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Simply Ebony
#SundayThoughts Military Transition
What was the biggest challenge that you faced while transitioning out of the military? To those transitioning what are some of the challenges that you face? #TheNextChapter #Helping #Veterans #Transition #SuccessCreators #SundayThoughts
My Story of Survival and Courage
#TBT @simplyebony1 @success.creators #ThursdayThoughts #SimplyEbony #MyStory
Who was this woman four years ago? This woman had just transitioned from the Air Force a world she knew all her adult life. This woman had just launched her non-profit The Next Chapter and started her new position with the government. This woman fled her apartment in the middle of the night fearful of her life. Her abusive, manipulative, and controlling ex-boyfriend threatened to kill her and he was law enforcement. The police and courts failed to protect her. She spent years in court when her abuser refused to comply with the protective order. She lived every night in fear and had to leave her job, her apartment, and the life she knew to escape her ex-boyfriend who was not only abusive but a stalker. This woman was unemployed for four months trying to figure it all out. This woman never lost faith. This woman was in transition on the path to rebuilding her life. She found strength in her Sisters of Queen Esther at @fbcglenarden First Baptist Church of Glenarden. She joined @bosseduporg Bossed Up Courage Community! This woman found a community of Sisters with @emiliearies Bossed Up! This women kept a smile. She wasn’t deterred. She fought her way through her circumstances. She wasn’t a victim nor did she ever once ask for a hand out. She picked herself up. She leaned on her support system. She entered the Next Chapter of her life like a Boss! This woman is a survivor. This woman is ME.
#WINsDay Celebrating 18 Years of Government Service
This month I celebrate over 18 years serving in the Government of the United States of America! 🇺🇸 My first 14 was Enlisted in the United States Air Force and the past 4 was serving as a government civilian. In these four years I’ve achieved tremendous goals.
My proudest moment was serving on the team that successfully implemented Project SOAR a Pilot Program that provided approximately $2 million of Grant funding to public housing authorities (PHAs) to deploy education navigators that provide individualized assistance to youth and their families in FAFSA completion, financial literacy and college readiness, postsecondary program applications and post-acceptance assistance. Philadelphia, Chicago, and Los Angeles were amongst the cities that received funding.
I received recognition for my work and was awarded the Innovator of the Year by the Next Generation (NEXTGen) of Government: NEXTGen Award Winners. I currently serve on the board that plans the NEXTGen Training Conference for future government leaders. I also serve as a senior mentor for both NEXTGen and the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Cyber Professionals.
My agency paid for me to earn my certificate as an Associate Certified Coach for the International Coach Federation and my Masters Certificate in Project Management from George Washington University.
This was all in four years time. Imagine the possibilities in the next four years! I’m excited to see where this journey will lead me. I share my experience to inspire others and to show you that anything is possible. You can choose to just go to work and clock in and out or you can choose to make a difference. Your choice!!! Choose to be GREAT!!!
#SimplyEbony #SuccessCreators #WINsDay
Financial Peace University
Before I got to the point of financial peace by attending the Dave Ramsey Financial Peace University, I had mounting debt and was irresponsible with spending and planning. I left the military in 2012, worked in the private industry, doubled my salary, went through unemployment following the furlough fiasco and was still able to successfully pay off all debt, save thousands, and purchase a home!
I paid down my debt using the snow ball method. Paid the lowest off first and used the extra money once paid off towards the next lowest debt. I cut up all of my credit cards and used only cash or my debit card.
My credit score increased dramatically. I was approved for a mortgage and purchased my home in a little over 3-weeks! I prepared a year in advance by attending a HUD Approved first time homebuyers course. Plus carefully monitored my credit.
I landed a job through hard work applying daily for positions, but consider this…I was unemployed for 4-months! In the interim I served as a political consultant and I established a non-profit The Next Chapter, which cost several thousand dollars out of my own pocket to incorporate. Never once did I worry about bills because I had savings, a budget, and a plan.
My quality of life did not suffer. I gained financial peace in less than two years! Discipline+Purposeful Planning+Goals
=Financial Peace.
