100 WOMEN TO KNOW IN 2023: Shawntia Lee Emil's

RISEHER 100 Special Edition

Women To Know In 2023

TRAILBLAZER INNOVATOR THOUGHT LEADER

Born With The DNA of a Boss/Entrepreneur

SHAWNTIA LEE EMILUS College Thriver Education Corp.

Committed to preparing the voices of today's students...

SHAWNTIA LEE-EMILUS EdTech Founder. Higher Education Consultant. Community Leader

is a believer of Jesus Christ knowing He has created me to fulfill great purpose in this world.

She is happily married to the love of my life, Samuel Emilus and is the mommy of a fur baby named Harvey.

She likes speaking, educating, and innovating to assist others in achieving their goals.

She has over 10 years of expertise in the field of college admissions, and I was the first in her family to earn a four-year degree.

She celebrates being a top-performing sales executive for at least 20 years, successfully raising over $100,000 towards the development of her app by using her abilities to pitch and get financing. Through her 1:1 pitch sessions, "Pitch Like a Pro," she now takes great joy in instructing other small company owners on how to successfully pitch and acquire money for their ventures.

In addition, she's establishing a funding academy that will outline the procedures in greater detail and equip business owners to negotiate equity deals, acquire larger investments, and safeguard their intellectual property.

CONTACT www.college-thriver.org www.linkedin.com/in/shawntia-lee-45744729/ (407)-530-3800

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Shawntia Lee-Emilus Interview with a Women To Know In 2023

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For I know the plans i have for you, thus said the Lord, Plans to prosper you and not harm you. (Jer. 29:11)

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R: How would you describe your journey of becoming the woman and CEO you are today?

S: Wow, my journey began when I was a young child. The neighborhood adored my grandma Gladys, who despite being blind continued to run a pool hall. Watching her manage her own company while blind really helped me to overcome whatever limits I had because if she could do it, why couldn't I? I have always been bossy, as my sister Ashley Johnson says, thus I think I was born to be a boss/entrepreneur. I've always wondered why things are the way they are and believed that life might be better. I've always known that I wanted to leave a legacy, and by creating a college readiness app for firstgeneration minority students, I have proof that my legacy will have a huge global influence.

R: What would you say is most rewarding in what you do?

S: I love seeing students accomplish their dreams.

Growing up, I had someone very close to me tell me I would never accomplish anything in life and it was hurtful and I secretly believed them. As I have healed, learned to love myself and release co-dependent behavior, I know they were only projecting their fears upon me. I love seeing my pitch clients win funding and realize their dream of building a business is not far fetched and it is a reality.

R: What advice would you give someone who wants to transition from being an employee to entrepreneur?

S: Have a plan, for sure, LOL. Many individuals believe they can quit their jobs and start making millions overnight, but that is not how a typical transfer really happens. There is nothing wrong with having objectives and needing a certain amount of money in the bank before pursuing your business full-time. I have successfully worked the previous three years at my 9-5 job while also managing my firm.

R: What are three traits you feel an entrepreneur must have?

S: Faith, Adaptability, Vision R: How do you persist in the face of challenges within your business?

S: I focus on self care. Meditation, epsom salt baths, prayer, business friends to vent to. I also stay focused on the vision God has placed inside of me.

R: Why do you what you do?

S: I experienced racism in the classroom. I want each child to know they are worthy of an education, and worthy of attending the college of their dream.

R: How do you measure success?

S: Setting modest objectives and pursuing them while attaining only a tiny portion of them is success. For me, achieving a goal continuously is great achievement.

R: 100 years from now when people learn about you, what do you want to be known for?

S: Breaking barriers in Education. To be known as the 1st black woman to create an innovation app to remove racial bias from college admissions.

R: Give three tips to new business owners, and leaders.

S: Do not be afraid to try new things.

Go for it and give it your ALL. Trust that if God called you to it, he will provide all the resources and connections needed to be successful.

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