Meet Ayana Turner | Educator/Author/Journalist

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

Hi Ayana, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
Well, I was born in Detroit but moved to DeFuniak Springs, Florida when I was 5. I was raised in the south my entire life and that southern upbringing is just deep rooted in me. Both of my parents were very hard working and their love, guidance, and belief in me made me into who I am today. That’s why I think I can achieve and do anything!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am an Educator/Author/Journalist. I teach Journalism to grades 7-9. This road has not been easy but I have truly enjoyed the learning experience along the way. I’m proud of myself for pushing through and accomplishing the things that I’ve accomplished so far. What excites me is that I took the mistakes I made and all the doubts placed upon me and I used it as a growing mechanism. What sets me apart is the superhuman drive I have. I had to sacrifice a lot and sit out on several things to better myself, but I’m not done yet. I want other people to look at what I’ve been through and know that they can do anything.

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?
Oh wow! Atlanta has some of the most amazing places to visit. My girlfriends and I love adventure and food. We would first go see the OutKast mural because I feel like that’s classic Atlanta. We would go to Ms. Icey’s in Decatur for brunch then hit up Copeland’s for dinner. To help us out with all the food we’ll be eating, we would go hiking at Stone Mountain. I absolutely love my Soror K. Michelle’s spot Puff & Petals because the food, drinks, and ambiance is serious. We would bar hop downtown for the night life.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My mother Catherine. My mom is the epitome of what the essence of a woman is. She was an educator also, highly intelligent, beautiful, witty, and determined. I wanted to be as strong as her when I grew up, and the love from both of my parents caused the outpouring of agape love from me onto my children and my beautiful granddaughter. I wanted to give them the best version of me. I also have to say thank you to my iPUSH Magazine family because they pushed my creativity as a journalist, and I will always be thankful for my foundation with them.

Instagram: @yanaaiesha

Facebook: Ayana A. Turner

Image Credits
Daz Goodman- Book visuals Aric Thompson- Photographer