By: Kristina Anderson, Barbizon International
Christina Kanu, a graduate of Barbizon of North Virginia, has been recognized as one of the Top 100 Leadership Experts to follow on Twitter by the Leadership Articles for September, October, and November. She shares with us a few insights on how hard work and big dreams have taken her far in her profession in communications and community relations!
Barbizon: What have you been up to lately?
Christina Kanu: I graduated from Old Dominion University with a BA in English Literature Magna Cum Laude. After graduation I moved to Atlanta, Georgia. I am currently in graduate school at Clark Atlanta University and I am in the Master’s in African American Studies program. I currently serve as the Director of Communications and Community Relations for BonfireImpact.com. Bonfire Impact is a non-profit and social justice news website. We work with non-profit organizations across the country and selfless individuals to promote the good that occurs in the community. Bonfire Impact is fortunate to partner with World Wide Women Group (WWWG) to present an academy that produces the next generation of female leaders. I facilitate the academy with the WWWG CEO and Founder Eltonette Harris. I am happy to announce that I have a website that will be launching in the near future www.christinakanu.com. I am working with an outstanding marketing team The Rebel Society to produce this website. The Rebel Society is led by Rashod Harris. This website will feature blogs, videos, and information about the services I provide. These services include consulting opportunities and speaking engagements. I am consistently busy but I love the work I do. I love bringing out the excellence of other people.
What has been your most recent personal / professional success?
have two recent personal successes. The first would be moving to Atlanta, Georgia. God has truly blessed me. I have met amazing people in Atlanta and I have seen personal growth in my life. I am fortunate to be able to use my gifts and talents in a brand new city. I also have been recognized as one of the Top 100 Leadership Experts to follow on Twitter by the Leadership Articles for September, October, and November. This humbles me daily. I have been leading people since elementary school. I try to daily encourage and motivate people in person and social media.
A recent professional success would be entering graduate school. I am fortunate to be a Master’s student at Clark Atlanta University. I am studying African American Studies. In this program I am learning a lot that will allow me to continue my leadership especially within the African American community. I would like to be a professor in the future and continue my work within the community. I believe that education has the power to transform lives. I plan to be an educator that can help educate, motivate, and inspire the future generations.
How did Barbizon help prepare you for your goals?
Barbizon was a huge blessing in my life. I have always been a unique individual. Barbizon embraced my uniqueness. I learned so much about a variety of things. I was able to enhance my oral communication skills. I gained confidence in myself when I was a teenager that is evident in my life today. I was able to do a few photo shoots as well as competitions such as IMTA. When I went to college I was President of many organizations such as the Theta Chi Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated and the National Pan-Hellenic Council at Old Dominion University. I often had to give speeches or be a spokesperson on behalf of the organization. Barbizon prepared me for those precious moments. People often told me that when I spoke it commanded attention. I am frequently asked to present as a workshop facilitator or serve as a panelist. I had the ability to work with many people within the Barbizon family.
If you could give one piece of advice to teens unsure of what they want to be when they grow up, what would it be?
The best piece of advice I could give to teenagers is to dream big. We live in a world where people are constantly being told what they cannot do. I encourage teenagers to never give up on your dreams. With hard work, energy, and patience you will be able to accomplish your goals. Always keep a positive attitude while dreaming. There will be some setbacks and road blocks along the way. Keep pushing and before you know it your dreams will come true.\r\n\r\nI would like to thank my parents Abdul Kanu and Serwah Kanu for being the best parent. A big thank you to my family, friends, and supporters. I have the greatest support system in the world. Thank you to Barbizon for the opportunity. And finally best of luck to all of those who will continue to enter the Barbizon Family.
People can follow me on Twitter @MissKanu or contact me via email at ChristinaKanu13@gmail.com. Also, be on the lookout for www.christinakanu.com.
