BOSS Spotlight Feature: Christina Cockrell

Christina Cockrell is a Professional School Counselor, Educator, and Mentor. She is the founder of Persist Education Services (Persist Ed.), which is an organization that provides mentorship to youth, parents, and K-12 educators. Through Persist Ed. Christina works collaboratively with families by providing parenting workshop and professional development opportunities to educators to improve student outcomes.

What were some obstacles that you faced in the beginning process of starting your business or career? Time has been my greatest investment and obstacle. While working full-time as a school counselor, building a business as an entrepreneur, being a military spouse, and raising a family as a mother to four children, my days are full! Being able to balance all facets of life can be hard to maintain, especially in the beginning of entrepreneurship. Because you wear so many hats as an entrepreneur, you sacrifice a lot of time making sure everything is in alignment: finances, services, inventory, scheduling, managing clients, etc. Even beyond funding, time is something I am always searching for.

What inspired you to break into your industry? I’ve always had a passion for starting a youth serving organization. In 2013, I began my career in social work, working with children in foster care through reunification and transitional housing programs. Witnessing the challenges children and families endure while in foster care opened my eyes to how their experiences affect their opportunities in life. I knew back then how attaining an education could be so powerful in opening doors for underserved populations, so in 2017 I made a shift into school counseling. School counseling provided the space to work closely with children in foster care and the ability to provide learning opportunities that would open doors to future opportunities.

How do you balance your personal and professional life, or have you been able to find a balance? Most of the time I can balance my personal and professional life successfully. I give much credit to my husband for always being a great team player because without his support, I know balance would be more challenging to achieve. I work a full-time job as a school counselor during the day, transport my children to their activities in the afternoon, and spend evenings working on my business. It really is a lot to juggle! But every week, on Sundays, my husband stays home with the kids, and I can get out of the house for personal space and time. Sometimes I use this time to reset and engage in self-care; other times I go to a library or bookstore to plan my week or catch up on tasks that I put off. There are times when I feel so overwhelmed with trying to balance my personal and professional life. I heard someone say, “normalize taking a break and not quitting.” When I feel overwhelmed, I remember that it is okay to take a true break. Sometimes giving yourself a week or two to reset is necessary. When you learn to give yourself grace, you find balance.

What is an inspirational quote that you live by? Letitia Wright once said in an interview, “What is for me will not pass me by, and if it passes me by, it's not for me.”

Sometimes hearing “no,” can be defeating. This resonates so much and really helps me push forward in times when I feel doors aren’t opening for me in business and in my personal life.

Who were some influential people or mentors that helped or encouraged you along the way? My parents always had a ‘go-getter’ mentality. The way they pushed through barriers and navigated life demonstrated to me that there are no limits to what I can do and accomplish. I have had a few challenges in life, but I stay focused on my purpose. Because my parents instilled in me a strong foundation of resilience and perseverance, I pursue my life and career with my head up, always. I watched my dad build his business, Will to Win Fitness, and I always admired the level of discipline (mental and physical) he maintained as a fitness coach. A quote he shared by Vince Lombardi says, “The difference between a successful individual and others is not a lack of strength, not a lack of knowledge, but a lack of will. Perseverance transforms normal, everyday people into champions…” My parents [still] encourage me continuously to be a champion at whatever it is I set out to do.

What are your "must-haves" to keep your career or business going strong? You MUST surround yourself with people who are like-minded and doing what you aspire to achieve. Stay grounded in faith and remember your ‘why.’ Develop your support system, including a mentor or friend who will keep you going when the going gets tough! Never stop learning and always ask questions. Mindset is everything!

What is your definition of a BOSS? A BOSS is a woman who gets a seat at the table and brings extra chairs for her sisters. In other words, a woman who persists to break down barriers and provides support to other women in pursuit of their goals. A leader, a mentor, and friend.

Provide us with two words that describe you? Family Advocate

Learn more about Christina at: Website: www.persisteducationservices.com

Instagram: @_persisted_

Facebook: www.facebook.com/PersistEdServices

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/christinacockrell