Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to De’Shawna Yamini. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi De’Shawna, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear about the things you feel your parents did right and how those things have impacted your career and life.

I was raised by a single mother who taught me responsibility early on. I remember my mom saying one day, “You have such beautiful handwriting! Can you help me by completing this check and addressing this envelope?” So she told me where to write what, and I did so in the best cursive I could, happy that my mom liked my handwriting. I had to be about ten years old. So, that became my job. I wrote the checks for the household bills, addressed the envelopes, and put postage stamps on them. I reflect on those little lessons, fully understanding what she taught me.

De’Shawna, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

In February 2022, I wrote a children’s book in what I plan to be the first in a series of four. I was inspired by a course I took in African American History. The professor assigned a children’s book project to the class. About two years after the class ended, I began pursuing what it would take to publish my book. My book, “If She Can Do It, I Can, Too!” highlights twelve women in Black history and their accomplishments. The goal was to inspire children of all ages through these little-known women and their contributions to the world. The subjects I focused on went through hardships, some even leaving the country to learn more to hone their skills or discipline. I want children to know they can be anything they want, and we can look to the past for inspiration. On the left side of each page, there is a rhyming poem dedicated to each woman. On the right, under their illustration, there is a short biography about their contributions. I set the book up to read like an affirmation that readers can read to themselves for motivation.

In late 2022, I received an invitation from the literary coordinator of the 54th annual NAACP Awards to enter my book into consideration for Outstanding Literary Work – Children’s. I happily entered my book but did not receive a nomination. I am still proud to have been asked.

I am an encourager of youth. I am working on a social media project. It will complement my literary work to give youth insights into different professions and careers and what it takes to enter specific fields.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

Yes. Many young people today have no idea what they want to be, especially young people of color. I also know that most youths avoid science, technology, engineering, and math careers. In my book, I highlight women who were doctors, scientists, engineers, and mathematicians, among other professionals. What can you do if they could do what they did, facing unthinkable obstacles?

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect is when someone shares how much they or their child has enjoyed reading my book. A college student recently told me that my book is a masterpiece! What a wonderful feeling!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://ifshecandoit.me and https://www.deshawnayamini.com/
• Linkedin: deshawna-yamini-mba-7385031a
• Youtube: @dnyamini
• Other: https://www.deshawnayamini.com/ https://author.amazon.com/home?locale=en_US

Image Credits
Photo of De’Shawna – Dorian Pierce/DPZoomz