About Beverly
Begininngs
As the oldest of three, I took on adult responsibilities when my dad died when I was eight. I wanted to be a vulcanologist when younger, (think Pierce Brosnan in Dante's Peak) or an earth scientist like Helen Hunt in Twister.
Instead, I went down a path involving a series of poor decisions. With no guardrails of middle-class life to protect me, I dropped out of high school and began shift work at a sugar factory.
One night on a graveyard shift I 'woke up' and realized that without major changes, I would work in that factory until I died. A friend was going to college orientation and I tagged along.
The Story Continues...
In college I was lucky to find a group of staff who hired me, invested in me, and just really believed in my abilities (thank you Glenna and Cricket!!). I looked around and realized that those I considered mentors had master's degrees in counseling, and that they had intentionally chose to work in Higher Education.
I had never thought about working at a college and I started developing a goal to become a Dean of Students. I wanted to make sure that other Low-Income, First-Generation students were able to be successful and to feel like they belonged.
I realized that I liked college and that I was good at learning. Once I graduated I was convinced that I'd be required to 'prove' that I'd earned my degree, and I kept all of my syllabi and course materials through a total of 4 cross country moves. Turns out that's what my Imposter Syndrome looked like- an unrealistic fear of being made to feel that I'd have to prove myself.
Interests
I am interested in making the world better in ways that impact these particular areas:
- Increased Leadership Capacity of Individuals
- Poverty Eradication
- Technology Access & Equity
- Disability Rights
- CommUNITY Development
- Mental Health Therapist & Suicide Awareness Advocacate
Strong leadership skills are essential as we face many challenges in our world. I believe that every voice matters, everyone has dignity and value. We are stronger together.
About Doctor BLT
Beverly
International Maxwell Conference, 2024
Beverly w/John C. Maxwell