We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Andra Howard a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Andra, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.

The ABLE Foundation wasn’t just an idea—it was a realization of something I had been witnessing for years. Growing up and navigating both corporate spaces and community work, I saw the gaps. There was no shortage of talent, no shortage of ambition, and definitely no shortage of potential within the Black community. But there were barriers—structural, financial, systemic. The issue wasn’t a lack of ability. It was access.

The moment the idea truly clicked for me was in conversations—conversations with young Black professionals who felt unseen in leadership, with small business owners struggling to scale because they lacked the right connections, and with students who had the drive but not the resources to navigate higher education. It was a cycle I had seen play out over and over.

I knew this was a worthwhile endeavor because the need was undeniable. I wasn’t just starting something for the sake of starting it—I was building what I wished had existed at various points in my own journey. The logic was simple: if we could create a structured, strategic way to provide access, visibility, and direct support, we could shift the trajectory for countless individuals.

What made this stand out wasn’t just the mission—it was the holistic approach. Many organizations focus on one area: business development, education, or leadership. I wanted The ABLE Foundation to be a bridge across all three. By advancing Black leadership through education, we are equipping people not just to succeed but to lead, to build, and to reinvest into their communities.

What got me most excited was the long-term vision—the thought of seeing a future where Black professionals, entrepreneurs, and scholars had a clear pipeline of opportunity. Where leadership wasn’t just accessible to the privileged few, but something we cultivated at every level.

This wasn’t just about solving a problem—it was about creating lasting, generational change.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Meet Andra Howard: Leadership, Strategy, and Individual Growth

For those who don’t know me yet, my name is Andra Howard, and my work sits at the intersection of leadership, strategy, and personal development. I’m a Chief Operating Officer for a rapidly growing small business, the Founder and CEO of The ABLE Foundation, and a Clinical Psychology Doctoral Student—all roles rooted in understanding people, fostering resilience, and creating spaces where individuals and teams can thrive.

How I Got Into My Work

My journey into operations and leadership has always been about more than just systems—it’s about people. I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Communications from Towson University and later pursued my Master’s in Organizational Communication from Bowie State University. Throughout my education and career, I’ve been deeply interested in how people work, communicate, and lead in different environments.

As a Chief Operating Officer, my focus is on helping businesses grow by empowering the people within them. When I came on board, the company was already doing well, but I’ve been part of the process of scaling and structuring that success for the long term. My role isn’t just about keeping operations running smoothly—it’s about making sure people at every level feel equipped, supported, and empowered to lead in their own roles. I believe that leadership shouldn’t just be a hierarchy or an organizational chart—it’s about individuals in every department taking accountability, feeling ownership over their work, and knowing that the job they do contributes to the bigger picture of the business’s success.

At the same time, I founded The ABLE Foundation because I saw a need for leadership development that isn’t just about climbing the corporate ladder—it’s about helping people recognize and strengthen the leadership that already exists within them. Whether in business, education, community work, or personal life, leadership is about owning your decisions, stepping into your potential, and knowing that your contributions matter.

Pursuing my doctorate in Clinical Psychology ties into everything I do—not just because I want to understand how businesses work, but because I want to understand how people think, feel, and grow. Clinical psychology focuses on human behavior, mental processes, and emotional well-being, and that’s at the heart of any organization, team, or individual journey. My work in leadership and operations isn’t just about strategy—it’s about understanding people, what motivates them, how they respond to challenges, and how they can build resilience and confidence in whatever role they choose.

What I Do & The Problems I Solve

At the core, my work is about helping people and businesses build strong foundations for success by focusing on leadership, structure, and strategy.

As a Chief Operating Officer, I develop strategies that support business growth, team development, and long-term sustainability by ensuring that individuals at every level feel empowered and capable.
Through The ABLE Foundation, I help create opportunities for education, leadership growth, and personal development, encouraging people to lead in whatever area they choose—not just in executive roles, but in their everyday lives.
Through my doctoral studies in Clinical Psychology, I am gaining a deeper understanding of human behavior, emotional intelligence, and how personal growth ties into leadership and success.
I believe that strong leadership isn’t just about authority—it’s about creating environments where people feel confident in their roles, supported in their work, and able to contribute meaningfully. What sets me apart is my ability to bridge high-level strategy with a people-first approach, ensuring that individuals and teams thrive. Everything I do is grounded in practical, real-world impact.

What I’m Focused On Right Now

Right now, I’m focused on laying the foundation for long-term impact—both through my role as COO and through The ABLE Foundation. My mission is to develop leaders, create sustainable systems, and help individuals step into their own potential, whether in business, education, or personal growth.

What I Want People to Know

If you believe in growth, accountability, and the power of leadership at every level, then we’re aligned. My work—whether in operations, leadership development, or The ABLE Foundation—is centered on helping people recognize their strengths, take ownership of their work, and contribute to something greater.

I’m always looking to connect, collaborate, and build with those who value leadership, empowerment, and real impact.

Any advice for managing a team?

Managing a team isn’t just about delegation and oversight—it’s about creating an environment where people feel valued, empowered, and connected to a shared vision. High morale isn’t something that happens on its own; it’s a direct result of intentional leadership, clear communication, and a culture of trust.

Here’s what I’ve found to be most effective:

Empowerment Over Micromanagement – People do their best work when they feel trusted. Give your team the tools, support, and autonomy to take ownership of their roles. Encourage decision-making at all levels so they see the impact of their contributions.
Transparency and Communication – Clarity eliminates confusion. Keep your team informed about company goals, challenges, and successes. Even in tough situations, honesty builds trust and loyalty.
Recognition and Appreciation – Acknowledging effort goes a long way. Celebrate wins—big and small. Whether it’s a shout-out in a meeting, a personal note, or an incentive, people thrive when they know their hard work is seen and valued.
Support Growth and Development – High morale comes from knowing there’s room to grow. Offer opportunities for learning, mentorship, and career progression. People stay engaged when they see a future for themselves in the organization.
Lead with Emotional Intelligence – Understand that your team members are people first. Life happens outside of work, and showing empathy—whether it’s being flexible during a tough time or simply checking in—creates a culture of mutual respect.
At the end of the day, high morale isn’t about perks or quick fixes—it’s about leadership that prioritizes people. When your team feels heard, challenged, and appreciated, they’ll not only perform better, but they’ll also stay committed to the success of the business.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

I spent years believing that success was directly linked to how hard I worked—late nights, early mornings, nonstop hustling. If I wasn’t exhausted, I thought, I wasn’t doing enough. Productivity was a matter of sheer effort, a grind that felt necessary for growth.

But as I progressed professionally, I realized that this approach was holding me back more than pushing me forward. I learned that relentless effort without strategy leads to burnout, not success. Real growth happens when you embrace imperfection and focus on execution. Rather than waiting for the perfect moment or flawless preparation, I’ve come to value taking action, learning quickly, and continuously refining my approach.

This realization also transformed my leadership style. At first, I thought leadership meant personally handling everything to guarantee the highest standard. Now I understand that great leaders aren’t defined by their ability to do it all, but by their skill in empowering others to excel. Delegation isn’t giving up control; it’s trusting your team and building stronger results together.

Making this shift—from relentless perfectionism to strategic execution and empowerment—has made all the difference. It has allowed me to become more effective, create healthier team dynamics, and set the foundation for long-term, meaningful impact.

Contact Info:

• Website: ABLEtheFoundation.org
• Instagram: @ABLEtheFoundation
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573459940258
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-able-foundation/