Check out the classes or get info here:
http://www.daveramsey.com/store/financial-peace-university/cFpu.html
Every Dollar Budgeting Tool
https://www.everydollar.com/app/sign-up
Dave Ramsey Store (Books, Classes, Financial Tools)
http://www.daveramsey.com/store/
#SmartMoney #TotalMoneyMakeover #FinancialPeaceUniversity #DavidRamsey #SuccessCreators #SimplyEbony
DC Department IG Employment Services – Community Conversations
Last night I had the pleasure of attending the Community Conversations for Wards 4, 5, and 6 hosted by the DC Department of Employment Services (DOES). Dr. Unique Morris-Hughes, the Interim Director of the DOES, provided the community residents an overview of the programs offered by DOES. Programs highlighted included: American Job Centers; Back to Work 50+; DC Infrastructure Academy; Learn, Earn, Advance, Prosper (LEAP); Marion S. Barry Summer Youth Employment Program (MBSYEP); In-School-Program; Out-of-School-Program; and The Pathways for Young Adults Program (PYAP). One immediate observation is the major need to provide services for transitioning adults 30+ seeking career opportunities after unemployment for prolonged periods.
To learn more about the many great employment and training resources offered by the DOES visit here: https://does.dc.gov/sites/default/files/dc/sites/does/page_content/attachments/DOES_Program_Guide_Web.pdf

Maryland Elections 2018
Wow! This election cycle has brought many surprises and well deserved wins!!! I would like to acknowledge all of the WOMEN that had the courage to jump out there and run for office!!! Congratulations to those who won this is your moment. I’m honored to know many of these elected officials. It takes a unique person to run for office and WIN. One that is genuine, one that connects with others, one that is willing to stand up for what they believe is right, one that is selfless and willing to serve. I look forward to supporting each of you as you serve our great state of Maryland and local communities. Thank you for your tireless Service!!! For real time election results visit here: https://elections.maryland.gov/county_status_page_root.html
How to Live a Joyful Life
For a long time I was stuck in a rut. Just existing. Living life but not truly living my best life. One of my mentors pointed out to me that I accomplished so much, but what is my goal? What do I want at this moment in my personal and professional life? She challenged me to figure out my “why” and connect biweekly with senior leaders, influencers, key stakeholders, and those that inspire me to create a powerful network.
The lightbulb clicked after talking with my mentor. I immediately took ownership of my life and my joy. After a long period of darkness (grief, sadness, anger, isolation, and denial), I finally found light. I became unstuck. Not solely through a clinical therapist but through traditional Chinese Medicine and Accupuncture. The accupuncture improved my mood by correcting the imbalance of energy in my body. I also found a Life Coach. My Life Coach helped me to identify my source of happiness: the little uninhibited girl inside of me. That little girl has no fear, she’s joyful, loves to have fun and travel.
Through the encouragement and support of my Life Coach I started to practice self-care and to do what brings me joy: travel and creating memorable experiences.
• I’ve traveled to the Great Wolf Lodge with my Dad, Baby Brother and Cousins and had the time of my life at the indoor heated water park! Watching the kids play and enjoy themselves brought me joy.
• I saw Anita Baker LIVE at her farewell concert with my elementary school best friend and spent time with a dear Air Force Friend. This filled me with an indescribable joy.
• I traveled to Hawaii to see my Air Force Sister retire. It was joyful witnessing her ceremony and feeling all the love from friends and family. The beach and spending time with my Military family brought me immense joy that I haven’t experienced in a long time.
• Next week I’ll be traveling to New Orleans for the Essence Music Festival to enjoy great food, Sister Fellowship, Great Drinks, and of course listen to musical icons like Janet Jackson, Jill Scott, The Roots, Escape, Mary J. Blige and Fantasia. This brings me exponential joy.
You see I was spending time “accomplishing goals” but I wasn’t living in the moment. That was my “aha moment.” My mentor helped me to realize that my toolbox of accomplishments was not my source of joy. I needed to rediscover what brought me joy. Not every treatment or method of therapy is going to help everyone the same. I’m a big advocate of traditional therapy as needed, but also incorporating naturopathic treatments and seeking mentors and life coaches. For me healing is a collaborative effort. We are all unique. I will eventually seek a grief counselor as I’ve suffered tremendous loss in a short period of time. For now my methods of treatment have worked tremendously to improve my mood and quality of life. I’m living in the moment with joy.
Love,
Simply Ebony
Dubai Travel Tips
I visited Dubai with the fabulous Kenna Williams for the #DubaiBlackOut in 2017. Our travel dates were October 26-31, 2017. All of the events started and ended on time (this is important specifically when organizing large groups.) There were 500 in our group, the #Chosen500.
