionate. Self-expression can foster inclusivity and empowerment. Optimism involves expecting positive outcomes and growth. Individuality means bringing your whole self to work or fostering an individualist culture. Self-reflection aids personal and professional growth. Being observant helps notice details others may miss. Passion in the workplace involves finding meaning and approaching work with focus.” Dynamic and passionate individual with a strong focus on

NationHouse

NationHouse Positive Action Center, private African - American school originally located at 770 Park Rd NW in Washington, D.C. I had the opportunity to attend this school from 1978 - 1991. Some of my teachers while I was a student at NationHouse include Baba Agyei Akoto, Mama Nkechi Taifa, Mama Afia Nson Bonsu and Baba Michael Anthony - Brown artist. "Baba Agyei Akoto was a respected scholar, educator, institution builder and author. He was the principal of NationHouse Positive Action Center – which has provided a rigorous African-centered education to students ranging from pre-school through high school, for over thirty eight years." Baba Agyei recently passed on December 4, 2019. "Mama Nkechi Taifa is a native Washingtonian and life-long resident of the District of Columbia. She is a social justice attorney, activist, author, motivational speaker and entrepreneur. She serves as a Senior Policy Analyst for an international foundation and convenes a W

Cheriss May and Zsudayka Nzinga @ BZB Holiday Gala Fine Art Show

Cheriss May and Zsudayka Nzinga @ BZB Holiday Gala Fine Art Show Cheriss May " Cheriss May is a lauded portrait and editorial photographer based in Washington, D.C. She is a member of the Board of Directors — Focus on the Story , the immediate past president — Women Photojournalists of Washingto n (WPOW) , co-chair of photography — The National Press Clu b , an Adobe Education Leader , and an adjunct professor at Howard University , her Alma Mater. She is often commissioned to speak about inclusive storytelling, and trains and speaks to organizations, and educators around the world, including: Spotify, Adobe, Leica, The Financial Times, the Center for Creative Photography, and the International Center of Photography. Cheriss has been published in The New York Times, O Magazine, The White House website, People magazine, The San Francisco Chronicle, ABC News, The Today Show, and other international publications. She has a traveling exhibit and forthcoming book, "

Why Work with Women and Girls?

" As women, we have been taught to always compete with each other and compare ourselves on the basis of the way we look and act. Working with each other closely kills that way of thinking, empowers us and helps us create together in an environment that we feel safe in." Therefore, working with women and girls not helps me to empower them to feel good about themselves, but to heal themselves from trauma and other experiences that they may encountered. Organizations such as Esther Productions, Inc and the African American Women's Resource Center allowed me to work with a diverse set of women and girls from different backgrounds and sexual orientation beliefs. In 2004, I began to work with Esther Productions, Inc and from 2017 - 2018, I provided services for the African American Women's Resource Center. Esther Productions, Inc. is dedicated to using a variety of vehicles—traditional and nontraditional—to develop communities throughout the United States and Europ

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My Charter School Experiences

In 1992, I did not attend a charter school. I have had a wide range opportunities that took place at various schools. I have not provided any services for schools as a consultant for a while. Among them include when I served as a substitute teacher for Mundo Verde PCS in 2013, I can recall working with some of the students and staff and sharing my passion and extensive background in visual arts. Additionally, I can recall when I served as a substitute teacher for DC International School. I knew a little bit of Spanish, but as a professional visual artist, I really enjoyed sharing my love and extensive background in visual arts with the students and some of the staff members at DC International from 2016-2017. Also when I served as an art elective Summer Camp teacher for Higher Achievement in 2013, the program took place at Center City Capitol Hill Campus. Providing each of these services in the past were a great opportunity for me. However, since these experiences, I have directed my s

Ms. Afrika Abney - Consultant Branding Blog

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