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

Tiffany, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Coming up with the idea is so exciting, but then comes the hard part – executing. Too often the media ignores the execution part and goes from idea to success, skipping over the nitty, gritty details of executing in the early days. We think that’s a disservice both to the entrepreneurs who built something amazing as well as the public who isn’t getting a realistic picture of what it takes to succeed. So, we’d really appreciate if you could open up about your execution story – how did you go from idea to execution?

I am a passionate sociologist named Tiffany, who lives in the bustling city of Omaha, Nebraska. I have studied societal dynamics for years, mainly related to the barriers to success within low, socioeconomically disadvantaged communities. Through my experiences and research, I realized a significant gap in education and support available to young women aspiring to become leaders in their respective fields. Early January 2017, a dream woke me from my sleep. I was shown the difficulties faced within the black communities due to the lack of technology knowledge and education. After becoming a mad scientist with sticky notes throughout my apartment for six months, the idea of Emerging Ladies Academy emerged.

My journey from the idea to execution was both exhilarating and challenging. After conceiving the idea, I woke up the next day determined to turn my vision into reality. I spent hours brainstorming and outlining my plans, jotting down every detail that came to mind. I knew I needed a solid strategy to make my dream of launching the academy successful.

In the following weeks and months, I embarked on a journey of research and planning. I delved deep into market analysis, studying the landscape of existing educational institutions and leadership programs. I wanted to ensure that Emerging Ladies Academy would offer something unique and valuable to its students. Through my research, I identified vital areas where my academy could fill a gap and provide much-needed support and guidance to young women.

With a clear understanding of my target audience and the competitive landscape, I began laying the groundwork for my academy. I contacted potential partners and collaborators, seeking experts in various fields who could contribute their knowledge and skills to the program. I also started working on the curriculum, carefully crafting each lesson and activity to empower and inspire the academy’s future students.

As the launch date drew near, I faced new challenges. I had to navigate the complexities of setting up a business, from securing funding to finding youth programs to partner with to roll out this initiative. I poured my heart and soul into every aspect of the process, overcoming obstacles with determination and perseverance.

Finally, after months of hard work and dedication, Emerging Ladies Academy was ready to open its doors to the world. We launched our afterschool program in August 2017 at an Omaha Public School middle school. As I marveled at the girls, I stood proudly at the helm, surrounded by passionate educators and supporters. The first day of classes was momentous, filled with excitement and anticipation for the journey ahead.

And so, Emerging Ladies Academy began its mission of empowering and uplifting young women, one student at a time. Thanks to my vision and dedication, countless future leaders will find the guidance and support needed to achieve their dreams.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My journey into this industry began with a passion for understanding societal dynamics and empowering women to become leaders in their respective fields. With over 25 years of experience in sociology, leadership, and advocacy, I’ve dedicated my career to bridging the gap in education and support available to young women. At Emerging Ladies Academy, we provide a range of services tailored to the unique needs of our girls. From tech education training to leadership workshops and mentorship programs, we empower girls to unlock their full potential and thrive.
One critical problem we solve for our students is providing them with the tools and resources they need to succeed in male-dominated industries. Our programs and services help young girls develop the skills, confidence, and networks they need to overcome barriers and achieve their goals within the tech industry.
What sets Emerging Ladies Academy apart is our holistic approach to empowerment. We don’t just focus on skills training; we also address the systemic challenges women face in the workplace and society. By combining data-driven insights with empathetic communication and design, we create transformative experiences that empower girls to create positive change in their lives and communities.
I am most proud of the impact that Emerging Ladies Academy has had on the lives of our students. From assisting girls in understanding their power in technology to seeing the tangible results of our work is incredibly rewarding. We have served over 600 girls within the last 7 years globally.
I want potential students, followers, and fans to know that Emerging Ladies Academy is more than just a business; it’s a movement. We are committed to creating a world where every woman has the opportunity to reach her full potential, and we invite you to join us on this journey toward empowerment and equality.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

As I found myself navigating unemployment challenges after completing my Master’s in Organizational Leadership degree, I also grappled with a deep sense of purpose and passion for empowering women. During this period of uncertainty, the idea for Emerging Ladies Academy began to take shape. Fueled by my desire to make a meaningful impact and inspired by the resilience of women facing similar struggles, I saw an opportunity to create something truly transformative. Despite the obstacles I faced in my career, I knew I had the knowledge, skills, and determination to launch a platform dedicated to empowering women to become leaders in their respective fields.
With nothing to lose and everything to gain, I poured my heart and soul into bringing my vision for Emerging Ladies Academy to life. I spent countless hours researching, planning, and strategizing, leveraging my sociology, leadership, and academic background to develop a comprehensive program that would address the unique needs of aspiring female leaders.
Despite the challenges of launching a new venture during personal and professional uncertainty, I remained undeterred in my pursuit of empowering women. I drew upon my own experiences of resilience and determination to overcome any obstacles that stood in my way, knowing that the impact of Emerging Ladies Academy would far outweigh the temporary setbacks I faced.
And so, amidst the uncertainty of unemployment, Emerging Ladies Academy emerged as a beacon of hope and empowerment for women everywhere. It was a testament to the power of resilience, innovation, and unwavering belief in one’s abilities to create positive change, even in the face of adversity.
As I reflect on the journey of launching Emerging Ladies Academy during a period of personal and professional transition, I am reminded of women’s incredible strength and resilience. It reminds me that even in the darkest of times, there is always a glimmer of hope and opportunity for growth and transformation. It is a testament to the power of turning challenges into opportunities and dreams into reality.

Can you talk to us about how your side-hustle turned into something more.

Emerging Ladies Academy started as a passion project born from a deep desire to empower women to become leaders in their respective fields. What began as a side hustle eventually became my full-time business and career, transforming lives. The journey started during a period of personal and professional transition. As I navigated the challenges of unemployment after completing my Masters in Leadership degree, I was drawn to creating a platform dedicated to empowering women. With nothing but a vision and a burning passion, I took the first step towards launching Emerging Ladies Academy.
In the early days, I worked tirelessly to bring my vision to life. I spent countless hours researching, planning, and developing the curriculum, drawing upon my sociology, leadership, and academic background. I contacted potential partners and collaborators, seeking support and guidance as I embarked on this new venture.
As Emerging Ladies Academy gained momentum, I began to see the impact of our work firsthand. Our programs inspired and empowered girls, finding the support and guidance they needed to unlock their full potential. It was a testament to the power of resilience, determination, and unwavering belief in oneself.
Key milestones along the way marked our progress and growth. From the successful launch of our first tech workshop to the expansion of our mentorship programs and strategic consulting services, each milestone brought us closer to our vision of empowering women worldwide. We celebrated every success, no matter how small, knowing that each represented a step forward in our journey.
Today, Emerging Ladies Academy stands as a beacon of hope and empowerment for women everywhere from Nebraska to Ghana, West Africa. What started as a side hustle has evolved into a thriving community of empowered girls united by a shared vision of leadership and equality. And while the journey has been challenging at times, it has been gratifying to see the impact of our work and the lives we have touched along the way.
Looking back on the Academy’s journey, I am grateful for the opportunity to make a difference in girls’ lives. It is a reminder of perseverance and a belief in oneself; anything is possible. And it is a testament to the power of turning dreams into reality, one step at a time.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.emergingladiesacademy.org/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083187254000
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/tiffany-gamble

Image Credits
Tiffany Gamble