I’ve chronicled for you the itinerary, optional excursions, and tips to make your trip to Dubai a memorable experience.
Itinerary:
10/26/17 (Thursday) Hotel Check In/Dinner/Happy Hour
10/27/17 (Friday) Saffron Brunch at Atlantis Hotel Dubai (12:30PM-4:00PM)
10/28/17 (Saturday) Yacht Cruise (4:00PM-8:00PM)
10/29/17 (Sunday) Abu Dhabi Day Trip (9:00AM-9:30PM)
10/30/17 (Monday) Meet and Greet on the hotel rooftop (11:00AM-1:00PM)
10/30/17 Sundowner Desert Safari (Experience the magic of the desert at sundown on a 5-hour safari, and enjoy a dune drive at sunset. Afterwards, go to a traditional Bedouin-style camp for a delicious buffet dinner and live entertainment.)
10/31/17 Departures!!! Go home or travel to popular destinations: (i.e. Egypt and the Maldives.)
Important tips:
Dress is casual. You do not have to cover up or dress in traditional Muslim garb. Just be respectful. ***The only time you have to wear full Muslim garb is while visiting the mosques.***
Transportation: Use UBER, Request hotel shuttle service, use cabs sparingly (MAKE SURE you have internet reception or download google maps and have the directions to desired locations BEFORE you get in the cab.)
FOOD Delivery Service: The Talabat APP allows you to order food 24/7 delivered to your room!!!
Bu Qtair: BEST Fish Restaurant https://www.zomato.com/dubai/bu-qtair-umm-suqeim
Ting IRIE (Jamaican Restaurant): http://www.tingirie.com/
De La Mer Spa-(Ladies book appointments with the spa): http://delamerspa.com/
Make your reservations via the website or email for more info and group packages at: info@delamerspa.com
Optional Excursions: (Special Tip – Allow lots of flexibility into your schedule for shopping/and other interests.)
Souks: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/shop-dine-relax/shopping/souks
Burj Khalifa (world’s tallest building): http://m.burjkhalifa.ae/en/index.aspx
High Tea at the Burj Khalifa: http://www.atmosphereburjkhalifa.com/high-tea.aspx
Burj Al Arab (Most luxurious hotel): https://www.jumeirah.com/en/hotels-resorts/dubai/burj-al-arab/
Dubai Miracle Garden: http://www.dubaimiraclegarden.com/
Cost for Excursions:
Safrron Brunch $155
https://www.atlantisthepalm.com/restaurants/saffron
Abu Dhabi Day Tour plus brunch and yacht cruise transportation $40
Abu Dhabi Day Tour (Request shuttle/transportation from your hotel concierge or book tours here): https://www.arabian-adventures.com/experiences/)
Must-see attractions in Abu Dhabi:
• Sheik Zayed Grand Mosque. The key word about this place is ‘Grand’! (YOU MUST WEAR FULL TRADITIONAL MUSLIM GARB)
• Emirates Palace. The Emirates Palace is a must see stop on your Abu Dhabi day tour from Dubai.
• UAE Heritage Village.
• Desert Safari Experiences in Abu Dhabi. (BEST EXPERIENCE would recommend you wear TRADITIONAL MUSLIM GARB for a photo shoot).
• The Corniche.
• Yas Waterworld.
• Ferrari World.
• Musandam Tour.
Yacht Cruise
Cost: $170
http://www.arabiahorizons.com/yacht-cruise
Desert Safari $108 (This is a great EXPERIENCE!!! Wear TRADITIONAL MUSLIM GARB for a Desert Photo Shoot).
Sundowner Dune Desert Safari with Dinner and Show: https://www.arabian-adventures.com/holiday/sundowner-dune-dinner-safari-shared-vehicle-4df3ae2b0a03eb8e7b5f4b42d82a2599/overview
Recommended Hotel:
JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai
http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/dxbjw-jw-marriott-marquis-hotel-dubai/
Rate for entire stay $1250
Special Note: This hotel offered daily breakfast, and easy access to the nearby Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Opera.
This information will hopefully get you on your way to a life changing experience in Dubai. Please comment and tell me what you think or provide additional suggestions. I’d love to hear from you.
Love,
Simply Ebony
SIMPLY EBONY 