We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Kissena S. Frazier. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Kissena S. below.
Kissena S., appreciate you joining us today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?
The AKcess Granted mission is to provide college access services for historically marginalized high school students who reside in under-resourced communities. In high school I had an opportunity to have my undergrad degree fully funded through a program based on my income eligibility and being a first generation student, but the people around me didn’t push me to be a part. My family didn’t know how to navigate the college process. My high school guidance counselor wasn’t helpful in helping me choose any would make me the most successful in post-secondary education. I now am that for marginalized and underserved students. Through my business AKcess Granted I’ll continue to provide college access services for historically marginalized high school students who reside in under-resourced communities. Understanding that education is the surest way out if poverty, I’ll continue to help students unlock their potential and break barriers to college access.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I’m a masters level social worker with over a decade of experience in the field of social work having worked in many different capacities. Working in higher education I recognize the politics and red tape of how we are able to serve students. Many times, it’s biased, inequitable, and not in the favor of the population that have the most need. AKcess Granted allows me to reach students not just in Buffalo and surrounding areas, but in other states/cities. What I’m most proud of is that I’m able to serve students the way that I want and the way that they need to be successful. Understanding the underserved student population, their needs, and how to reach them sets me apart from others. I’m excited to now be able to motivate, teach and change lives of students in a way that they will never forget.
Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?
Social media rules the world. You can not only connect with people you know, but it allows you to connect with perfect strangers. You can create a facade and be whomever you want to be. You can be vulnerable and transparent, or you can make up a life and a character that you want others to believe. I’ve always used my personal social media platform in a positive way. I connect with my sorority sisters and fraternity brothers from all over the world. I connect with locals as well as other professionals who are in the same market as myself.
When I created my business I used my personal social media platform to promote my business. Many knew me in my community as someone who served youth and families, and who conducted workshops and events, so when I started my business it wasn’t hard to gain support. The ‘know, like, and trust’ factor and how I convey the information I’m sharing was what has made me stand apart from my peers who are doing the same thing I’m doing. I’ve used my personal and professional network platform to build my business. If you’re starting a business that’s the advice I’d give. Utilize your network when you’re starting out.
Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?
What helped me build my reputation in my market is the way that I offer my services and my delivery on how I get the information to the students. There’s too much red tape around how you’re told that you should serve students in schools and colleges. Service’s nowadays are inequitable and oppression and systemic racism is still very prevalent in school systems all over. That’s part of the reason that what’s taught and what’s left out is just that… left out. It’s very intentional and done on purpose.
Being a first-generation student and working with low-income and first generation I can relate to their needs and experiences while navigating their education. My genuineness coupled with my education, experience and delivery is what has helped me build my reputation within my market.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/akcessgranted.ny?igshid=NzZlODBkYWE4Ng%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kissena-frazier-msw-b-s-587b53149?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app