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

Hi Joyce, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
Risk taking: how do I think about risk, what role has taking risks played in my life/career?

I think about risk taking as my lifeline, an opportunity to be creative, grow and move beyond where I am. A risk is a “live in the moment” door that leads you from one place to another. I use “we” a lot in this conversation because I believe we are all connected. We all take risk in life every time we approach and open a door. Doors have a purpose and so does risk-taking. We often fear taking risks or opening new doors because we lack confidence about where it will take us. To be a risk taker means I must believe in myself, understand my purpose and know that for every risk taken there is a lesson to be learned. To me it is about having a vision and not being afraid to start with “nothing” to achieve “something”.

By taking risks and closing doors that offered me little opportunity to achieve my purpose, I found one door, which was education that open opportunities for me to pursue my life and career ambitions. For example, in 2005 when I was recruited the United Arab Emirates Ministry of Education to coordinate and direct their educational reform initiative that would effect change for students and teachers and administrators in all 9 of their Emirates, this was far beyond what I ever dreamed my PhD in Education would take me. Was I fearful to take on such a huge responsibility as a young African American scholar just beginning her career in academic research? You bet I had concerns. However, I also knew the greater the risk, the greater the opportunity for success. Afterall, I had fought other life’s challenges such as gender, racial and social economic hardships along the way because I refused to allow fear to cripple or stop me. Now in 2022, I continue to collaborate and work with educational leaders in the UAE as clients.

To embrace risk taking you must “learn from travel”. You must go places and keep in motion. You can’t learn by staying at home or in your own comfort zone. View yourself as unfinished and be a learner. I have traveled, lived, studied, nurtured my family, mentored others and played in countries on 6 of 7 continents.

I proudly wear “risk taking” as my “mantra”…or badge of honor and key to my success as I continue towards continent #7 building my learning network, sharing my story and following my heart to wherever “HE” leads me. In other words, I am an unfinished product – always and forever “becoming”.

What should our readers know about your business?
What Sets Me Apart from Others

What sets me apart from others is that I am uniquely educated, gifted and knowledgeable on many topics because I am a life-wide learner and explorer. I believe we all have a unique God given purpose in this journey called “life” and it is up to us to find it. I arrived where I am today in my career businesswise largely because during my career and in my personal life I trusted my instincts and “listened to my heart”. I embrace challenges as opportunities knocking on and entering doors trusting that wherever it leads me, there will be an opportunity. I always expect to learn as I live out my purpose. For example, an important lesson learned from an early age was that to become an effective leader, I had to be willing to serve and follow others.

During the 60s, I had to accept not fitting in and being vulnerable when I participated in sit-ins to fight racial discrimination in restaurants and schools. So how did I learn this lesson of being a fearless bold leader? I was born during the “baby boomer” generation into an exceptionally large southern Black family that believed in certain traditions and values relating to gender, religion, education, work ethics and self-preservation. Research shows that Baby boomers are one of the largest learning generations of today! As a baby boomer my beliefs are represented by the values of that historical, postwar era that included independence, strong work ethics, being self-assured, goal oriented and competitive!

It was an era when people would often engage in behavior involving “breaking the rules” – yet somehow were respected and often relied on for leadership in tough situations, which fueled the civil rights and voting rights movements. My sharecropping parents were such among the freedom fighting people and so was my mentor. Consequently, I learned how to intuitively judge opportunities that exists with risk taking. For one, I learned from people you don’t want to take a “big risk” to gain a little return. I learned to weigh the opportunity for gain vs. fear of failure.

I am most proud and excited about my retirement from being full time academia for the first part of this century and now transitioning into the next season of my life through my own practice as an entrepreneur and professor emeritus. I am excited and optimistic about meeting new people, places and spending time with people I care about and value in the years to come.

I founded my business Global Education Technology & Research Associates Center (GETRA) as a people empowerment service. The foundation evolved from years of experience that I have committed to teaching, providing educational mentoring and coaching services that people need or desire. I view my global knowledge, experiences, and connections as resources to help them find their purpose or achieve success.

GETRA is a global educational, technology, and research consulting group. We are dedicated to offering high-quality research services, online learning training, global teaching and career opportunities worldwide. We design, explore and seek partnerships to enhance social, economic and educational development through services designed to improve human performance and global connections. Our researchers and consultants will coach and collaborate with you to identify and deliver the best opportunities including research support to enhance global careers, educational achievement and educational tourism. I will help you assemble your moving forward team by providing access to a cadre of highly qualified professionals to help you develop a plan to discover new pathways to reaching your goals.

