CICELY DIXON - ABRON

Cicely Dixon-Abron is a native of Phenix City, Alabama She has been a faithful and devoted educator for 20 years She is dedicated and committed to the vision of supporting all students Ms Abron is also the CEO and founder of E3 Enrichment Services This enrichment program started in 2013 and has served over 500 students in the bi-City area The program also has added these additional services for the community: 1) E3 Mentoring, 2) The Empowerment Magazine, 3) The Shedrick Dixon Educational Foundation, 4) The PEARLS Leadership Academy, 5) E3

Professional and Career Services and 6) E3 Consulting, Inc

She is a 1999 graduate of Alabama A&M University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics and Computer Science and a Master of Science in Computer Science She continued her education at Alabama State University with a Master of Science in Mathematics Education and in July 2015, she completed a Masters of Education in Instructional Leadership and Educational Administration at Troy University

Among her other honors and affiliations are:

South Girard Teacher of the Year

MEA Gold Apple Award

Troy University Academic Merit Award

Scholarship Recipient

LaGayle/Betty Educational Foundation

Teacher Advocate Award

Educational Achievement for Alpha Kappa

Alpha Sorority (Rho Rho Omega Chapter)

Eco Latino Magazine Community Service Award

Honoree

Entrepreneur Award for Diamond Diva Magazine

Columbus Georgia Magazine Top 40 Under 40

LaGayle/Betty Community Member of the Year

Mary Jane Riley Educator Award

Top 5 under 40 for the Columbus/Valley Magazine

“She Matters Award

Tuskegee University Builders Academy STEM teacher advocate

Columbus Times Newspaper Black Business

Award Nominee

CGMBNA Community Service Award

Columbus Ledger-Enquirer Readers Choice

Award Nominee

Discipleship Community Award

Black History Entrepreneur Award

Ms Abron is a servant leader that continues to make an impact in our community She is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc and a board member of Girls Scouts of Georgia She is also a dedicated member at Gaines Chapel AME Church and is the proud mother of three kids: M’kiyah, Ciniyah, and Trent

What inspired your start in entrepreneurship?

In 2013, I wanted to make an impact on the lives of children in our community Being an educator, for 20 years, I was able to see the challenges of our children and the focus to help them become successful It has never been about money but merely being a servant leader to help make a positive impact in the community

What has been your biggest challenge/failure as an entrepreneur? And how do you deal with it?

The biggest challenge that I have encountered is not having enough volunteers to encompass my vision I dream big and have big expectations as it relates to allowing more opportunities for our youth

How do you balance entrepreneurship and Motherhood without experiencing burnout while pursuing your passion?

In the beginning, I was very burned out because I was not balanced with having three active kids in school activities, sports, church and so much more Honestly, the pandemic slowed me down It allowed me to create a balanced schedule by creating a calendar and learning to say “NO” to some projects I have 5 organizations and give each one a day or week Basically, I use strategic planning to help my business become successful and put in “ mommy time ” daily

What advice do you have for moms looking to get started In entrepreneurship?

Create a balance in the beginning and prioritize your goals Family is always first and learn to say “NO” if it ’ s going to interfere with your kids I’ve learned that you can ’ t get that time back so make many memories now If your job is 8 to 4, then your kids deserve the rest of your day

What does being a Pretty Woman Who Hustles mean to you?

A woman who works hard and is committed to the goal of taking her business, kids, community, family, etc A woman who makes sure she is inspiring, encouraging, and has a walk of integrity Pretty to me is what’s on the inside! It’s important to be that Proverbs 31 Virtuous Woman, “she openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all Favor is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised Give her the fruit of her hands, and let her own works praise her in the gates ”