Meet Candace Green: Research Coordinator and Blogger

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

Hi Candace, how do you think about risk?
Whew, this is a good one. I think everyone that knows me well can attest to the fact that I like things that are safe. I like guarantees (I also acknowledge that most things in life are never a guarantee.), I like the security of knowing that will happen next. I had to give all of that up when I decided to start a business, and in my career as well. Some days it feels like the risk is worth it, and some days it feels like I made the wrong decision. The definition of a risk is this: “A situation involving exposure to danger” or “expose (someone or something valued) to danger, harm, or loss.” So yes, you may fail, but you also may success beyond your wildest dreams. In the end I’m learning (slowly), that I’d rather take a calculated risk, than to wonder what would have happened if I didn’t try at all. However, Muhammed Ali said it best: “He who is not courageous enough to take risks will accomplish nothing in life.”

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I love what I do. I’m a research coordinator, which in a tiny nutshell, means that I run clinical trials. I started as a senior in undergrad, and was hired full time after graduation. Let me just say that it has definitely been a journey. There aren’t many faces that look like me in this field (if you catch my drift), and it’s been hard to gain the respect of others, especially if they are older (which most are.) I’ve always had a mini conflict within myself because I consider myself to be straddling between both the creative and STEM worlds. I always felt like I had to pick a side, and I just recently realized that I could be great at both. A few lessons I’ve learned are: 1. You can be great at multiple things. 2. You have to speak up for yourself. No one will believe you are capable if you don’t believe it yourself. 3. Even if you are new to the table, you are at the table because you belong there. Embrace it, and show everyone what you’re made of. 4. Do your best everyday, even if you think it’s not appreciated. I can’t tell you how many times I didn’t realize others at work payed attention to the time and effort I put into my job.

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?
In addition to research and writing, I consider myself a foodie, and Birmingham has a plethora of amazing food options. So, to start I’d take them to some of the best back-owned food spots: Granny’s Fish and Grits, or Jakes Soul Food Café. (To-go of course, because of COVID.) Birmingham is also home to one of the last standing Black Business Districts: The 4th Ave Business District. We’d probably stop by Green Acres Café’ while we’re there for lunch, and then walk it off at Kelly Ingram Park or the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute. The Botanica Gardens is a great place to just relax, and it’s outside so it’s COVID friendly.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Well first, my faith plays a big part in how I try to live my life, so I can’t go any further without acknowledging how God’s grace has kept me, and continues to do so. I can’t name a particular person (because there are so many), as much as the community that I am starting to immerse myself in. I have many friends and acquaintances that continue to take big risks and reap big rewards, so it helps me to tale the little ones. They inspire me everyday. I also strive to be the best version of myself for my family. My dad passed in 2008, and I wish he was here to see the things I’m doing, but I believe he can still see it, and is proud of me. Lastly, everyone who has silently followed my journey, everyone who has read, commented, or shared a blog post or article I’ve written, thank you. Those little things encourage me that my tribe is out there, and they are listening.

Website: www.candacedogreen.com
Instagram: c_dog93
Facebook: Candace Danielle

Image Credits
Amyna Price Bridgette Brundage