I want the world to know that my service brand and story are products of my risk taking stance that resulted in doors opening leading me to create opportunities for personal life and career success through serving other people’s needs and enjoying life in the process. For example, I started from nothing by taking a risk and leaving hometown of Pine Bluff, Arkansas when I was 16 years old with $25.00 in my purse, a Greyhound bus ticket from the south to the north traveling to a place I did not know in search of a door to my future. In other words, I closed a door that I sensed was not leading me to a place where I could see my vision or purpose becoming reality. My brand is service to others, to help people achieve their dreams, find their purpose, and develop knowledge, tenacity and persistence to “make IT happen”.

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.
Family or Alone – fun and educational tours for all !

Atlanta Botanical Garden
The Atlanta Botanical Garden is a 30 acres botanical garden located adjacent to Piedmont Park in Midtown Atlanta, Georgia, United States. Incorporated in 1976, the garden’s mission is to “develop and maintain plant collections for the purposes of display, education, conservation, research and enjoyment.”

Georgia Aquarium
Georgia Aquarium is the largest aquarium in the United States, with its more than 100,000 fish and mammals, including whale sharks, the largest fish in the world, and a 6,000-gallon touch pool featuring rays and sharks. A 4-D theater, food court and five galleries entertain all ages for the whole morning. Address: 225 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313 Estimated Time: 3-4 hours

World of Coca-Cola
Everyone loves World of Coca-Cola, where the soft drink’s story is told through fascinating exhibits, classic ads and a fanciful recreation of the bottling process. Coca-Cola products from around the world are available for tasting before it’s time to depart through the gift shop, which is packed with Coca-Cola souvenirs. Address: 121 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313 Estimated Time: 2 hours

National Center for Civil and Human Rights
The National Center for Civil and Human Rights in downtown Atlanta is an engaging cultural attraction that connects the American Civil Rights Movement to today’s global human rights movements. The individual galleries engage visitors powerful imagery, compelling artifacts and poignant storytelling. Address: 100 Ivan Allen Jr Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30313 Estimated Time: 1 hour

Shopping
Buckhead, Lenox Square & Phipps Plaza – These shopping area fashionably anchor Atlanta’s retail landscape. Hold on to your purse and wallet guys!

At Lenox Square, shop Bloomingdales, Macy’s, and Neiman Marcus plus designer boutiques such as Louis Vuitton and Salvatore Ferragamo, or casual staples like J.Crew and Banana Republic.

At Phipps Plaza, shop the fashionable Saks Fifth Avenue and Nordstrom, as well as specialty retailers like Gucci, Tiffany & Co., and Tom Ford – plus the popular LEGOLAND Discovery Center attraction.

Atlanta Station – Upmarket retail complex with department & specialty stores, a multiplex & a range of dining options.

Cumberland Mall – you can have it all!
Cumberland Mall is a shopping mall in the Cumberland district of Metropolitan Atlanta near the suburbs of Smyrna and Vinings. It was the largest shopping mall in Georgia when it opened on August 8, 1973. The anchor stores are Costco, Macy’s, Planet Fitness, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and Round 1 Entertainment.

Dining – four (4) of my favorites

Gypsy Kitchen in Buckhead
I love the cuisine here and the festive dining options indoors or outdoors centered in a rich shopping area. The restaurant draws inspiration from the culinary riches of Spain – infused with Moroccan traditions from across the Gibraltar and Indian influences that travelled west along the same seas. Centuries of interplay between these food traditions and lands inspires our Iberian fusion plates and much more.

Ecco Buckhead
The ambiance is nice for a couple or small group. It brings European flair to the heart of Atlanta. Charcuterie, Italian-inspired flatbreads and pasta dishes make up this menu.

Atlanta Fish Market
The restaurant often has a wait list but is worth the wait. You will be drawn in by the larger-than-life fish sculpture out front. Diners can choose from the catch of the day, fresh sushi or a variety of shellfish. Never had a bad meal here! Good for lunch or dinner!

ATL Fusion Barb-Q. Welcome to TL Fusion!
Black family owned and operated in friendly Austell, GA about 10-15 minutes from midtown and near downtown in SW Atlanta area. Freshly made, Slow-smoked meats. When it comes to catering they take pride in offering incredible food and service to make your event enjoyable. You might want to have a family meal with friends in your hotel or B&B. https://www.atlfusionbbq.com/

Daily Itinerary (see a Day 1 example of how to plan your 5-7 days) next section.

