Tell us about your business.
Dr. Essie Speaks, LLC, gives you the techniques to elevate your leadership skills to make a powerful impact! If you desire to learn how to create a Signature School- the highest growth school in your district, learn the techniques to transform a school into a place where educators are passionate, students’ learning increase, parents and the community members are engaged, resources are plentiful, discipline improves, wrap-around services provided, and the entire school community benefits from the success, I will assist you in transforming your school or district with GUARANTEED positive success indicators and results!
I provide coaching and consulting services in the following areas: Educational Administration, Elementary Administration, Middle School Administration, High School Administration, School Leadership, The Highly Impacted Student Population, Special Education, Higher Education, College Preparation, a Career-College, and Military Readiness!
My specialty areas are in Transformational Leadership, School Leadership Development and Teacher Development! You will be able to turn your challenges into opportunities, failures into successes, ensure that responsibilities are fulfilled, and enhance your capacity to lead! I will personalize plans to fit your individual needs, whether it is a small group of educators or an entire school or school district. In addition, I am an Amazon best-selling author and provide effective writing tips and strategies in helping others to become a best-selling author. You may also contact me if you need a dynamic motivational-inspirational speaker at your next engagement. Visit my website at www.dressiespeaks.com!
Describe yourself in three-to-five words.
The three words to describe me are visionary leader, results-oriented, and a lover of education! I have held many leadership positions in the field of education in which I brought about positive changes and results. I have had to possess the vision to lead in challenging circumstances to ensure success in every position. I would visualize myself in the positions before securing the positions and think about the place and space I wanted to pursue next and then gain the knowledge and skills to bring my vision to reality. All schools yielded positive results and schools became Signature schools, indicating high growth! My work speaks for itself and my vision continues to be evident in my work in the field of education. After spending thirty plus years in K-12 public education and at the collegiate level, I created my own business.
I am an award-winning educator, four time best-selling author, motivational speaker, coach, host of an education show, and I continue to assist in school transformation! I acquired four degrees and have attended some of the most prestigious universities in the nation, including Harvard University!
In addition, I possess several licenses, qualifications, credentials, skills, and knowledge in the field of education in North Carolina and Virginia and hav received numerous awards for my work! I have appeared on many national and international radio shows, been featured in a multitude of magazines, and shared throughout the nation and other countries about education. My passion is education and my desire is to give back and continue to make a profound impact in the lives of others!
What do you consider your greatest strength or asset?
My greatest asset is in the field of education – leading others to greatness! I have a keen sense of what needs to be done and creates a comprehensive plan to get it done! Also, I have been blessed with the gifts of speaking and writing and loves to learn. My writing abilities are extensive, and I have had much success! I had the opportunity to function in a variety of educational settings where I created constructive changes and took on challenges to produce positive results. My extensive experience has been noted in the following schools: working in highly impacted schools, Title 1 schools, Federal School Improvement Grant Schools, Priority schools, Elementary and Middle Schools of Transformation, special education, and twenty years in public-school administration. I have been recognized for my ability to align strategic and comprehensive programs, partnerships, and initiatives to produce sustainable results, thus transforming schools impacting the whole culture!
My motto is, “whole child-whole educator-whole school impact. I believe education is HARD work, but also HEART work!” My greatest assets and strengths are denoted in the work that I hav done and continue to do, no matter if it is in K-12 public education or higher education!
What or Who inspires you? Why?
My greatest source of inspiration is God! I am grateful for the vision, skills, knowledge, and blessings He has bestowed upon me to serve others and make a powerful impact in their lives. My parents, Elder John Manley and the late Evangelist Essie Manley, are such great source of inspiration. They instilled a sense of determination and excellence in striving to achieve, and the belief that through Christ Jesus—all things are possible. My sisters and brothers were a source of inspiration and always shared that I was their role model, their “shero.” Their words had a profound impact! My children, Marcus and Shardae, for their positive words of encouragement and belief in me. They are always encouraging and positive, no matter what avenue I take. I love them to life! My late first cousin, Gardenia Harvey, had such a big personality, was professional, and had all the ingredients of success. I knew I wanted to be just like her and held a special place in my heart because she was one of my role models.
I am grateful for all those who helped me along the way to get to where I am today and contributed to my professional growth. Many professionals inspired me to push and pull myself to the leader I am now. There were friends, family, and colleagues who provided patience and words of encouragement when times were challenging. Last, but not least, my work inspires me. Just to know that I am a living example of growing up from humble beginning and with two parents who did not receive a high school education to where God has richly blessed my life because of their sacrifices and pouring into me what they envisioned for themselves!
Where do you see your business in five (5) years?
In five years from now, I see so much more success in God allowing me to help others and give back! More prominent world-wide speaking engagements, more books that will become best-sellers, and more consulting that will allow me to make a greater impact in the field of education. Possibly, my own show and becoming a visionary author are two things that I have contemplated. My business will make a world-wide impact and have a systemic impact in the field of education. I see myself participating in more growth opportunities, developing and expanding my skills, completing more leadership programs and completing my pastoral degree, Lastly. I envision God using me to impact kingdom building and Him using me as a vessel to uplift and magnify His name! I truly believe that the vision I hold will manifest itself into the reality that I desire in making a difference and living a legacy for many generations to come! Greatness, success, prosperity, and impact are on the horizon!
What is your VISION & PURPOSE in life?
My vision is to make a powerful impact in the lives of others based on how God navigates my life. I want to be able to expand my knowledge and skills so that I can share with others and truly serve as a role model to inspire, uplift, and help others to propel forward on their life journey. I want to be a living legacy that will motivate others to greatness and help them to live out their God given talents and abilities. I want to maximize myself, my gifts, and let my life serve as an inspiration to others. I do not want to leave anything unfinished, nothing to be desired, or nothing to regret. I want to live my life fulfilled and with God as the anchor piloting me into my ultimate purpose. My purpose is to live according to God’s will for my life, to maximize my potential, and to continue to seek excellence in who I am and what I do so that I can give the best of me to the world to make a powerful impact!
Dr. Essie McKoy is an award-winning educator, a 4X’s Amazon bestselling author, speaker, and coach! She received her Doctorate in Education and an Educational Specialist Degree from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, a Master’s Degree from Appalachian State University, and a Bachelor of Science Degree from Winston-Salem State University. She has attended many leadership programs throughout the nation from Harvard University to Howard University and has been a faculty member at three different colleges and universities. Dr. McKoy has received many awards and accolades for her service in the field of education.
She is the President and CEO of her own Educational Consulting Business, Dr. Essie Speaks. She provides coaching and consulting services in the field of education. Dr. McKoy has been featured in several magazines, articles, podcasts, and radio shows throughout the nation. She is one of the hosts on the show, “Education First,” Please visit her web site at www.dressiespeaks.com.
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