Howdy, I’m Krystle! I’m a certified career counselor, social justice advocate, writer, and change agent. I have 15+ years of experience as a career services professional, primarily in the higher education industry, which inspired me to make a difference in the lives of bright diverse students and professionals.

How it all started

I am from Hampton, Virginia, affectionately known as the “757”, and otherwise called the Tidewater or Hampton Roads area. I witnessed some bright potential growing up. Some of us “made it”, many of us didn’t. I was always intrigued by those that did not, or otherwise deeply struggled to do so. This is my journey.

I wanted to be a counselor when I was in the sixth grade. I had a difficult time as an adolescent growing up in divorced single parent household. I had trouble fitting in and achievement became my reprieve from social chaos. My experiences instilled in me a deep compassion for the suffering of others. I asked my teacher what someone was called that helped others work out their problems, and he told me a therapist. He informed me that I needed to study psychology, and I would have to go to college. The following year this teacher referred me to the Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) Program.

My future was set. I learned valuable skills in the AVID program while learning the culture of college. I attended George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia to pursue a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology. I was equally excited and intimidated by the people and opportunities in the more affluent DC Metro Area as compared to my hometown. Again, I struggled to fit in, but I made the most of my undergraduate experiences as a student leader on campus. I was so eager to take the leadership, programming, and organizational skills I learned to be competitive as a graduate school applicant at a top-ranked Counseling Psychology or Marriage and Family Therapy program. I wanted to impact the mental health field as a therapist at a community organization, and eventually my start my own practice.

I was not accepted to the program I wanted.

This unfortunate change of events threatened my “plan” and forced me to re-chart my life. I faced my first instance of unemployment during this time, and I learned what it meant to face the anxiety, frustration, and anger of looking for a job. I eventually found a job in customer service, and I decided to not give up on my goals. I applied to the counseling program at my alma mater.

This time I was accepted! I worked full-time while going to school. It was a struggle starting a Master’s program. I felt stretched to my limit, and I didn’t know how I would make it. Despite the difficulty, I felt God’s plan was working in my life. This greatly improved my Christian faith, and I decided to trust His leading. I still continued to struggle, and the challenges I faced at work made me depressed.

I left that full-time job for a volunteer position as a case manager for a program at a non-profit that assisted recent inmates to find jobs. Little did I know this would change my career path forever. I faced a few more instances of unemployment, but God worked it all out. Throughout these 15+ years, I have continued to work with marginalized populations for non-profits, human service agencies, and college access programs with a focus on first generation and low-income backgrounds, of whom many were students of color. Serving underrepresented populations on educational and career issues became my true love as a professional.

Philosophy

The career journey was bumpy for me starting as an at-risk youth from a marginalized community. My determination kept me focused, but it did not shield me from the confusion of navigating college, higher education, and the workplace as a woman and person of color. Can you relate?

I realize that success for underrepresented populations is not careers as usual - skills, education, networking, and applying for a job. Success is a culture of being in tune with yourself and how that applies to the world of work. I’m here through my blog and social media platforms to help lighten your path with tools, resources, faith, and tips. I also provide career services and coaching as well as presentations and workshops specializing in the needs of first generation and underrepresented minorities. I use my personal and professional insights to inform and prepare diverse students and professionals about how to overcome barriers they experience in higher education and the workplace.

When I’m not absorbing all things career development,  I find myself addicted to reading. I’m a believer. I’m an introvert. I’m an empath. I enjoy sleeping and spend my waking hours creating and thinking. I love all things culture, beauty, and becoming and being my best, and helping others to do the same.

I’m a full-time educator on a mission to change the world with my gifts. The unfortunate experiences I faced and the circumstance of those I grew up with inspires me to write and advocate through participation in social organizations and community projects. Now, God put on my heart to start this blog and career services platform. I hope what you find on this website uplifts you to join me on your calling to a purposeful life and career.

Krystle