Meet Dr. Marquia Whitehead | Award-Winning Educator, DEIAB Guru, Dissertation Coach, Education Advocate, & Project Based Writer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dr. Marquia Whitehead and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dr. Marquia, what do you attribute your success to?
The most important factor that has contributed to my success is my grandmother, Mrs. Helen E. Boyd-Welch. She was much more than a grandmother; she was our mother. Living a few houses from our childhood home, I was always there. Although she did not complete a formal education, she was such a well-spoken woman who wrote like a college professor and frequently read books. She was also well-dressed, stressing the importance of a woman’s appearance, especially a Black woman, as well as education. “Momo” was my ideal woman and shaped who I am today. She may not be on Earth physically, but I still feel her presence. I still hear her wisdom. I still hear her pushing me when I am weak.

I am beyond appreciative for her; however, I know that many young women have never had a relationship like ours. They may have never been afforded the opportunity of someone literally making them read and write or critiquing their speech and clothing. My grandmother always made something out of nothing. We were not a rich family, but we were blessed because of her! Since she was my rock, I strive to be that rock for others.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
When I am asked this question, I really do not know where to begin! I wear a lot of hats: Education Consultant/Coach for an international company, Adjunct English Professor at a few universities and colleges, Dissertation and Life Coach, Project-Based Writer, DEIAB Strategist, and creator of a book club – Catch That Read. I am also active in my community, serving on a few boards, member of the National Association of University Women, member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated, and just completed the Lafayette Leadership, Class of 35 (Live 35 – The Best), program. People read all of this and are like “how, sway?” It may seem difficult but it is easy to me. Everything that I do, I love! I give it my all and remain organized – super organized. I also have excellent people around me, especially my partner (love you, sir) and close friends, who support and push me. My parents are also a huge help; we literally co-parent with them with our little one.

Now, was all of this easy to accomplish? Ummm.. no! As a young professional, I dealt with SO much. That includes bullying at work, imposter syndrome, horrible friendships, gaslighting, bad relationships, etc. I also received a lot of “NOs,” a whole lot of them. My strength was from within. Although my family spoke life into me, I also had to speak life and believe it. Additionally, before meeting my partner, I was a single mother to my son (previous teen parent). I learned how to get it out of the mud! I put him through private school, obtained all three of my degrees, held down jobs, and whatever else necessary so that he would never feel the pressures of life. I just never let that mindset go. Like I always say, I have felt broke before and never want to feel it again.

Lastly, I am also a mental illness warrior, constantly conquering Bipolar Disorder, which has actually been a blessing in disguise. I have learned how to naturally regulate all of the mood issues without lashing out on others or using it as an excuse for a bad attitude (I hate when people do that). But, my mind is typically always busy and wants things organized. This has been my benefits! I am a Heart Disease conqueror, which allows me to watch my health.

All in all, people look at me and think it’s all perfect, but I do not look like what I have been through. That’s all God!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Well, it depends. Are they here for Mardi Gras, Festival International de Louisiane, crawfish season, or what (lol)? Let’s assume they are visiting on a regular day. My main concern would be the food, of course. We would have to visit Edie’s Biscuits for breakfast. Possibly Laura’s Two for a good, soul food lunch. Night time would include Kitchen On Klinton (KOK) for some of the best wings, seafood, music, just an awesome time!

If we are seeking entertainment, we would visit the Acadiana Center for the Arts and view all of the awesome Louisiana artwork. Then, we would hopefully see an awesome play and/or musical by the Hamilton Academy of the Arts.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Where do I begin? I dedicate my shoutout to my big sister, Michelby; she basically raised and molded me into all of this greatness. I also dedicate this to my partner and kids, my family, and my doctoral sisters. Lastly, I am grateful for the amazing friends and tribe! I am blessed for the people that are in my life currently. God has completely opened doors and placed me at the right tables.

Website: https://www.drkiaconsulting.com/

Instagram: drkiaconsulting

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marquiawhitehead/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drmarquiawhitehead

Other: Business FB: https://www.facebook.com/thedrkiaconsulting/

Image Credits
First photo (pink dress in the street) by Corey Frank, owner of SpokenRed