The first time I stepped onto a pageant stage was in 2007 at the Miss Pierce County Scholarship Program. Each contestant was required to audition and select a service platform. When the board asked me about mine, I didn’t hesitate. “I am going to help other foster kids,” I told Michelle, my friend’s mom. In that moment, my mission became crystal clear.

For nearly 20 years, that platform has been my guiding star. What began as volunteering evolved into public speaking at events and eventually led to meetings with policymakers. Sharing my story has given decision-makers a window into the realities of foster care and helped them understand what youth and families truly need to thrive.

One constant throughout my foster care journey was the unwavering support of social workers. They didn’t always have the answers, but they listened. They were honest. And that honesty and care made all the difference. As I continue my work, I’ve come to see just how complex and nuanced the child welfare system is—especially for the professionals striving to support children and families.

This article is my way of helping child welfare professionals understand how integrating lived expertise can make a tangible difference for youth and families.

Understanding the Realities of Foster Care

Firsthand Experience Matters

Growing up in foster care gave me an insider’s perspective on the emotional, social, and systemic hurdles youth face. It’s not just about adjusting to new homes—it’s about grappling with feelings of loss, uncertainty, and, at times, invisibility. These challenges don’t just affect daily life; they can shape how foster youth see the world and their place in it.

While I was able to navigate these barriers and carve out my own path, the impact of those experiences left a lasting mark. They shaped who I am but also revealed the gaps in the system that need addressing.

Bridging the Gap

When child welfare professionals actively listen to those with lived experience, they build a bridge between policy and practice. Listening isn’t just a passive act; it’s a tool for fostering understanding and connection. For a child who feels unseen, that connection can change everything.

Engagement with Youth

Building Trust

Trust is the foundation of any relationship, but for youth in care—who often experience instability—it’s even more critical. Incorporating insights from foster alumni allows caseworkers to demonstrate genuine empathy and understanding, helping to build that essential foundation of trust.

Tailored Support

Every foster child’s journey is unique. By learning from foster alumni, child welfare professionals can craft personalized plans that address each child’s strengths and challenges.

In my motivational talks, I share practical ways child welfare organizations can enhance their support. This might include simplifying visitations for children and families or ensuring that youth have culturally appropriate hair care tools and products. Tailored approaches can turn a foster child’s experience from one of survival to one of thriving.

Addressing Common Challenges

Burnout and Compassion Fatigue

Burnout is a significant challenge for child welfare professionals. Engaging with foster alumni can reignite their sense of purpose by reminding them of the profound impact their work can have. Success stories—or even lessons learned from past challenges—can renew passion and motivation.

Communication Barriers

Effective communication is one of the greatest hurdles in child welfare. Lived expertise offers practical strategies for improving how professionals interact with youth and families. Clearer communication fosters stronger connections, and those connections lead to better outcomes.

Practical Steps for Child Welfare Professionals

1. Host Listening Sessions
   Create spaces where foster alumni can share their stories and insights with your team. These sessions can spark new ideas and lead to meaningful changes in practice.

2. Foster Peer Learning
   Establish mentorship or peer-learning programs that allow caseworkers to learn directly from those with lived experience. These exchanges can inspire innovative strategies and solutions.

3. Commit to Continued Learning
   Make alumni perspectives a core part of training programs. Ongoing engagement ensures that empathy and effectiveness remain central to your work.

Conclusion

When child welfare professionals embrace lived expertise, they create a system that is not only more empathetic but also more effective. Together, we can build a system that supports foster youth and empowers them to thrive.

The future of so many young lives depends on our collective efforts. By listening to foster alumni, learning from their experiences, and working alongside them, we can create meaningful change and brighter futures for youth and families.

From left to right: Highlights of 2024—Speaking at the Geminus Annual Conference (credit: Matt Scott) , legacy photo of current and past Ms. Queens at the USA Ambassador Pageant (credit: FELS Photo),  attending the NABJ Convention, taking a break during a work meeting in Washington, D.C. 

From Social

I didn’t know what to expect as I returned to the speaking circuit as a mother in 2023. To my surprise, my child did well traveling with me. He didn’t seem to mind going through TSA or the multitude of people walking in the airport. After my nerves calmed down, I realized that having him with me was like being anywhere else. I noticed my confidence increased as we attended each subsequent event.

