First lady Monica Anthony is the director of the Freedom Institute for Economic, Social Justice and Political Empowerment and the programs coordinator for the James E. Wadsworth Jr. Community Center.
Here, Anthony discusses her professional journey:
What inspires you to do the work that you do every day?
What most inspires me to do the work I do every day, is knowing I’ve made a difference. I have to get up and “do” something.
How did you determine your career path?
My career path was determined by me and God! I have started on paths that I thought I should be on and then that “inner voice” (God) leads me elsewhere. From changing my college major from nursing to Africana studies-public policy.
How did you determine your career path?
My career path has so many variations it has connected to industries such as commercial real estate, government relations, non-profit business development to retail business.
Describe the future skill sets that are essential to future business leader and innovators.
Technology and social communication (v. networking) is definitely a future skill-set that leaders and innovators are going to have to know and implement. It’s the only way we are going to be able to engage to newer workforce–the changing workforce.
Define innovation methods you apply to your business and life.
I use technology of course. Even when I was not using it personally, for business it’s a must. I also “make it happen.” Do you need me to come to you? What can I do to close the deal? I understand, as a self-employed business woman, I have to go the extra mile to make the extra dollars. If that means, stretching a little more for a happy client/customer then I will be creative.
Describe goal setting methods you use and how you evaluate you success.
I’m a “list” girl! I have some from of a notebook with me at all times. I am constantly reviewing, updating and evaluating my To Do list. It’s one of the best ways to evaluate because either you got it done or you didn’t. I prioritize and use time-management techniques constantly.
Who do you consider your peers in you field and a few that are great examples you can get support and best practices?
These questions are interesting because like many young(er) people “my field” and “my career” is a very broad for me. I wear a few different hats; Director, James E. Wadsworth, Jr. Community Center; Director, Freedom Institute; President/CEO Gian Chris Inc. All three require different things at different times and sometimes at the same time. In the non-profit community/social engagement arena my peer and someone who is very supportive is Alice Thompson, Black Family Development. I admire strong, hard-working, independent-thinking women in a variety of arenas that are different from mine; Dr. Juliette Okotie-Eboh, MGM Grand Detroit, and so many others.
Name you favorite role models for success in two industries?
My favorite role models for success are, hmmm, let me think…
Name three books that changed how you saw life and you recommend to others.
Three books, wow! I love reading. I actually founded a book club 5 years ago and it’s still going strong. Let me think…Outliers: The Story of Success by Malcolm Gladwell, The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison, Left to Tell, by Immaculee Ilibagiza
Share why lifelong learning is important to you.
Lifelong learning is important because if you’re not learning in life you must not be living. There is so much to glean from other people, books, and so many other sources. If you are not seeking knowledge daily you are slowly living a slow death.
Describe the voice of success that you her in your head.
The voices of success I hear are my husband whom I admire tremendously for his commitment and dedication; and my mother who I feel encouraged by.
Community success based on what you do in the community means what to you.
Dr. King said, “Service is the rent you pay for the space you occupy.” I love that! It means a great deal to me knowing I’ve made a contribution, to know I served. That’s when you have been successful in the community. So many people are behind in their “rent” it’s time to get caught up!
Technology plays what role in your daily life?
I call myself “go-go gadget girl” that’s how intense technology is in my life. I always say, “I like to work smart, not hard.” That’s technology does, it helps you to work smart. So I use technology a lot at all levels.
What software and tool of technology apps include has made the biggest difference in you life?
Google! I love, love, love Google! There’s no excuse not to know something. I tell my two-year old when she’s having a fit, “don’t get frustrated, figure it out.” With the resources that we have at our disposal in the technology-age, there’s no reason not to figure it out. I don’t (didn’t) know, didn’t work back then and really doesn’t work now.
What role does music and cultural event define your self-identity?
Culture brings you back to the reality that you are not in control. It reminds you that there are greater things in society and that you are just a microcosm of something so much bigger. They say music soothes the savage beast. So after having the world at your fingertips through technology, it’s culture and music that add that balance and brings you back down to earth.
Define your personal culture.
My personal culture? Hmmm, that’s an interesting question. My personal culture is God first, family second and community third. And that 3-cord braid is so intricately woven together they all go hand-in-hand.
Describe your favorite vacation spot.
My favorite vacation spot? I would have to say somewhere near water; Netanya, Israel on the Mediterranean Sea was awesome! The Nile River in Egypt, I could do that again! But the absolute best place is home; Chicago, Ill.
If you could change one thing about the world what would it be?
Peace! Love’s in need of love today! If we could only be a little kinder, merciful and caring toward one another what a wonderful world it would be.
If you could change one thing about your self what would it be?
I try daily to have peace within and without–cause I can raise some hell too! And God checks me (or I check me) I then realize that it’s not about me, let go and let God! Peace be still!
