We recently connected with Kimberly Morrow and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Kimberly thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Being a business owner can be really hard sometimes. It’s rewarding, but most business owners we’ve spoken sometimes think about what it would have been like to have had a regular job instead. Have you ever wondered that yourself? Maybe you can talk to us about a time when you felt this way?
Yes, I am happy being a business owner, but it’s not without its challenges. I chose to start my own business, Doris L. Morrow Academy, because I am passionate about educating young people. The biggest challenge I face is financial, which can sometimes make me wonder what it would be like to have a regular job.
I vividly remember one evening, after a particularly tough day of juggling the various financial aspects of my business. I was exhausted and decided to unwind by browsing Edjoin, as I often do, to see if there were any open principal positions. Before I started my business, I was the principal of a K-12 Alternative School of Choice, and sometimes I miss the stability that came with that role.
That evening, as I looked at the listings, I imagined the structured routine of a regular job. I thought about the consistent paycheck, the defined hours, and the clear boundaries between work and personal time. It was tempting, especially on a day when the financial stress of running my own business felt overwhelming.
But then, I thought about the reasons I started Doris L. Morrow Academy. During the pandemic, I saw parents struggling with distance learning, and I wanted to make a difference. I remembered the freedom I now have to spend extra time with students who need it most, teaching them executive functioning skills that are so crucial and often missing. I thought about the ability to consult with various organizations and community colleges, instead of being tied to a school district.
Ultimately, I realized that while being a business owner is challenging, it also brings immense rewards and flexibility that I wouldn’t trade for a regular job. That evening, I concluded that despite the difficulties, I love what I do and the impact I can make. This realization reinforced my commitment to my business and my passion for education.
Kimberly , 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?
For those who may not have read about me before, I’m excited to share my journey and passion with you. My name is Kimberly A. Morrow, and I am the founder of Doris L. Morrow Academy. My journey into the education and career readiness industry began with a deep-seated belief in the power of education and the potential of every young person to achieve greatness when given the right tools and support. Over the years, I have worked in various educational capacities, which have fueled my dedication to creating programs that genuinely make a difference in students’ lives.
At Doris L. Morrow Academy, we specialize in providing comprehensive college and career readiness programs. One of our flagship offerings is the Scholarship Online Bootcamp, which kicks off on July 15th. This program is meticulously designed to help students navigate the often daunting process of securing scholarships, ensuring they are well-prepared to finance their higher education without the burden of debt.
In addition to our Bootcamp, we emphasize the importance of goal setting through our Vision Board workshops. I firmly believe that visualizing one’s goals is a powerful step toward achieving them. These workshops are not just about creating a board with images and words; they are about instilling a mindset of success and a clear path to reach it. We facilitate these workshops for organizations and schools, helping students and professionals alike to set and achieve their goals.
Moreover, we are thrilled to collaborate with Avalon Carver Community Center on a new College and Career Readiness Program. This initiative is especially close to my heart as it aims to empower students from marginalized communities in South Los Angeles, providing them with the resources, guidance, and support needed to pursue higher education and meaningful careers. Our program includes weekly meetings, mentoring, SAT/ACT prep, essay and resume writing, and much more. We also organize field trips to college campuses, including Historical Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), to give students a firsthand look at their potential future environments.
What sets Doris L. Morrow Academy apart is our holistic approach to education and career readiness. We don’t just focus on one aspect of a student’s journey; we address their academic, personal, and professional development. This comprehensive support system is designed to build confidence, resilience, and a clear sense of direction in our students.
I am most proud of the tangible impact our programs have had on students’ lives. Seeing our students secure scholarships, gain college admissions, and embark on successful careers is incredibly rewarding. It validates the hard work and dedication we put into our programs.