My engagements took us across the country—from Albany, New York, to Denver, Colorado, and Boise, Idaho. As the keynote speaker, I found a recurring theme in my speeches—legacy. I often speak about my foster parents, the Johnsons. They were who I considered to be my parents. They treated me like family and with respect. During my Albany speech, I mentioned the plaque that hung up in the Johnsons’ home. It had the following quote:

“A hundred years from now, it will not matter what my bank account was, the sort of house I lived in, or the kind of car I drove... but the world may be different because I was important in the life of a child.”

The Johnsons’ legacy was full of intention and love—something I believe has made me the woman I am. As a mother and lived experience advocate, I now think more about what I want my legacy to be. Having spoken to audiences for nearly two decades, I know strides have been made in child welfare— increased protective factors for children and families, college scholarships for students in foster care, and legislation to help reduce out-of-home placements.

However, there is still work to be done. There is still high staff turnover and the overrepresentation of Black, Latinx, and Native children in foster care. As a storyteller, I know I can’t share my own experiences without talking about how others are impacted by the system. Namely, what people need to adequately provide services and for children and families to thrive. By continuing to speak up, I’m hopeful that people are listening and are willing to do the work to change our system.

From left to right: Sharing my experience of growing up with the Johnsons at the ‘Foster A Child, Change A Life’ event hosted by the New York Office of Children and Family Services, presenting at the Daniel Memorial Conference in Denver, Colorado, Keynote Speaker at the Golden Gala for JEMfriends in Boise, Idaho

from Social

Wow! I can’t believe it’s been a year since I’ve given away my title as USA Ambassador Ms. I was actually crowned two years ago today on my birthday. It was my goal to write a post soon after crowning my successor. Instead, I decided to take some time to reflect.

My year was filled with traveling, appearances, and lessons along the way. In my role I experienced the great responsibility that comes with being a titleholder. One of the first things I noticed was an increase of followers through my social media. It became more important to me that I was conscientious of what I posted online. I showed others how they could use their platform for good; whether it was creating awareness around an issue or how to get involved in their community. I also made new friends during this life-changing journey.

My full circle moment was crowning my successor, Laura Singer. Not only was she an accomplished attorney and pageant contestant, but she too had been in foster care. Growing up, I was discouraged from speaking about foster care because it was considered shameful. Crowning Laura reminded me how paramount it is for those of us with lived experience to be visible in the world. That there is power in sharing our stories and advocating for others.

Since my time from being USA ambassador Ms., I’ve become a mother and a contributing writer for AdoptUSKids. I’m also back on the road as a keynote speaker. Sometimes I feel being a titleholder was just yesterday and at other times a lifetime ago. This experience has filled me with gratitude and memories I’ll never forget. I’m truly excited to see what happens next!

From left to right: My crowning from the 2021 USA Ambassador Pageant (credit: Bill Krautler Photography), my sister queens and I at the 2022 USA Ambassador Pageant Pink Awards Ceremony, my final walk as USA Ambassador Ms. 2021, and crowning the 2022 USA Ambassador Ms. 2022 Laura Singer (photos credit: FELS Photo).

I know it’s been a while since I’ve written to you. Recently I was dealing with a personal matter which has now been resolved. I’m pretty sure you can all relate. I believe it’s important to be transparent but also to move forward. The last six months have been a prime example.

In May, I attended the Global Beauty Awards. This is an event showcasing trailblazers in the pageant industry. I received the Denise White Award. This is awarded to those who’ve made an impact in the foster care system. Denise is a former Miss Oregon USA and now owner of her own sports management company. She is also a former foster child. Winning this award meant a lot to me. When I began advocacy for foster youth, it was important to me I brought awareness to what families experienced in the system. It’s imperative that families receive support, no matter who they are.

In June, I was a keynote speaker at Wyoming’s Joint Symposium on Children & Youth (WyoJSCY). It was my first time visiting the state. I enjoyed meeting everyone and learning about their roles in helping families thrive. I also had the privilege of meeting another sister queen, Ann Marie, who is Mrs. Royalty International. She is a foster-adoption advocate and works with the Reel Hope Project, an organization dedicated to sharing the stories of Minnesota youth waiting to be adopted.

In one week, I’ll be in Tampa, FL for the USA Ambassador Pageant. This time I will be passing my title to this year’s new titleholder. My sister queens and I had our final trip this year to Disneyworld. It was my first visit and a blast to say the least. I feel I have done everything I wanted with my platform, “A Chance to Succeed: Empowering Youth in Foster Care.” I’m excited to meet all the new contestants and create memories. I can’t wait to share photos with you from Nationals!

