shakira pollard, C'04
The greatest accomplishment since leaving Spelman was finding the courage and conviction to launch my own business. I remember being so proud the first time that I saw a deposit in my account that was not generated from W-2 employment.
SHAKIRA, Describe Your 9-to-5. Or As My Nana Would Would Ask: “How do you put food on the table, baby?: For the last four years, I have been self-employed building my financial services practice. As a financial advisor I partner with Northwestern Mutual - Washington, D.C. to support my clients. I am committed to helping my clients whether they are concerned for their own financial needs or those of their family business. I am able to be successful with the support of a dedicated team and industry specialist who I work with to provide high quality service to my clients. Presently, we are working with physicians, real estate professionals, corporate executives, small closely held businesses, and families. My practice is based in DC but we have a virtual practice with clients in various regions of the country. You can visit my website at shakira.pollard.nm.com"
How Does SHAKIRA 'Play The Game' And Not 'Hate The Playa'?: "There are rules and boundaries and customs that we are all beholden to on some level and in order to achieve our goals we have to play within those rules. Sometimes this can push people to compromise who they are. While this is problematic, the frustration should lie more with the system itself as opposed to the people who are just trying to make it in the system."
Is SHAKIRA A Hustla' Or Enjoying A Guilty Pleasure?: "I love playing match-maker and setting up friends by making introductions. Whenever I meet someone who is actively looking to connect with someone I try to facilitate a connection. I have yet to monetize this but I love doing it."
Is SHAKIRA's 'Go To' Bottomless Brunch or Happy Hour Tapas?: “I would rather eat than drink my calories so Happy Hour Tapas it is!”
This #SpelmanBlackGirlBrilliance Right Here: “The greatest accomplishment since leaving Spelman was finding the courage and conviction to launch my own business. When I decided to take the leap and become a small business owner, I had been several years removed from obtaining my MPH degree from Emory University. I loved working in the health care industry but I just did not have the economic opportunity, freedom, and autonomy that I desired. I still enjoy utilizing my MPH skills but I also found it extremely rewarding to learn new skills and brand myself as a credible financial services professional. I remember being so proud the first time that I saw a deposit in my account that was not generated from W-2 employment.”
SHAKIRA's Next Target Conquest: “I have learned from male colleagues (if you didn't know this is a mostly male dominated industry) in the financial services profession that it helps when you tell others your commitments so that you have accountability. I want to obtain my Retirement Planning designation (RICP) this calendar year and the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation no later than 2020 from The American College. Personally, I am intentionally working on giving myself grace and not being my worst critic. I am naturally wired to see the glass as half-empty (not sure why but it is a fact), I have to purposefully express my gratitude daily so that I can be reminded of my blessing.”
It's The Apocalypse. You Have Access to ONE News Source. While Not Perfect...: “I am currently a Very Smart Brothas lurker. I always read the articles and the comments but I never post anything. I definitely tune into this news source at least once per week for entertainment. Sometimes I read something thought provoking, sometimes I find an opinion piece that sums up exactly how I'm feeling at the moment and other times I just get humorous dose of black culture.”