Day 1 – Itinerary
(Example)

Breakfast
Go for a Sunny Walk or Self-Guided Tour
Atlanta Midtown Walking Tour (Self-Guided), Atlanta
Though its boundaries have never been clearly defined or decided, Midtown basically comprises the area north of Downtown and includes Piedmont Park – one of Atlanta’s major recreation areas. Take this orientation walk to explore some of the Midtown’s key places of interest, from its skyscrapers and historic houses to its fine restaurants, museums and churches.
https://www.gpsmycity.com/tours/atlanta-midtown-walking-tour-2270.html

Lunch
Atlanta Fish Market

The restaurant often has a “wait list but is worth the wait. You will be drawn in by the larger-than-life fish sculpture out front. Diners can choose from the catch of the day, fresh sushi or a variety of shellfish. Never had a bad meal here! Good for lunch or dinner!

Shopping

Cumberland Mall – where you can have it all! You will get your people watching, walking or have fun riding up and down the escalators. Remember to have an afternoon snack in the mall eateries where you can sample many of Atlanta’s delicacies or your favorite food chains.

Dinner

Copeland’s of New Orleans on Cumberland Drive – just minutes from the mall!

Return to your hotel or B&B or take in a movie by returning to AMC Theatre in the Cumberland Mall area and get ready to plan your Day 2 of exploring beautiful, fun and historic areas in Atlanta. Keep your plans “fluid” because Atlanta is fast pace and something new is always happening!

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?
First, I thank almighty God for favoring me with the gifts of knowledge, wisdom, patience and generosity. I humbly claim the badges of mother, grandmother, great grandmother, entrepreneur, world leader in education and professor emeritus of a major university.

Next, I thank my family, especially my late parents, who sacrificed for my education, always supported and encouraged be my best self.

My children including my loving sons, grandchildren and great grandchildren were always there inspiring me during my struggles and the good times. Their love, high expectations, confidence, trust and reliance on me for guidance mean the world to me and always keeps me grounded in setting priorities for the paths I choose to explore.

I am one of 11 sisters whom I greatly admire and appreciate. In fact, we are like “one in the same” when it comes to loving and supporting each other; and they are “my best friends”. That’s right no brothers!

I thank the political and educational communities with special recognition to Members of Congress, teachers, professors and others professional colleagues for giving me support, recognition and a voice in both politics and education early during my life and career journey. Their support was invaluable especially when I was leading nationwide outreach and teacher training while seeking funding and other resources aiming to close the digital divide in education.

I thank two professional world organizations of many that were instrumental to my career and and international connections: The World Council for Curriculum and Instruction (WCCI-NGO UNESCO) and the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE). In my work with these organizations, I continue examining ways for achieving digital equity in our schools because I believe prepared teachers, effective curriculum and educational technologies offer the potential for closing achievement gaps between haves and have nots, blacks and whites.

Lastly, I must remember my Mentor, the Late Great Maeleen Clay Arrant, an Arkansas educator, first black educational director in Southeast Arkansas. She was my life time Mentor since I was 11 years old until she passed away in 1999 – the year I received my doctorate. She was one of 12 black Women featured in a book project Better Living By Their Own Bootstraps, Black Women’s Activism in Rural Arkansas, 1914-1965 by Cherisse Jones-Branch that represent “Black feminine faces who reflect determination, poverty, youthful optimism and contentment, while some appeared beat down by a long, hard life but still upright and proud. The “Women of the Arkansas Delta” is the first official exhibit in The ARTSpace on Main, the newly opened facility of the Arts and Science Center for Southeast Arkansas.” I encourage you to visit the exhibit here: https://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2021/may/22/exhibit-focuses-on-delta-women/

Website: Website: GETRA – https://getra.vpweb.com/

Linkedin: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joyce-pittman-5050302a/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FeJln4VmW9I

Other: Global Teach Connect: https://drexel.edu/soe/research/research-initiatives/global-teach-connection/ Podcast website URL: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1763671

Image Credits
Joyce Pittman, PhD
Brian J. McLaughlin
Johnny Crawford
www.johnnycrawfordphotography.com
https://vietnamblacksoldiersportraitproject.com/
770-364-4910

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutAtlanta is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.