From left to right: 2022 recipient of the Denise White Award at the Global Beauty Awards, trip of a lifetime to Disneyworld with my USA Ambassador sister queens and director, queens’ photo-op at the 2022 WyoJSCY, photoshoot with Holte Avery of Revenge Face.

From Social

One of my favorite organizations Eileen and Callie’s Place is hosting their annual event, Celebrate 18. This is a free birthday party and dinner for young women who’ve experienced foster care in Washington. The event will be July 23rd, 2022. RSVPS and day-of registrations are being accepted. Please visit their website for more information.

I look forward to promoting my platform, ‘A Chance to Succeed: Empowering Youth in Foster Care.’ During my final onstage question, I was asked “How would you stay motivated during month eleven and twelve during my reign?” I answered, “By thinking of the 500,000 youth in our U.S. foster care system. The outcomes these youth face are scary: risk of suicide, homelessness, and being alone in the world. I would share my story of being a foster child and what we can do to change the system.”

I plan to keep that promise by continuing to volunteer, share my story, and make personal appearances. If you or someone you know is interested in working with me, please reach out. Thank you again for supporting my journey. My heart is full and I’m so happy to be living my dream.

From left to right: Headshot by Austin Ryde as Ms. Evergreen State USA Ambassador 2021, headshot by Crocker Photo as USA Ambassador Ms. 2021, official portrait by Crocker Photo of the 2021 USA Ambassador National Queens

In thirty days, I’ll be traveling to Tampa, FL to compete for the national title of USA Ambassador Ms. My pageant was scheduled for July 2020 but was postponed due to the pandemic. I’ll admit, I was disappointed. However, I knew the safety and health of everyone involved was paramount. I believe all things happen for a reason. It was my job to figure out what it could be in this situation.

My friend Stacy told me to enjoy the extra year. I had already spent the previous year preparing for this pageant. It was hard to fathom what I would do with the extra time. It became apparent what I needed to do. Instead of feeling sorry for myself, I decided I would continue my journey to the crown. Even with the restrictions of the pandemic, I dedicated my time to charity work and improving myself.

Looking back, I’m glad I had the additional time. Having my schedule open allowed me to focus on wedding planning and attending a memoir writing class. I continued volunteering and raising awareness through my platform ‘A Chance to Succeed: Empowering Youth in Foster Care .’

For many years, I felt alone because I grew up in foster care. When I did speak about it, I was factual and straight to the point. Others were glad I shared my story but felt they didn’t hear it on a heart level. They didn’t get to see me because I wouldn’t let them. It was during the course of this last year, I saw what was happening. I became determined to be more open and unafraid with telling my story.

I understand that people can sometimes be judgmental. This keeps others from sharing their story. But I also knew in order to dispel the stigma of foster care, I had to claim and share my story with courage. Whether I said something or not, I would be labeled either way. it’s because of this, I became more real. I began to build and deepen my connections. For the first time in my life I felt seen and accepted for the woman I am.

This has inspired me to become a better advocate and a friend to those in need. As I get ready to head to Tampa, I find comfort in knowing that I’m not alone. I know that when I step on that stage, I’ll have thousands of foster youth and alumni standing with me in spirit. It’s an honor knowing my voice will represent those who cannot speak for themselves.

FROM SOCIAL

During this month, I’ll be hosting a donation drive for Comfort Cases. They’re an organization that is dedicated to giving children in foster care ‘a sense of dignity and hope.’ They provide luggage and other care items youth need. As Ms. Evergreen State 2020 USA Ambassador, I invite you to join me in helping these children feel seen and loved. 

Thank you so much for supporting my platform, ‘A Chance to Succeed: Empowering Youth in Foster Care’. Feel free to reach out if you’re interested in having me make an appearance as Ms. Evergreen State. 

I appreciate you all. Talk with you soon!

Jamerika

Crown Headshot Credit: Austin Ryde

As we know, child abuse can be damaging to a child’s physical and emotional safety. It can have a profound effect on their development and ability to connect with others. However, child abuse doesn’t have to happen. With support, families can learn how to prevent abuse and reach out for help. You can learn more at Prevent Child Abuse America on what you can do to help families in your community

from social

Earning my degree has given me a foundation for my professional and personal endeavors. It has broadened my worldview and made what seemed impossible, possible. I always like to tell people my degree is the ‘gift that keeps giving.’ And it truly is. I aspire to be a life long learner and I feel this is something I’ve achieved.

