Name: Makalah Fleming-McElroy
Position: Clinical Intervention Specialist, KIPP Bridge Rising
What led you to your current position? Ever since I can remember, I knew that I was put on this earth to change the world. Through a compilation of personal experiences that consisted of both challenges and triumphs, I have learned exactly how I can do just that! I am driven by this passion and know that it is my duty to fulfill it, ensuring to constantly plug in to make sure that the work I do is always a reflection of that.
On top of having the opportunity to teach little brown children their worth, how to better understand themselves, and how their experiences can build towards meaningful outcomes/solutions, I get to teach pivotal adults in their lives to do the same which feels like a dream come true… I literally get to do my “heart work” every day.
What inspires you to do this work? Knowing the beauty and limitlessness of unconditional love, work, and care. Being a little black girl, now 25-year-old woman, from East Oakland California, understanding the beauty and struggle of that experience and position. The realization that the intentional, unconditional love that I received despite circumstance is the direct force which helped me transcend barriers has pushed me to want to introduce this possibility and be that person for other children, especially those of color within this community. That then, they may see, know and understand just how valuable and limitless they are despite the constraints that the world and sometimes even their own communities/families have both knowingly and unknowingly put on them.
What is an important lesson you’ve learned in this role? One huge lesson I have learned and pivotal reminder for me within this work is the importance of authenticity and learning to bring yourself fully, wholly and unapologetically to the table for discussions with parents, children, teachers, leaders and other collaborators. Although the knowledge I learned in undergrad and the achievement of my Master’s degree is key …. My personal experience, outlook, realness and twist to it all is therapeutic within itself too and is something I must never doubt. I have found the most substantial healing-- for myself and the little lives I touch comes when I show up in that way.
These children and families already have the tools within themselves for healing and success… it is just my duty to help them uncover it, see what’s possible and keep as well as utilize their unique vision for their lives as the propelling force and source.
Share your life motto or something unique about yourself: I strive to live every day in authentic power-- when your personality comes to serve the very essence of your soul, you will know power, “authentic power”.
Position: Clinical Intervention Specialist, KIPP Bridge Rising
What led you to your current position? Ever since I can remember, I knew that I was put on this earth to change the world. Through a compilation of personal experiences that consisted of both challenges and triumphs, I have learned exactly how I can do just that! I am driven by this passion and know that it is my duty to fulfill it, ensuring to constantly plug in to make sure that the work I do is always a reflection of that.
On top of having the opportunity to teach little brown children their worth, how to better understand themselves, and how their experiences can build towards meaningful outcomes/solutions, I get to teach pivotal adults in their lives to do the same which feels like a dream come true… I literally get to do my “heart work” every day.
What inspires you to do this work? Knowing the beauty and limitlessness of unconditional love, work, and care. Being a little black girl, now 25-year-old woman, from East Oakland California, understanding the beauty and struggle of that experience and position. The realization that the intentional, unconditional love that I received despite circumstance is the direct force which helped me transcend barriers has pushed me to want to introduce this possibility and be that person for other children, especially those of color within this community. That then, they may see, know and understand just how valuable and limitless they are despite the constraints that the world and sometimes even their own communities/families have both knowingly and unknowingly put on them.
What is an important lesson you’ve learned in this role? One huge lesson I have learned and pivotal reminder for me within this work is the importance of authenticity and learning to bring yourself fully, wholly and unapologetically to the table for discussions with parents, children, teachers, leaders and other collaborators. Although the knowledge I learned in undergrad and the achievement of my Master’s degree is key …. My personal experience, outlook, realness and twist to it all is therapeutic within itself too and is something I must never doubt. I have found the most substantial healing-- for myself and the little lives I touch comes when I show up in that way.
These children and families already have the tools within themselves for healing and success… it is just my duty to help them uncover it, see what’s possible and keep as well as utilize their unique vision for their lives as the propelling force and source.
Share your life motto or something unique about yourself: I strive to live every day in authentic power-- when your personality comes to serve the very essence of your soul, you will know power, “authentic power”.
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