Ashro Woman: Brenda C.

Meet Woman of the Week, Brenda, from Atlanta, GA

Brenda loves helping others, something she learned from her mother. “My mother was a school teacher. After teaching school all day, she taught adults to read in the evenings.” Like her mom, Brenda is also dedicated to her charity work. She serves as the Executive Director of Atlanta CARES, an affiliate of the National CARES Mentoring Movement. One of their flagship programs, University for Parents, helps struggling parents. “What I like most about leading the University for Parents is witnessing the transformation of our parent learners as they enhance their emotional wellness, life skills, and workforce readiness skills.” Brenda also volunteers at a local recreation center where she hosts book reading literacy sessions for teens. Thank you for inspiring us, Brenda!

Name
	Brenda C.
Which city do you live?
	Atlanta, GA
How would you describe the Ashro woman? How do you embody her?
	The Ashro woman is multidimensional as she can dress up and dress down with style and class. I embody the Ashro woman because I exude poise and grace in all aspects of my life and I am very meticulous about my appearance.
What makes you get up every morning?
	My passion for working with underserved children and low wealth parents to offer opportunities for them to improve their quality of life brings me joy.
What do you do for a living? What do you like most about it? What don’t you like?
	I serve as the Executive Director of Atlanta CARES, an affiliate of the National CARES Mentoring Movement founded by Susan L. Taylor. One of our flagship programs is the University for Parents, a community collaborate designed to empower marginalized parents through education, inspiration. and support. What I like most about leading the University for Parents is witnessing the transformation of our parent learners as they enhance their emotional wellness, life skills, and workforce readiness skills. What I don’t like is the ongoing time and effort required for fundraising to support our program.
How do you spend your free time?
	I spend my free time reading, writing poetry, and watching movies.
What small thing makes you happy?
	The small thing that makes me happy is helping somebody in need.
What is your best dish? Who do you make it for—and where do you typically serve it?
	My best dish is a chicken casserole. I typically make it for my friends at dinner parties hosted at my home.
What has been your greatest struggle…and your greatest (or latest) triumph?
	My greatest struggle was divorcing my husband and witnessing the trauma my children experienced when we separated. My greatest triumph has been seeing my three children graduate from college and obtain postgraduate degrees.
Who influenced you the most in your life. Why? And in what way?
	My mother influenced me most because she showed me what a true mother’s love looks like. She stressed the importance of education, speaking well, looking my best, and showing compassion for others. My mother was a school teacher and after teaching school all day, she taught adults to read in the evenings. I have emulated her dedication to helping others.
Do you volunteer or do charity work? Tell us about it!
	Yes, I volunteer at a local recreation center where I host book reading literacy sessions with teens..
What do you love about fashion and style?
	I have always loved fashion. As a child I learned to sew and I made several outfits for myself and my sisters. That’s when I really became interested in fashion and style. I especially enjoyed getting compliments on my appearance.
Has anyone in particular influenced your style?
	I’ve always enjoyed Angela Bassett’s sophisticated and elegant style, and I have often purchased apparel similar to hers.
What occasions/events do you dress up for? (for example-do you often dress up for church, cultural events, charity events, going out, etc.) And how often do you typically get dressed up?
	I especially enjoy dressing up for church, banquets, dinners, galas, and parties. I typically get dressed up about once a month.
How has your style evolved over time?
	My style has evolved from trendy styles to more classic styles.
Do you wear wigs? How often and what length or style? If so, be sure to share a pic of you in a wig with us!
	Yes, I wear wigs and I have a collection of bob style wigs in a variety of colors. I am wearing a wig in the photo uploaded titled: Brenda at National CARES Gala in New York City
Are you a woman of faith? How does that faith affect your life? Please tell us more.
	Yes
Do you attend church? What church do you go to and what do you love most about it?
	I attend the Historic Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta, Georgia. I love the way my pastor, Ralph Warnock, reminds me of the my hero, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and he inspires me as Dr. King did to become an advocate for the underserved.
How are you passing along your faith traditions onto your children/grandchildren?
	I have instilled in my children the importance of having a personal relationship with God and relying on their faith in him during the inevitable difficult times.in their lives.
Your best advice?
	How you represent yourself and interact with others has a direct influence influence on your personal and career goals
What lessons has motherhood (or being a grandmother) taught you?
	I have learned that being a mother is a sacred opportunity to shape the life of someone you hold dear to your heart. It is the ultimate love experience.
Do you have a memory to share of when you first heard about Ashro or when you received your first catalog?
	When I received my first catalog I was in awe at the beautiful models and the variety of items that spoke to me my style.

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Thanks for inspiring us, Brenda!

If you’d like a chance to be a future Ashro Woman of the Week, share your story with us—then watch your weekly Ashro emails to see if you’re featured next! Already filled out our questionnaire? Then you’re all set (you may see yourself featured in next week’s email)! Make sure to tell your friends and family to sign up for emails. We can’t wait to see you!