
Where AMAZING Comes From

I have had a series of events that have shaped and defined the world I share with my network of family, friends, and fans. It is fundamentally who I am so here’s the quick version:
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born at just 7-1/2 months cooking in “the oven” – a strong preemie that defied the odds
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experienced the highs of elite gymnastics that allowed me to pursue my big dream – competing in the Olympics
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attended Texas A&M University – the place that changed my life
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executed peaceful civil protests as a student activist – skillfully learned how to influence sweeping change
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buried my dad on Christmas Eve in my sophomore year at TAMU – made the Dean’s List the following Spring – graduated in 1996
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survived cervical cancer thanks to early detection and amazing doctors
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survived a flight that experienced extreme engine failure
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put myself through my Masters and Doctoral programs as a working single parent
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orchestrated a hunger strike to raise awareness of ethical behavior and standards in chambers of commerce – it sparked dialogue with university ethics departments around the world
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spoke at official White House events in the U.S. regarding my research on youth factors connected with success
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presented at global press conferences to introduce new information and tools available to improve youth outcomes
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published books, video series, audio works, and numerous articles regarding my work, findings, and personal motivation
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developed and hosted several career changing leadership conferences for attorneys, entrepreneurs and executives around the U.S. using my proprietary triad mentoring model (co-developed with Robert Johnson)
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as a single parent, raised one tough daughter to excel in school and basketball – she’s currently attending IMG Academy
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Gearing up for a busy 2017-2018 that will include published books, speaking engagements, and more.
So that’s the reason for #AMAZING. At each point I could have not persevered and the outcomes would have all changed. I feel as if my life has been like walking on a tightrope – taking my time, being careful to stay balanced – and making it to the other side. #AMAZING is my way of saying thank you for this life, I’ll take it – I know where I came from – the obstacles I have overcome and I’m ready for the next challenges.