Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Dr. Jenine Lowery. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Dr. Jenine, appreciate you joining us today. What did your parents do right and how has that impacted you in your life and career?
In the landscape of our lives, certain figures stand taller, casting a longer shadow and leaving indelible marks on our journey. For me, that figure is my mother—a beacon of resilience, determination, and wisdom. Her story is not just a personal triumph but a guiding light, shaping my life and career in profound ways.
Growing up, I was intimately aware of the challenges my mother faced as a single African-American mom. With minimal support from my father or his side of the family, her journey was a testament to her strength and resolve. This resilience was most evident during her time at dental school. As the only black woman in her class at a predominantly white university, she didn’t just face academic challenges; she confronted racial racism and discrimination head-on. This part of her life was a masterclass in perseverance for me.
Her pursuit of education, especially in a field where she was a minority, spoke volumes. It wasn’t merely about securing a professional degree; it was about breaking barriers and setting a precedent. As she walked the halls of a university that wasn’t built for people like her, she embodied the power of self-belief. Her graduation wasn’t just a personal achievement; it was a victory for every person who’d been told they couldn’t.
Her crowning achievement, opening her dental practice, was a moment of triumph that echoed beyond our family. It wasn’t just a business venture; it was the physical manifestation of years of struggle, learning, and unyielding spirit. Her practice stood as a testament to what could be achieved with grit and determination.
One of the most enduring memories I have is listening to motivational speakers like Les Brown in the car. What seemed like a forced activity at the time, in hindsight, was a foundational building block in my own personal development. These sessions in the car were more than just listening to uplifting words; they were lessons in shaping one’s mindset, understanding the power of words, and cultivating a positive outlook in life.
Watching my mother’s journey instilled in me a deep sense of resilience, a quality that has been integral in my own life and career. Her unyielding spirit in the face of adversity has been a guiding force, reminding me that obstacles are not dead ends but stepping stones. In my career, I’ve learned to embrace challenges with a positive attitude, seeing them as opportunities for growth and learning, much like she did.
Her determination also underscored the importance of education and lifelong learning. It taught me to value knowledge, not just as a means to a professional end but as a tool for personal empowerment and social change.
Finally, her story is a constant reminder of the impact of representation and diversity. Her success as a black woman in a predominantly white field has motivated me to pursue my goals relentlessly, knowing that my achievements can pave the way for others.
In sum, my mother’s journey of resilience, perseverance, and success against the odds has been the most significant influence on my life. Her story continues to inspire and guide me, reminding me of the power of resilience, the importance of education, and the impact of positive thinking. As I move forward in my life and career, I carry her lessons with me, hoping to embody even a fraction of the strength and grace she has shown throughout her life.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I am a licensed professional counselor and the founder and clinical director of Black Female Therapist, LLC.
I help women create meaningful relationships with themselves and others so they can get their desired outcome in life.
I am particularly interested in assisting women of color in creating a meaningful, self-love relationship with themselves. I work with women to help them reduce symptoms of stress and anxiety, improve coping skills, and improve their quality of life. During therapy, I walk alongside my clients as they manage difficult experiences, aiding their transition into a better understanding of themselves and a greater appreciation of what makes them unique.
I also work with counseling interns and pre-licensed professionals to assist them in entering the counseling field.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
I’m sure I answered this already but I will copy and paste my story below:
In the landscape of our lives, certain figures stand taller, casting a longer shadow, and leaving indelible marks on our journey. For me, that figure is my mother – a beacon of resilience, determination, and wisdom. Her story is not just a personal triumph but a guiding light, shaping my life and career in profound ways.
Growing up, I was intimately aware of the challenges my mother faced as a single African-American mom. With minimal support from my father or his side of the family, her journey was a testament to her strength and resolve. This resilience was most evident during her time at dental school. As the only black woman in her class at a predominantly white university, she didn’t just face academic challenges; she confronted racial racism and discrimination head-on. This part of her life was a masterclass in perseverance for me.
Her pursuit of education, especially in a field where she was a minority, spoke volumes. It wasn’t merely about securing a professional degree; it was about breaking barriers and setting a precedent. As she walked the halls of a university that wasn’t built for people like her, she embodied the power of self-belief. Her graduation wasn’t just a personal achievement; it was a victory for every person who’d been told they couldn’t.
