We had the good fortune of connecting with Aireane Montgomery and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Aireane, do you disagree with some advice that is more or less universally accepted?
One piece of conventional advice that I disagree with is putting one’s self in a box so that people have an easier time placing you in a category. Everything that makes me who I am should be displayed regardless to whether it seems to conflict with another aspect of my life. My life is the sole summation of all my experiences and I think everyone should figures all aspects of themselves out.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I have the pleasure of being the founder/CEO of Georgia Educators for Equity and Justice Incorporated. GAEEJ is a 501c3 devoted to the liberation and belonging of Black educators and students across the State of Georgia. Our mission is to confront educational inequities that prevent the liberation and belonging of Black educators and students. Our vision is to model liberatory education and advocacy that center Black educators and students, therefore dismantling inequitable systems of teaching and learning. What sets GAEEJ apart from many nonprofits is that our executive board is predominately comprised of Black millennials educators with half still being in the classroom. This allows us to be very in-tune with the what our population needs. We consider ourself a wraparound service for Black educators and students. We confront educational inequities through advocacy, intentional professional development, mentorship, and membership. I got to where I am in business through manifestation and the love to be of service to others. It has not been an easy journey. I always say that you cannot have a testimony without a test! How I continuously overcome challenges is continuing to believing that I have a purpose and what is worth having won’t come easy. I lean on my tribe when I get weary, I know I am not doing this just for me, but everyone that felt as if they weren’t worthy to see their dreams manifest. I am here as living proof that it can and it will. I want my brand(s) to give hope and liberation to those that sit in the margins. It is our time!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my bestfriend is coming to visit me from out of town and I am not being an anti-social entrepreneur on the computer sun up to sun down lol, I would definitely be at one of my faithful places such as Mandolin Kitchen or Divan for some hookah, lamb chops, and great cocktails. I love to be at a nice hookah bar that is not too loud so I can talk. I am also a Bartaco girly! The fresh drinks and Spanish fusion dishes are to die for! I am definitely partial as I opened Inman Park as a server and ended my restaurant career as a seasonal manager at West Midtown! Some other restaurants that I love will be Eclipse Di Luna, Barcelona Wine Bar, and Gypsy Kitchen as I love variety and hate having to settle on one dish!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My shoutout goes to a couple different key people in my life. I have to give thanks to my hardworking parents. If it was not for them instilling the confidence in me to go after my dreams, I probably would not have. My father is a serial entrepreneur that has been in business for himself since he was 26, and I am elated to follow in his footsteps. I have to shoutout my tribe: Sandra Ajimotokin, Dr. Rosa Ponton, Herbert Jackson Jr. , Dr. Chantee Earl, Anthony Downer II, Maurice Brewton, and Farid Momodu. Without my tribe, I would not make it to see the heights of success that I have seen so far. I can honestly say, I have a dream team!

Website: https://www.gaeej.org

Instagram: @missmontyyy @ga_eej

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aireane-montgomery

Twitter: @ga_eej

Facebook: Aireane N Montgomery / ga_eej

Image Credits
Farid Momodu, Hoon Lee

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