As the foundation’s organizer, I was inspired by two magnificent women—my beloved GRANDmother, Ruth, and ever-endearing mother, Juanita. These women boosted my confidence in a world when the voice of a young, Black, inquisitive girl could have been, and was often targeted to be snuffed out. My GRANDmother was a go-getter. She worked multiple jobs and owned a grocery store with her business partner, “Daddy Ray”, for many years. She did not allow a third-grade education to deter her. My beloved Ruth was the definition entrepreneurship! When I was a little girl, my GRANDmother constantly reminded me of my intelligence and how I was going to be the first to graduate from college. It was a proud moment for my family when they all made the trip to watch me graduate with a bachelor’s degree. My GRANDmother got her wish!
My mom, Juanita, was a hard worker. Although she was not an entrepreneur, her work ethic was solid, even when the job did not pay well. She completed a high school education and worked as a cashier until she retired. One job from which she never tired was being my personal cheerleader. It did not matter what business venture I explored, she was my biggest supporter—always encouraging me, always purchasing whatever I sold!
I had my first paid job as a cashier in my aunt and uncle’s corner store at the ripe age of nine years old. That experience led me to operate my very own candy shop after school during the week and on Saturdays. Selling candy led me to be the top seller for my school’s fundraiser for a couple of years. Today, I am a successful real estate entrepreneur who oversees Capella Realty Group. While growing the Capella brand, I completed my MBA, with an emphasis in marketing from the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater and worked full-time. Although my GRANDmother did not see me receive my MBA, my ever-endearing mother did—along with my husband and three children. My entrepreneurial flame was lit by the woman who had a third-grade education and a well-experienced life.
I am the third generation from two strong, Black, courageous women, who sowed seeds of strength, hope, perseverance and faith in me at all times. They always told me that I could do anything I set my mind to achieve.
The essence of Ruth, Juanita and Nēdra, are in the creation of RuJuNē. The three of us stand in solidarity as we have all experienced dire challenges, but like the phoenix rising out of the ashes, we have learned how to utilize our challenges to assist others. Help us to make the dreams of future business owners a reality by igniting their flame of entrepreneurship!
Empowering the next generation of Black leaders in real estate and business ownership. We aim to cultivate a community of innovative entrepreneurs, driving positive change and creating a lasting economic impact.
To encourage and ignite the entrepreneurial flame for emerging Black leaders in real estate and business ownership
