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Dee Dee Strum, Nan McKay’s Co-Host on TrailBlazers Impact, talks to Dawn Simmons as she shares her inspiring career journey and advice she has for other women. Dawn has worked as an executive in Wallstreet, run for a political office and has been a social activist for most of her life.
She describes her childhood in detail and how it shaped her to become the woman she prides herself of being today. She also shares why she wrote a book touching on mass incarceration and how she’s hoping it’s going to bring in the much-needed change among young men of today.
Listen in to learn the experiences and challenges of a woman of color choosing a career in Wallstreet. You will also learn some tips from Dawn on what a 21st-century woman should prioritize in her life.
“If you’re passionate about something, do it, but always have a backup plan to keep the money coming”– Dawn Simmons.
Top Takeaways:
- Learn how an inspiring childhood can help a child to be an impactful adult.
- Understanding a career on Wallstreet as a woman of color.
- The importance of reducing the impact of mass incarceration.
- Some tips for anyone planning to run for a political office.
- The ability to travel, live, and experience life in different parts of the country or the world at large.
- The power of having a secure retirement fund.
Key Moments:
- [1:34] Dawn talks about her childhood and how her parents inspired her to be the woman she is.
- [4:38] She describes how a young girl with a love for working with people transitioned into a social activist who helps young men stay out of prison.
- [7:03] How is a career on Wallstreet like, especially for a black woman? And some suggestions for a woman who would like to get into Wallstreet.
- [11:27] Dawn talks about working with prisoners and how the idea of writing her book ‘letters to our sons’ came about- and the purpose of writing it.
- [18:20] Dawn tells stories of people who were incarcerated for shorter periods that later turned into longer periods.
- [20:27] Why did Dawn go for a political office? Some tips for anyone wanting to run for office.
- [25:04] Would she consider running for a political office in the future?
- [26:09] What is her experience living in both New York and California?
- [27:24] Dawn shares her experience living in Africa and her ability to adapt to that lifestyle.
- [30:03] What advice would she give to the 21st-century woman who haven’t found herself?
- [34:34] Dawn’s advice to a black woman who needs security to supplement her retirement fund while she still enjoys what she likes to do.
- [37:17] Advice to an unprepared retiring woman.
Resources:
Dawn Simmons’ Book: Letters to Our Sons (purchase from SHOP page of TrailBlazersImpact.com)
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