Master Coach Michelle Martin Bonner
NAME OF COMPANY
Ammempowerment
WHAT HBCU YOU ATTEND?
Tennessee State University
WHAT MADE YOU ATTEND YOUR HBCU?
I attended private school from grade school to high school. One of my mentors Paul Jones was an alumnus of TSU, and he really believed in attending an HBCU. I thought having a different educational experience and discovering what it was like to be away from home would be a good way to learn more about myself and my people.
WHAT DID YOU LEARN DURING YOUR TIME A YOUR COLLEGE?
Being at TSU taught me that I was stronger and smarter than I thought. I was in the Honors Program and it boosted my confidence in my academic abilities. My roommate was on the women’s basketball team, and she talked me into taking a PE class with her, and there were football players in the class. The push-ups and running exercises gave me more confidence in my ability to go beyond the norm.
HOW DID YOUR HBCU EFFECT YOUR LIFE?
Being at TSU helped build my confidence and set me on a path to take on challenges. It reinforced my desire to fight against racial discrimination, oppression, and inequity. The experience helped lay the foundation for my advocacy work and the work I do around diversity, inclusion, and belonging.
SHARE 3 OF THE MOST SUCCESSFUL THING YOU HAVE DONE SINCE LEAVING COLLEGE?
- Graduating from law school as a single parent.
- Chairing the State of Missouri’s Foster and Adoption Board (The first African American Female to do it), advocating for children in foster care.
- Being ordained as a minister and sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ.
WHAT ADVICE CAN YOU GIVE OTHER ENTERPRENUERS?
Keep God first, pursue your dreams, and don’t let someone else determine your path in life. When things get tough, keep going and know you are more than enough.
WHAT IS NEXT FOR YOU WITH IN 5 YEARS?
Growing my business and ministry.
HOW CAN READERS CONNECT WITH YOU ?
www.Ammempowerment.com