From Social

I’m excited to announce I’ll be partnering with Comfort Cases! As Ms. Evergreen State 2020 USA Ambassador, my platform is ‘A Chance to Succeed: Empowering Youth in Foster Care.’ Comfort Cases’ mission states “We believe in a compassionate community that cares for the most vulnerable among us, and we can all do something to bring comfort to children in foster care.”

Comfort Cases encourages people to help by hosting donation drives to volunteering at their National center. Their work has been featured in the media including CNN Heroes recognizing Comfort Cases Founder Rob Scheer. I look forward to sharing this journey with you as we work together to bring comfort to youth in foster care.

Thirteen years ago, an anonymous donor gifted me a Foster Care Alumni of America (FCAA) membership. Being a part of this organization has changed my life. I have grown professionally and personally as a person because of FCAA. Meeting other alumni of care has helped me to feel less alone and that I have a purpose in this world. Their focus is advocacy, education, and community building. Here are some photos from over the years.

From Social: #FCAA #Spotlight

This week, Africatown Media highlighted the needs of foster children during COVID-19. What I appreciated is they addressed how foster youth can already feel invisible due to their circumstances. They emphasized how COVID-19 can increase these feelings and what the community can do to help.

Back in March, I had the chance to appear on the Africatown morning show as Ms. Evergreen State 2020. I want to thank them for mentioning in the clip below my platform, ‘A Chance To Succeed: Empowering Youth in Foster Care'. It’s an honor knowing I get to help people during a tough time.

Eileen & Callie’s Place

One organization I’ve enjoyed volunteering for is Eileen and Callie's Place. They provide mentoring and resources to young women aging out of foster care. Young women leaving care face unique challenges such as finding gainful employment, healthy relationships, and guidance on transitioning to adulthood. The volunteers do a wonderful job of helping the girls feel welcomed, seen, and cherished.

Alumni Corner

Lura Landon is from Sumner, Washington. She spent twelve years in foster care before aging out at 18. Her foster care experience included living with grandparents,  relatives, and several foster and respite homes. She feels that foster care made her more resilient than most of her peers.

“Looking back I wished I knew more about how the trauma I endured would affect me throughout my life,” Lura said. “As an adult, I’ve spent hundreds of dollars and hours trying to untangle the negative self talk that has influenced my being to the core.” Lura’s fifteen years of volunteer service with organizations that impact youth and alumni in care has been a huge part in her healing process.

“I am forever grateful for every single [foster] alumni I’ve met across the country,” Lura said.  “They all have so much to share.” Lura believes every adult involved with at-risk and foster youth needs to ensure every life they touch has value, purpose, and potential. 

Lura adds “Without first addressing the generational trauma in the families they work with, the progress toward healing and success will be hampered, potentially for life.”

From Social

Back at the 2015 Children’s Justice Conference. I ran into my social worker Matt who I hadn't seen in 20 years. Thank you Matt for helping my family & I during a tough time. You made a difference in my life! #FosterCareMonth #fostercarealumni #socialwork #childwelfare #cleverjam pic.twitter.com/tgQDVPUiEa

— Jamerika Haynes (@CleverJamComms) May 12, 2020

“Thank you for reminding people about love and hope and what really matters!! God bless you!”

- Kathryn from Twitter

2019 may be gone but I want to take this time to thank everyone who has helped me to keep Clever Jam going. I feel very fortunate to do this work and could not do it by myself. I hope you all have a wonderful New Year. See you in 2020!

Clever Jam 2019 Picture Highlights - from left to right: Refresh Conference in Redmond, WA, KNOM Radio Mission Staff Retreat & Iditarod End-of-Race Post in Nome, AK, Montana Prevent Child Abuse & Neglect Conference, Washington State Children’s Justice Conference, Interview as Ms. Evergreen State at USA Ambassador Pageant in Tampa, FL, DCYF Supervisor’s Conference in Tacoma, WA, Together We Can Conference in Lafayette, LA

I wrote to Carl thanking him for inspiring me to continue my own journey as a motivational speaker. He has since become a mentor and a shining example of what it means to rise above your circumstances. This is why Foster Care Month is important to me. It highlights the stories of those who overcome and in return, connects people to one another. When I left foster care, I felt alone in my struggles. By opening up to others, I learned they too faced adversity in their lives – job loss, death, and unwanted change. It made me feel less alone and more empowered to to carry on in my life’s journey.

