We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Tawana Akins. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Tawana below.
Tawana, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Have you ever had an amazing boss, mentor or leader leading you? Can you us a story or anecdote that helps illustrate why this person was such a great leader and the impact they had on you or their team?
Yes, I have had an amazing boss leading me and her name is Mrs. Mattye Jones-Fischer. Being a teenaged parent was not an easy task and not accepted by the public. Every day of my life I had to fight and prove to others that I was still worthy. After having my child at 15, I had to speed up my life. I had to do so by taking part time jobs while attending school. There was a counselor who believed in me. She said you are a “Diamond in the Rough” and once you come from the rough you will be refined. As a teen, I did not know what that meant, but I kept it close to my heart. Her name was Mrs. Gibson and she was always there for me. Ms. Gibson was my counselor at Cope Center North (a school for pregnant teens). She left a huge impact on my life. I graduated from high school at number 5 in the class and was offered several academic scholarships. I did not take any scholarships because I knew I wanted to work and take care of my child. By that time, I was promoted to shift supervisor at KFC and I felt no need for college now. Every time I would hear that voice come back to me “Diamond in the Rough!” Sadly, to say, I declined the scholarships in June 1994 and still ended up in college August 1994. Without the scholarships I earned, I still ended up in college. I was hardheaded as my mother Annie Akins used to say and ended up with many student loans. Fast forward after leaving college, I secured a temporary position as a teacher. It was because Mrs. Mattye Jones- Fischer decided that she liked how I would run my temporary class and offered me a permanent position. She called me in her office and basically interviewed me on the spot and the rest was history. That was 19 years ago and she still mentors me. I have never missed a day of work in 19 years. When I first became a teacher, Mrs. Jones-Fischer began to give me extra teaching duties and leadership experiences. That was one of the first times that I can recall when others outside of my family trusted and believed in me. I mean the lady was like my Oprah Winfrey. I would go and sit in her office and tell her about my life and she would encourage me. She was my “Mental Health” before Mental Health became so popular. The fact that she believed in me wanted me to climb higher. It was both of their strong will, elegance, and calm that made me stronger as an individual. After securing my first job at Lorah Park, I met countless other individuals who have lit my path and support me in all of my community efforts. Other notable principals that assisted me along the way are Dr. Yvonne Perry, Dr. Lita Thompson, Mr. Humberto Miret. Assisting me in all my endeavors are: Karen Igbinoba, Nicole Jackson, Barbara Dunn, Cheryl Patrie, Cheryl Harvin, Ms Joey Batista, and Verdell Cox Windom to name a few. I now have 4 college degrees. I went from a teacher to a math coach. From a math coach to a Dean of Students. From a Dean of Students to a college professor and Assistant Principal. My greatest passion is through my nonprofit, A Better Me” and Community Collaboration Exchange. These are two organizations that I currently lead with countless other individuals. When people pour into your life, it is no telling where you will land. I am grateful for everyone who touched my life. My family, friends, and colleagues. I must give a shout out to my daughter Prell, granddaughter Milani Mattea, and all my sisters and brothers.
Tawana, 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?
My non profit organization, “A Better Me” focuses on improving outcomes for impoverished, poverty stricken youth. I was once a child living in poverty, but I did not know. Growing up with 6 family members in a two bedroom was not an easy task. We had love so we did not understand being cramped in a small apartment. Fast forward, at the age of 15, I gave birth to a beautiful baby girl. My goal was to finish high school and work to take care of my child as a single parent. I pushed through made me sacrifices, beat all odds and accomplish many things in life. I am currently an assistant principal in a high school in Miami Dade County. I am also a community advocate, organizer, and activist. After losing 6 family members to gun violence, I have organized countless protests for our communities. I have spoken to elected officials as well as how we can work together to make our communities safer. I authored three children’s books that focuses on building self esteem and character. The names of my children’s books are : A Better Me, Miraculous Meticulous Milani Mattea, and Milani Matteas’s First Day of School and Transformation. They can be purchased on Amazon. Children must believe in themselves. I am also the founder of Community Collaboration Exchange which assists youth through mentoring, collaborations, community cleanups, job security, academic improvements, field trips, and more. I am most proud of my students who once lived in poverty, become college graduates, working class citizens, and off to the Armed Forces. Pairing students with mentors was one of the biggest accomplishments. We all need help and guidance to make it further in life. My organization, “A Better Me”, provides wrap around services so that family life can be improved. I am also proud of myself for beating all odds and statistics of becoming a teen parent. With God, all things are possible.
Do you think you’d choose a different profession or specialty if you were starting now?
If I can go back, I would choose the same profession. I am needed as well as my organization. The main ingredients are care, love, and service. We have to be willing to care and love for others through the services that we offer. We all can make the world a better place. With my organization, A Better Me!, students are able to live by the motto, “Each Day As Far As I can See, I strive to become A Better Me!” I get to do what I live each day I wake up, so I do it with care, concern and patience.
What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?
The most effective strategy by growing my clientele has been word of mouth. People see the results of what you do and they tell others. So, word of mouth would be the most effective strategy. I am also not afraid to ask for donations to further my mission of helping others. I always display my Cash App: $ABETTERMEAKINS When people see what you are doing, they are more willing to donate to the causes.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.abettermelearning.com
- Instagram: A Better Me Inc
- Instagram: mstawana_akins
- Facebook: Tawana Akins
- Linkedin: Tawana Akins, Ed.S
- Twitter: @tawana_akins
- Youtube: Tawana Akins, Ed.S
- Yelp: Tawana Akins
- Email: [email protected]