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Apart from my mother, my church mom is the most influential person in my life! She over came so many obstacles and yet she still stands so strong. She helped me through high school, college, and even now as an adult.

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She was my Honors Language Arts teacher in the 9th grade; from the first day of class it was evident to all of the young women that she was a woman to look up to. Ms. Clark always exudes confidence and strength, even on days when life literally seems to be falling apart at the seams. As a young woman, she helped me make crucial decisions and as a college student she constantly reminded me that I did have a voice and the things that I thought, felt and experienced mattered. Now, as a young woman embarking on my teaching career, I look to her constantly for guidance and advice- and she always delivers!

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This was a college professor of mine. She was the best professor I had. She was really hard on us as far as making sure we got things done. She also got to know all of her students on a personal level. She helped influence the way I not only teach, but the way I approach things in life today.

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My lady Bishop, has been the most influential person in my life apart from my mother.

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Mrs. Padgett was my Social Studies/Government teacher in high school. She always challenged me to speak my mind, encouraged my individuality as a young woman and pushed me to be curious about the world outside of my

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She was the first artist who made work I could relate to and understand on a personal level.

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Dr. Rainford this was my University lecturer who was like a second mother to me ( I was a super annoying student almost as annoying as I am now as a teacher) and she would ALWAYS make time to see me and help me make appropriate decisions with what classes to pick and what my schedule should look like. On my very first day at school she gave us her email address and I had just assumed she was our class advisor, and would contact her for EVERYTHING. Turns out, she wasn't and was just really nice and sweet and assisted all through my 4 years of University.

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She was my college professor who founded the Furious Flower Poetry Conference. She afforded our class with the opportunity to meet and interact with prominent black poets and authors. I was in the same room as Nikki Giovanni, Sonia Sanchez, Gwendolyn Brooks having lunch, but I was way too shy to interact with them. I have modeled my educational career after many experiences in which she introduced.

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Joanne V. Gabbin: Founder and Director, Furious Flower Poetry Center

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Joanne V. Gabbin: Founder and Director, Furious Flower Poetry Center

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She is a Chicana author, and I first read her book Borderlands in college and it was magical.  She was really the first author that I read that made me feel heard. Since then, I have started reading more Chicano novels, and I look out for Chicano authors. She got me started on that path. My favorite quote by her is "Do work that matters. Vale la pena".

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Ms. Bricklod was my girl scout leader from 6th to 12th grade. She taught me about careers, responsibility, camping, and all things "girl scouts." But she also shared her life with me - from the incredible love story and beautiful marriage with her husband, Jules, to dealing with her adult daughter's cocaine addiction that cost her everything. She was my mentor and a savior to me when I needed a strong female nurturer in my life.