To potential clients, followers, and supporters, I want you to know that Doris L. Morrow Academy is committed to excellence and empowerment. We believe in the potential of every student and are dedicated to providing the tools, support, and inspiration needed to turn dreams into reality. Whether it’s through our Scholarship Bootcamp, Vision Board workshops, or the collaborative programs with Avalon Carver Community Center, we are here to guide and support you every step of the way. Join us on this empowering journey to success and let’s create a brighter future together.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
A pivotal moment in my career came when I retired early from my position as a school principal to start my own business, Doris L. Morrow Academy, during the global pandemic. This decision was not made lightly, as I had envisioned a particular lifestyle for my family and was determined not to let the lack of a second parent, my son’s special needs, or my demanding job alter that vision.
The tipping point came after several trips to the Emergency Room and numerous missed follow-up appointments. I was irritable, gaining weight, forgetful (they call it brain fog), and experiencing shortness of breath and heart palpitations. Eventually, I was hospitalized and strongly encouraged, or rather ordered, to seek treatment. It was during this time that I learned a valuable lesson: you have to listen to your body because it will tell you exactly what you need to do. If you ignore it, it will send signals that force you to deal with the issue.
One memorable incident was when I went to Urgent Care with what I thought were asthma symptoms. The treating physician told me it wasn’t an asthma attack; I was having an anxiety attack. As a strong, independent woman, I felt I had no time for anxiety attacks and missed the follow-up appointment, neglecting to take the prescribed medication. Less than two weeks later, I was back in Urgent Care, convinced I had Shingles due to severe pain in my back and arms. This time, my primary physician, whom I had been avoiding, was there. She calmly explained that I was, in fact, having another anxiety attack. She reminded me of my diagnoses of Severe Anxiety and Major Depression and pointed out that my untreated anxiety was mimicking other illnesses.
Despite her advice, I still didn’t follow through with treatment, which ultimately led to my hospitalization. It was a harsh wake-up call, highlighting that my health was deteriorating due to the stress and demands of my job.
During my recovery, I realized that continuing in my role as a principal was not sustainable. My passion for education and my desire to support parents struggling with distance learning during the pandemic led me to start my own business. This pivot allowed me to create an environment where I could make a significant impact on students’ lives while also prioritizing my health and well-being.
Although the transition was challenging, it was necessary. Doris L. Morrow Academy has given me the flexibility to manage my health and spend quality time with my son. It also provided an opportunity to engage with students in meaningful ways, teaching them essential executive functioning skills. This pivot was not just a career change; it was a life-saving decision that allowed me to align my professional life with my personal needs and values.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
As an educator, I’ve always emphasized the importance of early career and college preparation for children. This passion stems from my own experiences during my senior year of high school. I vividly remember the day I was called into my school counselor’s office. It was late spring, and she asked me, “Kim, what are your plans after you graduate high school?”
At seventeen, I hadn’t given much thought to my future beyond a vague notion of following my family’s business in funeral homes. My response seemed to satisfy her, and I was sent back to class. Little did I realize then, but that brief conversation would shape my perspective on education and career planning for years to come.
It wasn’t until later, during my college years, that I realized the significance of that missed opportunity. Her inquiry should have come much earlier, ideally in my freshman year of high school, when crucial decisions about coursework and preparation for college admissions needed to be made. Instead, I found myself navigating through community colleges and various career ideas without a clear direction.
Despite these early setbacks, I chose not to dwell on blame or frustration. Instead, I turned my experience into a lesson for others, including my own children and students. I often share this story to emphasize the importance of early planning and exposure to different career paths.
After a period of uncertainty, I enrolled at Morris Brown College, where I reinvented myself as a dedicated student. After graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in History, I later pursued my passion for education at Harvard Graduate School of Education, earning a Master of Education. These achievements paved the way for my career as an award-winning teacher, respected school principal, author, and emerging business owner.
This journey taught me resilience, the value of early preparation, and the transformative power of education. It’s a story I have shared with others in my book, 8 Pearls of Wisdom a Parenting Guide~ Empowering Children is the Way to Go! to empower students and families to plan for their futures.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.dlmacademy.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dlmacademy/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KimAMorrow/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberly-a-brock-5a324919/
- Twitter: N/A
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@dorislmorrowacademy
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/doris-l-morrow-academy-los-angeles-2