For the last two years, I have traveled as a keynote speaker across the nation. What has touched me the most are audience members who walk up to me – people of all ethnicities, ages, and professions. They mention to me they were also in foster care. This was something I did not predict would happen when I set forth on this path. It brings me such joy to know I can help others feel heard and less alone. This is something that makes me proud as a professional and an alumni of foster care.

“Oh, I’m gonna be late,” I thought to myself. I grabbed my purse and ran out the door to catch the bus. I was heading to meet friends in a nearby city. I looked down the street and could see the bus coming a block away. I looked to my right and could see I was a good three blocks from the bus stop. “I wish they hadn’t moved the stop in front of my house,” I thought as I wildly ran down the street. I felt a mix of embarrassment and irritation as I heard the bus pull up behind me. I could also hear it slowing down as it drove past me. “Cool, he’s gonna wait for me,” but I still kept running. At this point, he was already at the bus stop. I was still a block away.

When I got on the bus, I sat down and caught my breath. I breathlessly motioned to the driver that I was getting my fare. “Looks like you got your exercise today,” he chuckled. Once I relaxed, I responded “I already went to the gym today,” I said. “Oh really?!” he said.

I had mentioned I was getting ready to compete in a fitness competition. “Something I’ve always wanted do,” I said. He mentioned he started training for a similar competition but had stopped. “Why?” I asked.

“I didn’t have the time,” he said.

We pulled up to my stop. I was off running to my next connection. Most conversations I had with drivers were trivial at best. However, our conversation stayed in my mind. “I didn’t have the time,” kept repeating in my head. I found myself questioning whether or not I had the time to do something like this myself. I quickly pushed the thought away. “I am committed to this,” I said. “It’s important to me and I will make this happen.” I walked to my bus stop and made my connection. I looked forward to seeing my friends and discussing my future plans.

Making Time

“I don’t have the time…”

“I have so much to do….”

“I wish there were more hours in the day….”

I find myself saying these things all the time. Like others, I have tried doing what I can to optimize my time: to-do lists, prioritizing, cutting back, etc. When I was studying journalism, I asked mentors how they did it. “You just do,” they said.

In my post “You Are Valuable,” I discuss the importance of valuing our selves when others fail to see our value. It can be difficult because what we value others may not. Furthermore, we spend our time demonstrating our value. It can be disheartening when others fail to appreciate it. We also don’t get back our precious time.

In the same post, I talk about upholding our values. Which means we have to stand up for what we believe in. This can be difficult and at times not fruitful. Others may be too busy to notice or they may not want to give you the time of day (no pun intended). However, how you spend your time is a true reflection of your values.

How You Spend Your Time

In the summer of 2017, I attended the National Association of Black Journalists Convention in New Orleans. I had launched Clever Jam Communications in the prior Fall and wanted to learn how to grow my business. I decided to go to the Media Related Task Force meeting to gain insight from fellow members.

I had the opportunity to sit with a woman who had been a NABJ member for many years. We’ll call her “Elle.” Elle also owned her own communications consulting business. I was excited to learn from her and tell her about Clever Jam. I had confided in her about juggling work, relationships, and a new business. She looked at me and paused before responding.

“You need to know the DIP method,” she said. “You need to be deliberate, intentional, and protective of your time.” She told me I was “doing too much.” I didn’t realize I was wasting my time.. Admittedly, I felt hurt. I didn’t want to let people down. I wasn’t sure how Clever Jam was going to pan out so I hadn’t jumped in with both feet. It felt easier to advocate and work hard for others than it did for myself. After our conversation I felt better and more determined than ever.

I came back home to Seattle and created a new plan. I decided by Summer 2018, I would leave my job. I ended friendships that should have been ended years ago. I committed myself to Clever Jam. I told myself I had nothing to lose and everything to gain. When June of 2018 came along, I left my job. I was excited because business for Clever Jam started picking up.

Till this day, I live my life by the ‘DIP’ method. I wished I’d known about it sooner. It forces me to look at how I am spending my time. Yes, it can be hard juggling everything but I no longer feel adrift. I feel more in control and purposeful. Because of this I feel more happier in my life.

We all get the same amount of hours each day. Is there something you’ve always wanted to do but haven’t yet? Why not? What is stopping you?!

In my next blog post, I will be talking about building relationships through social media.

Until next time….

Jamerika

Say the word 'value' and a few things come to mind: promotion, self-worth, productivity, etc. As frequently as the word value is used, it seems hard to define or demonstrate. I have spoken with colleagues who are up for a promotion. "How do I show my value?" they ask. They ponder over the ambiguity of the word. They further struggle with how they show their value to a supervisor despite having a list of accomplishments. Which brings me to my next question...

