My Story... From Humble Beginnings to Professional Success

“My Story uplifts and nurtures future leaders from humble beginnings. It delicately, yet pointedly, gives these promising Americans hope through the eyes of seasoned, experienced professionals from myriad practice specialties and settings. Such a coterie of exceptional professionals uniquely housed in one volume and unitedly focused on a broad enumeration of ascertainable career pathways for college age students of adverse and diverse backgrounds simply does not exist. Thank you to my fellow thought commentary leaders and to the exceptional contributing authors for telling your story! Through your combined efforts in My Story, we will make a difference!”

Senator David B. Haley, Esq.

“An absolutely audacious step towards strengthening the American academic-to-professional career pipeline for college students of diverse background — Wow! Durant and Allen hit the ground running with My Story. It is a much-needed booster that furthers the work of exceptional academics, counselors, parents, community leaders and the like. The individual personal accountings by fellow professionals of their trials and tribulations with exceptional outcomes makes My Story an enduring, thought-provoking literary move in the right direction. The host of absolutely astounding contributing authors provides the audience with a varied approach to academic decision-making for career advancement and professional development. Can’t wait to read My Story II!”

Paula Boggs, Esq., Media LLC, Former Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary, Starbucks Corporation

“My Story transports one to a gifted, higher plane of comprehensive awareness and understanding of personal growth and ascertainable achievement upon a uniquely American tapestry of challenge, adversity, racism, sexism and otherwise categorically class-based exclusions wrought by a history of architecturally designed structures eliminating others from enjoying the benefits of American citizenry. A must-read for those aspiring to achieve professional growth and self-actualization.”

Reginald M. Turner, Esq., Past President, National Bar Association and American Bar Association

“When I joined the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) as a young lawyer, I realized – for the first time – that, like me, thousands of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) attorneys across the country had also experienced similar racism and bigotry. I met icons and leaders in our AAPI legal community who took a stand to address prejudice and to right the wrongs it generated! Even more astoundingly, these heroes unselfishly gave their time to show new attorneys and law students how to be change agents themselves. Inspired, I served as the 17th President of NAPABA and chair of the ABA’s Solo, Small Firm and General Practice Division. During the COVID pandemic, I became President of the Connecticut Bar Association (the first AAPI in its 97-year history), joined the ABA’s Board of Governors, and was tapped to co-chair the Connecticut Hate Crimes Advisory Council. The uplifting experiences shared in My Story show similar inspiration. A must-read for anyone interested in exploring different paths to success.”

Amy Lin Meyerson, Esq., former President of the National Asian Pacific Bar Association and the Connecticut Bar Association; former American Bar Association Deputy Representative to the United Nations; Owner of the Law Office of Amy Lin Meyerson

“I am a proud graduate of Howard University Medical School, and the first African American woman to become an Orthopedic Surgeon in the state of Illinois. My beginnings are and remain humble. I practice medicine to help others and to serve a deserving community. The journeys detailed in My Story are similar to my own. They are journeys of hope, faith, and belief, accentuated with challenges, failures, and successes. My Story is a must-read, a must-digest, and a must-learn-from piece of literature that aspiring college students should have at their bedside. It is exceedingly inspirational! The individual stories detailed in My Story, like my own accounts on a road to a highly successful medical practice, give college students a profound navigation system to professional success by way of carefully articulated storytelling from absolutely incredible professionals. My Story is real, honest, and indeed compelling.”

Dr. Surrenthia R. Parker, M.D., Jackson Park Hospital, Chief Orthopaedic Surgery; J. Robert Gladden Orthopaedic Society, Board Member Ruth Jackson Orthopaedic Society

“I am honored to hold the distinction of being the first Asian Pacific American Chief Trial Judge in the history of the United States military. After retiring as a U.S. Coast Guard Captain, I began serving as the President and CEO of the National Judicial College, where I provide training to judges at all levels of the American Judiciary, including international judges.

My Story is an indispensable read, particularly for undergraduate students, as it instills hope and provides guidance for their professional journeys, leading them to remarkable opportunities in their chosen fields. The book features inspiring accounts from various accomplished individuals, such as a retired two-time NFL Super Bowl champion, whose journey serves as a profound source of inspiration. Likewise, it offers a glimpse into the life of a former U.S. Undersecretary for Legislative Affairs, now an Appellate Court Judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces, who holds the distinction of being the first African American woman in this position. Her remarkable professional journey serves as a definitive roadmap for success that others can follow.

Additionally, the book showcases the extraordinary story of the first African American woman to hold the position of Vice President and Director of Human Resources for Ford worldwide. Her leadership principles and experiences are truly awe-inspiring and offer readers invaluable guidance for their own journeys.

My Story is an absolute must-read, and its significance is underscored by the fact that it should be required reading for all incoming university freshmen. It serves as a virtual GPS for achieving attainable, professional success and offers invaluable insights and principles that can guide individuals on their path to a fulfilling career.

In conclusion, My Story is a book that highlights significant achievements and provides readers with hope, direction, and the tools to reach their full potential. From its inspiring narratives to its roadmap for success, this book is an essential resource for anyone seeking to excel in their professional endeavors.”

Honorable Benes Z. Aldana, Ret., Captain, USCG; President and Chief Executive Officer of the National Judicial College

“Congratulations to the authors of My Story… From Humble Beginnings to Professional Success, my brother Jimmy, and his colleagues for a most impressive compendium of diverse and enriching experiences from trailblazers who have transcended historical boundaries in their different professions to rise to excellence. Their amazing journeys are a clear indication that strong commitment and hard work will propel you into your future and destiny when and where you will least expect it. The authors, particularly those of African descent, achieved such significant milestones under extremely difficult circumstances, which has ensured continuity across generations on the long journey of renaissance for the struggle of equality and a better life.

My Story will be a source of inspiration for generations—not only in the United States, but globally—as the world continues to strive to improve upon humanity. I strongly recommend this timely book to future and former generations (some of whom will find themselves in these carefully told stories of hope, determination, and passion). It is a must read.”

Dr. Hippolyte Fofack, Ph.D., Chief Economist, African Import Export Bank, Fellow of the African Academy of Sciences