Dr. Leithea Williams is the owner and principal of Emergent Life Skills and Education Consulting. She was born in St. Andrew, Jamaica, moved to the United States, joined the United States Air Force, and served as an Airman for 16 years before retiring and starting Emergent Life Skills and Education Consulting.
Tell us about your life before the venture/ leading up to your venture?
I worked for the United States Air Force in various capacities two of which prepared me to become a teen life coach; the jobs that pushed me towards my current career were curriculum designer and military instructor. During My Air Force career I came in contact with young adults who lacked life skills. Two specific events became the catalyst for starting my business. The first occurred during technical school; I noticed a fellow Airman attempt to put her laundry basket in the washer because she did not understand the basket was not made to fit inside the washer. She was also unaware that clothes needed to be sorted before the washing took place. The second event happened over time; I volunteered as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for foster children who needed a neutral voice to speak on their behalf. As I became familiar with the foster care system I realized that the instability these children experienced did not leave much room for them to learn life skills and that to help them be successful they needed coaching. Emergent Life Skills and Education Consulting came into being because of a need to help teens and young adults become better versions of themselves.
Tell us something about your organization. What is it about and how is it helpful for people?
Emergent Life Skills helps individuals acquire essential life skills—such as communication, problem-solving, time management, and emotional intelligence—that are crucial for personal and professional success. We assist students and parents with navigating the complexities of the education system including college admissions, education consulting and strategies for improving academic performance. Emergent Life Skills provides advice on career planning and development, including job search strategies, resume building, interview preparation, and identifying pathways for career advancement. We address the needs of individuals with learning differences or those requiring special education services. The overarching goal of Emergent Life Skills and Education Consulting is to empower individuals by providing them with the tools, knowledge, and support they need to navigate life’s challenges effectively, achieve their educational and career goals, and realize their full potential.
What has been the response of the consumers towards your venture?
- Ignite Resource Center Volunteer Organization – 2021
- Proclamation – 2023 – Recognizing Dr. Leithea Williams’ Outstanding Contribution to the City of College Park, GA
How has your life changed because of your venture?
Starting a business significantly changed my life in numerous ways, impacting the personal, professional, and financial aspects of my life. I’ve experienced personal growth because of the increased responsibility not only for my own livelihood but also fulfilling my customers’ needs. The demands of running a business often lead to long hours which potentially impacts my work-life balance. The responsibility of owning a business is stressful, because of the pressure to succeed. However, building something from the ground up provides a profound sense of accomplishment and personal fulfillment.
What are you working on right now?
- A luggage drive to collect gently used suitcases and bags to donate to foster group home(s).
- Deliver clothes and hygiene items to kids in Jamaica.
- Distribute book bags to kids in foster care.
Give a motivational message for the audience/women who are reading this.
I know there are moments when you feel like you’re not good enough, that somehow you’ve fooled everyone into believing you’re smarter, more talented, or more capable than you “really” are. That nagging voice whispering doubts in your ear? It’s called imposter syndrome, and guess what? It’s more common than you think. But here’s something I want you to remember: That voice is not the truth. It’s just fear dressed up in disguise, trying to hold you back from shining bright. You are capable. You belong. You are growing. So next time that doubt creeps in, take a deep breath and remind yourself: I am here because I am capable. I belong here. I am constantly growing and learning. And most importantly, you’re not alone in this feeling. Talk about it with friends, mentors, or coaches. You’ll be surprised how many share your feelings and how much support is out there for you. Keep pushing forward, keep believing in yourself, and remember, the only person you need to prove anything to is yourself. You’ve got this, and the world is waiting to see all the incredible things you will do.