Her crowning achievement, opening her dental practice, was a moment of triumph that echoed beyond our family. It wasn’t just a business venture; it was the physical manifestation of years of struggle, learning, and unyielding spirit. Her practice stood as a testament to what could be achieved with grit and determination.
One of the most enduring memories I have is listening to motivational speakers like Les Brown in the car. What seemed like a forced activity at the time, in hindsight, was a foundational building block in my own personal development. These sessions in the car were more than just listening to uplifting words; they were lessons in shaping one’s mindset, understanding the power of words, and cultivating a positive outlook in life.
Watching my mother’s journey instilled in me a deep sense of resilience, a quality that has been integral in my own life and career. Her unyielding spirit in the face of adversity has been a guiding force, reminding me that obstacles are not dead ends but stepping stones. In my career, I’ve learned to embrace challenges with a positive attitude, seeing them as opportunities for growth and learning, much like she did.
Her determination also underscored the importance of education and lifelong learning. It taught me to value knowledge, not just as a means to a professional end but as a tool for personal empowerment and social change.
Finally, her story is a constant reminder of the impact of representation and diversity. Her success as a black woman in a predominantly white field has motivated me to pursue my goals relentlessly, knowing that my achievements can pave the way for others.
In sum, my mother’s journey of resilience, perseverance, and success against the odds has been the most significant influence on my life. Her story continues to inspire and guide me, reminding me of the power of resilience, the importance of education, and the impact of positive thinking. As I move forward in my life and career, I carry her lessons with me, hoping to embody even a fraction of the strength and grace she has shown throughout her life.
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
I’m pretty sure I answered this already but I will copy and paste my story below:
In the landscape of our lives, certain figures stand taller, casting a longer shadow, and leaving indelible marks on our journey. For me, that figure is my mother – a beacon of resilience, determination, and wisdom. Her story is not just a personal triumph but a guiding light, shaping my life and career in profound ways.
Growing up, I was intimately aware of the challenges my mother faced as a single African-American mom. With minimal support from my father or his side of the family, her journey was a testament to her strength and resolve. This resilience was most evident during her time at dental school. As the only black woman in her class at a predominantly white university, she didn’t just face academic challenges; she confronted racial racism and discrimination head-on. This part of her life was a masterclass in perseverance for me.
Her pursuit of education, especially in a field where she was a minority, spoke volumes. It wasn’t merely about securing a professional degree; it was about breaking barriers and setting a precedent. As she walked the halls of a university that wasn’t built for people like her, she embodied the power of self-belief. Her graduation wasn’t just a personal achievement; it was a victory for every person who’d been told they couldn’t.
Her crowning achievement, opening her dental practice, was a moment of triumph that echoed beyond our family. It wasn’t just a business venture; it was the physical manifestation of years of struggle, learning, and unyielding spirit. Her practice stood as a testament to what could be achieved with grit and determination.
One of the most enduring memories I have is listening to motivational speakers like Les Brown in the car. What seemed like a forced activity at the time, in hindsight, was a foundational building block in my own personal development. These sessions in the car were more than just listening to uplifting words; they were lessons in shaping one’s mindset, understanding the power of words, and cultivating a positive outlook in life.
Watching my mother’s journey instilled in me a deep sense of resilience, a quality that has been integral in my own life and career. Her unyielding spirit in the face of adversity has been a guiding force, reminding me that obstacles are not dead ends but stepping stones. In my career, I’ve learned to embrace challenges with a positive attitude, seeing them as opportunities for growth and learning, much like she did.
Her determination also underscored the importance of education and lifelong learning. It taught me to value knowledge, not just as a means to a professional end but as a tool for personal empowerment and social change.
Finally, her story is a constant reminder of the impact of representation and diversity. Her success as a black woman in a predominantly white field has motivated me to pursue my goals relentlessly, knowing that my achievements can pave the way for others.
In sum, my mother’s journey of resilience, perseverance, and success against the odds has been the most significant influence on my life. Her story continues to inspire and guide me, reminding me of the power of resilience, the importance of education, and the impact of positive thinking. As I move forward in my life and career, I carry her lessons with me, hoping to embody even a fraction of the strength and grace she has shown throughout her life.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://blackfemaletherapist.org/about/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackfemale_therapist/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100072218289765
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-jenine-lowery-lpc-b42584a0/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/DrJenineLowery
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHEg62nWueVFSaLcdmjbSZg