Today we’d like to introduce you to David Atkins.

Hi David, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.

I was raised in a small town called Jarratt, located in Sussex County, Virginia. The first school I attended, Jefferson Elementary School, was named in honor of my family as the original school was founded by his great-great grandmother.
I was ordained as a minister at Chapel Hill Baptist Church which was also founded by his great-great grandmother, and where I currently serve as Associate Pastor. As a founding member of the George Mason University Black Alumni Chapter, I am also the longest-serving past president. I was fortunate to become a charter member of the Iota Alpha Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. at George Mason as well as an honorary member of the Order of Omega. I consider myself to be an intentional collaborator with a results-orientated focus that enhances that which I give energy. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Decision Science from George Mason University where I have almost a 40 year relationship as student, alumni, employee, donor, and fundraiser. I am currently the Executive Director of Brand Development and Licensing at my alma mater. I also have a Master’s degree in Theology from Howard University where I decided to accept my calling to the ministry. My passion lies in inspiring young minds to achieve greatness, a mission that brings me satisfaction and peace. My international travel experiences, especially to Egypt and Ghana, have enriched my perspectives. I also enjoy intentional domestic traveling such as weekend excursions to Arlington, Texas to see my favorite football team, Dallas Cowboys, play in their amazing stadium.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?

I often share with people that I don’t look like what I have been through. I come from a very strong family lineage that have stood firmly planted to the ground in front of the mistreatments of this world based on cultural norms. So, obstacles and challenges have never been a stranger to my existence. I have faced discrimination on multiple levels, through different stages of life, and from nearly every cultural community, including my own. So, you learn to navigate survival in a way to protect your mental well-being and safeguard your personal health.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?

Since graduating in 1990 with my undergraduate degree, I have work in the higher education industry focusing on student services, event management, facilities operations, student development, contract administration, marketing and trademark licensing at different stages of my career. I have also had the privilege to serve as adjunct faculty for over 20 years teaching first-year students with the goal of transitioning them to the college environment to ensure their successful matriculation. Today, I primarily focus on brand management and trademark licensing where I oversee the use of the university intellectual property on products in retail or internally to the organization and athletics, as well as work with vendors to create co-branded products with brands such as Nike, Disney, Life is Good, etc. My role is considered a specialized role within the university setting.

How do you think about happiness?

There is no one thing that makes me happy and my happiness is derive from multiple things, events, and people. However, I do find great happiness from traveling and new experiences which allows me to observe different cultures and people, in general. I also find happiness in being alone and doing simple things like catching a good movie and snacking on some buttery popcorn or binge watching some movie series on Netflix. I even find happiness in grabbing a meal with family, friends or new people and engage in conversation from a wide-range of topics. Lastly, I find happiness and joy from helping others by sharing my experiences with and listening to those by young people.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.awarenessputmeon.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dca1906/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dcatkins/