Madam Monday

I reserve Mondays to recognize jet-setting women who are making great strides in their communities.  I call these features "Madam Mondays!"  [And this Monday's is PARTICULARLY special to me]

This Monday we ask, 

Who is Kera Street?

Living, Loving, Learning.  

These words sum up the passions of this Spelman Grad and Harvard Ph.D. student.  This future College President is known for her amazing work ethic, her dedication to her studies, and her infectiously warm personality.  

Ms. Street is a native of Richmond, Virginia but in 2008 she relocated to Boston, Massachusetts to pursue a Masters of Theological Studies. Now Ms. Street is seeking a Doctor of Philosophy in Religion & Religious Studies.

Although she has spent the last six years as a pupil of Harvard, her love for her alma mater, Spelman College, is still very evident.  In her spare time Ms. Street serves as the President of the Boston Area Chapter of the National Alumnae Association of Spelman College.

Prior to being a student of theology, Ms. Street was a student of the arts.  She attended Appomattox Regional Governors' School for the Arts and Technology in Petersburg, Virginia as a dance major and still has a strong zeal for dance.  

"If I were never compensated monetarily, I would most certainly teach dance.  Dance has always been and remains to be a deep, abiding passion.  Sharing that passion with others would certainly bring me a joy worth more than any check."

Along with being a student and community activist, Ms. Street is an avid world traveler.  Having enjoyed visiting Uganda, Tortola in the British Virginia Islands, and Amsterdam, her country is visit is South Africa.  Ms. Street plans to travel to Cape Verde and Senegal in West Africa in the near future.

Her advice for women who wish to make great strides? 

"Don't take 'NO' for an answer! Don't believe the hype! And Don't doubt your ability! ...You can do anything you commit to."

If you're anything like me, you're wondering how she balances it all!  To this Ms. Street says that it's extremely difficult and almost impossible.  The first step is to always set priorities and manage expectations, but doing this with the utmost attention to the psychic, emotion, and physical health.  Self-care is the ultimate key. 

Ms. Street is currently working with the Boston Area chapter of the Spelman Alumnae Association on the 8th Annual Blueprint Conference for Middle & High School Girls.  More information about the project is located here: http://naascboston.weebly.com/conference.html

A friend to many, and a mentor to even more, this jet-setting woman definitely believes women can have it all with hard work, balance, and a keen sense of what it "all" is to them.