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

Hi Shantorya, alright, let’s jump in with a deep one – what’s your definition for success?
Many people interpret the word success in various ways. How one person views it may be different from how another person views it. Your definition of success is defined by your personal unique goals, your values, your ambitions, and what you feel is important in YOUR life. My definition of success is simply overcoming any fear or doubt to learn something new that will help me reach every goal that I set for myself no matter what obstacles may stand in my way; I’m willing to take every necessary step to MAKE IT HAPPEN!

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.
Let me share my story: Growing up, I always dared to be different when it came to education. Several of my close relatives, including my parents, didn’t extend their education past high school. I was determined to make a difference and change the tradition; until that day came.
Upon graduating high school in 2009, I decided to further my education and continued my studies by attending Alabama State University. I was a student at ASU from fall 2009 until spring 2014. At the end of fall 2012, my father became very ill and he was hospitalized for months prior to his passing. I will never forget the call I received that night on April 20, 2013. That was the day that my father lost his battle with kidney failure. As time progressed, I realized he would never see me graduate college, nor be able to walk me down the aisle, nor meet his grandchildren. Since that moment, I have felt as if all of my grief resides within me with absolutely nothing to relieve the pressure. On that day, I lost a piece of me. Nevertheless, I NEVER GAVE UP!
Exactly, 7 years later, I enrolled in a community college and within a couple of months, I received my Associate’s Degree in General Education from Trenholm College. Another year and a half after that, I received my Bachelor’s Degree in Liberal Arts from Auburn University Montgomery and I am currently working to complete my Master’s Degree in Education from AUM as well which I only have one semester left to complete.
Outside of educating my scholars, I wear many other hats and have my hands tied in a lot. I am one of the dance coaches at my school. I am the proud business owner of Craf’Tee Creations. I serve as a member and the National Administrator of the wonderful Christian sorority, Tau Rho Mu, under the leadership of Dr. Tammie McCurry. I serve as a member of the Junior Executive Board of Child Protect. Lastly, I serve as the co-director of the Capital City Cinderella Scholarship Pageant.
If I had to give a word of encouragement to anybody reading my story, it would simply be, never allow anyone else to define YOUR success. Never give up because your timing wasn’t somebody else’s timing because in God’s timing, EVERYTHING is perfect.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I am a huge fan of live music events. Two of my favorite places within the city would be Itta Bena and BB Kings Blues club. Itta Bena is a more upscale vibe with jazzy type music on Thursday – Sunday nights. It’s a candle-lit dinner vibe and the food is absolutely delicious. Itta Bena also offers brunch on the weekends. On the other hand, if you want more of a full band, finger food type atmosphere, BB Kings is your place. They offer different bands/Artists from Wednesday-Sunday nights but the restaurant is open all week for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

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?
I want to first and foremost thank God for gifting me with the knowledge, power, strength, endurance, talent, and tools to do what I do. This journey has not been easy but it’s been worth it and He gets all of the Glory. Next, I want to thank my mother and father for always reminding me that no matter how hard it may get, through Christ, ALL things are possible. Thirdly, I want to thank two individuals that I consider role models in each capacity of my life; Shanna Johnson as an educator and Shalanda Lee as an Entrepreneur. Lastly, I want to thank my Founder, Dr. Tammie Ross-McCurry for being the example of the Proverbs 31 woman that I strive to be like.

Image Credits
ShyCooleyPhotography

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