We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful I’lasha James . We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with I’lasha below.

I’lasha , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

One risk I’ve taken was trying to obtain my college degree and complete a certification in one year while working in the hospital during the pandemic. Working in the hospital was a burden alone. I was in my last semester of obtaining my associates degree when i came across a chance to pursue a certification in community health work. I wanted to pursue this degree 2 years back, but didn’t get the chance to do so. Being aware of this opportunity was confirmation to me that this was the direction I needed to go. So i took the leap of faith and registered for the class. I remember in the application process I was asked if there was anything that would hinder me from completing the course. My last 2 college courses were a pain in the butt and I worked the night shift at the hospital. I was very hesitant to answer that question, but I said to myself “take the leap of faith, you can do this”. So I answered “no”. A few weeks later I received that call I had been waiting for. I had gotten accepted into the course! I was placed with the best teacher ever, her name was Shontel Minor. I passed the course and also passed my final 2 classes for the college semester. One thing that motivated me to push through was my children. I have girls that look up to me. I felt that if I gave up, I would not only be robbing myself, but also them of a better life, and that wasn’t an option for me.

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 always knew that there was a special plan God had for my life. I was born and raised in Galveston, TX. I graduated from La marque High school. I am a girl mom and I must say daughters are truly special. My girls mean the world to me . I love palm trees, spending time with my family and friends, I love soul food, it’s one way to my heart and I love the fall and winter seasons. The Women of Wisdom podcast was created for the everyday woman. As women, we wear so many hats. We find the time to take care of everyone else and we tend to forget that we also, need that same love and care in order to care for others. A lot of the things we go through as women we don’t speak about. We tend to fight lots of battles within ourselves, and it leaves us mentally exhausted. I decided to create a platform where women of all walks can be empowered and share their stories. On my platform we talk about everything whether it be business or personal. I believe creating this platform lets other women know how and learn how to get through similar situations. It gives other women a peace in knowing that they aren’t alone in the everyday woman struggle. I have had a phenomenal woman come on and speak about her domestic violence situation, and how she turned her pain into a passion by creating her own business. I’ve had other phenomenal women speak about different aspects of their lives and business also. So far it has truly been amazing. Their stories have actually helped me as well. For the women that come on the platform, I encourage them to be as free as they want and to say what they feel. We have a typical girl conversation. I enjoy it because you never know whether you’re going to cry or laugh, you may cry tears of joy. I truly think women are amazing, I am so glad to be a woman. Most of all I am grateful for being able to create a space that allows women to truly be who they are.

Training and knowledge matter of course, but beyond that what do you think matters most in terms of succeeding in your field?

Being the host of a women empowerment platform, I believe the most helpful tip for succeeding in this field is always having an open perspective. Not one woman is alike, we all walk different paths and that is where being open minded plays a part. We must keep in mind that we are all women of different cultures, ethnicity and socioeconomic status, therefore we don’t know what other women have endured or the sacrifices that had to be made. Taking these things into consideration as a host overall is what helps make you a great host.

If you could go back in time, do you think you would have chosen a different profession or specialty?

Looking back over my life, no I would not change my profession. I believe I am where I need to be at this moment and greater is ahead of me.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.facebook.com/
• Other: You can look me up as Ilasha James on facebook.

Image Credits
Photo credits to my photographer and graphic designer Krystle Ceasar with 33digitalstudio.