Christine Carter-Davis embodies strength, hope, and determination. As a product of her environment, Carter-Davis was going down a path of destruction that would have ultimately led her to an early grave. Instead, she decided to change fate and create a new life. She now teaches others to change their lives. Her story is remarkable and inspiring! Read how she turned her struggles into triumphs; perhaps her story can help you change your path.
1) Are you living your dreams?
Yes. I am living above and beyond. I am a mother, wife, friend, and social entrepreneur who is walking her purpose of transforming lives.
2) Are your career goals in line with your personal goals?
Yes. My career goals were shaped by my personal goals. They are one in the same.
3) Tell us about your company.
Against All Odds Foundation was founded in 2004 and is a leading nonprofit multi-service agency whose mission is to provide essential educational and social service programs to at-risk children and families by empowering, equipping, and educating the underserved.
We are based in New Jersey and have served thousands of children and families through our innovative K-12 education division. The Against All Odds Academy offers free tutoring to children under the No Child Left Behind Act, while the Against All Odds- Family Success Center provides needed social services to families through our Newark based community center.
4) Has there been an event/person that has greatly influenced you to be the person you are today?
Life greatly influenced me to be the person I am today. I was the daughter of teen parents ravaged by drug addiction, prostitution, and crime. Both my parents lost their battle with drugs and died from AIDS. After entering the foster system I endured years of neglect, physical, sexual and emotional abuse, homelessness, and academic failure. I was a little girl from the projects who was used as a drug mule at the age of 6, inept, and expected to fail.
One day I decided I wanted more. I decided I wanted to beat the odds. I had dogged determination, graduated from high school, went on to graduate Summa Cum Laude from Norfolk State University with an undergraduate degree in Social Work, a master’s degree in business administration, and an extensive post-graduate education. Life, and a few divinely placed people, was my motivator. I had the choice to lie down and quit, or fight like hell…I chose the latter…against all odds.
5) How do you empower yourself? What keeps you motivated and staying on course to reach your goals?
I am reminded every day the impact that my life’s mission has on others. To be empowered is to be reminded of that. I am extremely motivated to ensure that one child’s success is no longer the exception but the norm. That’s my personal mantra and that of Against All Odds.
6) What types of obstacles did you have to overcome?
As I spoke about earlier I was parentless, abused, neglected, homeless, and literally left for dead, but my obstacles didn’t end there. I failed the High School Proficiency test, scored poorly on the SATs, and bathed in my high school’s bathroom. Although I beat those insurmountable odds, more obstacles remained. Starting a nonprofit agency without funding, resources, or support was daunting but I realized obstacles were my fuel for pressing onward to achieve my goals. The poem “Invictus” describes it best: “my head was bloodied but unbowed.”
7) Who/what keeps you grounded?
Undoubtedly my faith and my family keep my grounded. Also the people I serve every day because that once was me.
8 ) How do you embody guts, glamour, and grace? (Must answer)
I am steadfast, on a mission, and standing to serve. I can counsel a family in crisis, plan enrichment programs for children, meet with dignitaries, change diapers, cook a meal, and give a life-changing message and I can do it all in 4” heels. I AM Against All Odds!
9) What’s one defining moment in your career?
The day I left my career and followed my dream of serving others–on my own terms.
10) What advice can you give to other people on the rise?
People are often debilitated by fear. Fear is what hinders most people from pursuing their dreams and fulfilling their purpose. I would encourage those on the rise to embrace fear because “it’s a fighter’s best friend.” It keeps you sharp and makes you want to survive. The thing is you have to learn how to control it because fear is like a fire burning deep inside. If you control it, it’ll make you hot, but if it controls you, it will consume you.
11) What’s up next? Projects, trips, next big splurge…
I AM Against All Odds! Education Campaign, an aggressive multimedia ad campaign that amplifies the mantra “I Am Against All Odds!” inspiring children and families to beat the odds. Our five-second PSAs showcase champions who have inarguably “beaten the odds,” from celebrities to community leaders, entrepreneurs, public officials, clergy, and more. They have boldly decided to take a stand and say I Am Against All Odds. Will you?
Join the Campaign! Visit:
The Against All Odds (AAO) Foundation www.AgainstAllOddsNJ.org
AAO You Tube Site www.YouTube.com/user/AAONJ
AAO Facebook Page www.Facebook.com/AgainstAllOdds
AAO Twitter Page www.Twitter.com/AAONJ
Christine Carter-Davis Press Kit www.ChristineCarterDavis.com/CCDPresskit.pdf
Partner Campaign – Get Schooled www.GetSchooled.com
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Tags: Career Advice, Person of the Week, Socially Conscious, Striving for Success
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