"How do you show your value in the workplace?"

Some may start by looking up the definition of value. Webster's dictionary has a few as one can imagine: 

1) a fair return or equivalent in goods, services, or money for something exchanged;

2) relative worth, utility, or importance

Given the context of this post, these two definitions seem the most relevant to the subject at hand.

Or are they?

I think back to a friend who was looking for a job who said she wasn't 'cut out' for the positions she sought. I thought to myself "You have a degree from a world class institution. You're personable, communicative, accomplished. You bring so much....

"Wait a minute..." I thought to myself. 

The word value was about to cross my mind. I restrained myself from speaking out loud. Instead, I let empathy be my guide. She'd been unemployed for months and I was afraid she may have thought I was being patronizing rather than helpful. I offered to look over her resume and meet in person for support.

Looking back, I wished I would have said something. 

I say this because as a professional she does have value even if she's not employed at the moment. She has value because she is talented, reliant, and works hard. And I had known her to produce great results.

Why It's Hard to Show Value

Even when a professional is outstanding, why is it hard to show value? Or better yet, why is it hard for supervisors to see our value? 

When I worked in food service, I was taught to greet customers within five seconds of them walking through the door, hand them their correct order, and clean everything down to the shine. We were told these 'tiny details' added value to the customer experience.

And it did. But that's not what brought customers back. It was looking someone in the eye while greeting them and using their name. Asking them which condiments they wanted and moving tables together so a large party could sit together. 

To me it was these details that not only added value but built relationships. 

Yes, adding value builds relationships. 

Yes, it takes time. 

But it's worth it. 

Some people gawk at small talk because they think it's trivial or a waste of time. I see it as an opportunity to get to know someone and build a relationship. 

It's vulnerable building relationships with people because we're afraid of being judged or ‘seen'. So we keep our guard up. We settle on a 'working relationship’ (ask yourself how long did you last in a job with such a dynamic?!) That's why it's hard to ask for a raise. "How will I be viewed for asking for more money?” "What happens if I'm told no?"

Value = Relationships

So you may wonder how building a relationship sets the stage for adding value. 

Because people do business with people they know. Another name for it is connection.

I know what you're thinking. You may not want to get too close to people at work. I understand. A friend once told me “You can be personable without being too personal." When we get to know our co-workers, they have an opportunity to not only know us, but understand how we approach our work and so forth. We also get to understand our co-workers in return.

But most importantly, we get to understand ourselves better in relation to others in our life's work. If we want others to value us, we must first value ourselves. We must know what we bring to the table, how we deliver, and if we take ownership in our work (both the good and the bad). 

Showing our value starts with our own selves. If we can't see it, it's not fair to ask others if they can. 

With that being said, we can know our worth, show our value, and still not get the job or promotion. 

So what do you do? Do you continue to try?!

Of course you do! 

You are Valuable

When I was a student at Tacoma Community College, I worked a few odd jobs. And I worked hard!  I worked graveyard and swing shift at two workplaces. Talking about it now makes my head spin.  I also was a reporter for our school paper and president of the Black Student Union. It was crazy but I developed a work ethic during that time I had no idea would influence my career. 

Having a work ethic added value to my life because I learned how to work towards a goal. When I go out in the world, I can demonstrate my value because I own it, walk in it and know what I have gone through to get where I am today. 

If you find yourself at a crossroad of not getting that promotion, job, whatever it is you seek, take a moment to pause. Maybe it's not the right time or company. You may have to further your personal development or skills set. That is fine. If it's worth it to you, you will put in the work. Always remember, it's not how far you have to go, but how far you have come. 

Now that I have shared with you my thoughts, I'd like to hear from you! How do you define value? How do you show it to the world?! 

In my next post, I will be talking about how I manage my time with so much to do!

Until next time,

Jamerika  

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]]>You Are ValuableChild WelfareCommunicationsFoster CareKeynoteMotivational SpeakingPageantsJamerika HaynesTue, 19 Jun 2018 05:33:42 +0000https://www.cleverjam.com/blog/2018/6/18/welcome-to-the-clever-jam-blog58d741dfd2b857f33fb4bf38:5b2892bf88251b368ba6a1dc:5b2892fbaa4a996a2885cba7There will be more to come Summer 2018! Thank you! 

Jamerika