Career Roadmap
Kristen's work combines: Writing, Education, and Teaching / Mentoring
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Day In The Life
Skills &
Education
Here's the path I took:
High School
National Cathedral School
Bachelor's Degree
Communications (Broadcast Production)
Loyola University-New Orleans
Graduate Degree
Film
American University
Graduate Degree
Law
George Washington University
Here's the path I recommend for someone who wants to be a Training & Development Managers:
Bachelor's Degree: Communications/Psychology
Graduate Degree: Organizational Leadership
Learn more about different paths to this career
Life & Career Milestones
I've taken a lot of twists and turns
1.
I fell in love with writing when I was five. I had no idea what I wanted to become in college.
2.
I went to grad school for film/video, thinking about becoming the next Ken Burns. During my second semester, I decided I didn't love film/video enough to truly make it the center of my career.
3.
I went to law school, with no intention of practicing law. I noticed that every lawyer was unhappy. I wanted to love my career and so many lawyers tried to talk me about of becoming an attorney.
4.
A friend introduced me to a non-profit where I served as a speaker/facilitator for students. Standing in front of the room, I instantly fell in love with empowering others and facilitating sessions.
5.
I fell in love with speaking and facilitation and tried to figure out how to do it full time. As Director of Programs at a charter school, I was able to create curriculum, run a mentor program & teach
6.
I created a company to design training sessions for schools & companies, provide executive coaching, and grow leaders. I realized that relationships and communication continued to pop up for clients.
7.
My friends were divorcing or were divorced. I created communication & relationship workshops. I wrote a book called "The Gift of Past Relationships" to help people navigate relationships.
8.
I facilitated & designed sessions, designed a corporate mentor program, grew leaders & coached individuals, & worked at Radio One & PBS. Now, I combine all of my experiences into my current role.
Defining Moments
How I responded to discouragement
THE NOISE
Messages from Peers:
I don't understand why you don't want to practice after going to law school. That is dumb.
How I responded:
I realized that I only knew one happy attorney. Everyone else was miserable but they had so much law school debt that they felt trapped in their jobs. My father always told me, "Do what you love and the money will come." He was right. When I am in front of a room facilitating, I feel alive. I am one of the few people who loves what they do for a living. I empower people to grow, learn, & have their own aha moments. I kept searching for happiness and I found it...and the money came.
Experiences and challenges that shaped me
My mom was a housewife and my dad made $90/week. I applied for scholarships and grants to be able to afford college. I worked two part-time jobs in college, in addition to going to school full time. When you want it badly, money won't stop you.
I almost caved into the pressure to be what my friends/family thought I should. Happiness is the most important thing in life. You can only attain it by listening to the voice inside of you that whispers your passion or purpose to you.