Today we’d like to introduce you to Jihan Johnston-McGlotten, M.Ed.
As a young girl, hailing from the City of Brotherly love, I always wanted to stand out. Shy was NOT a word to describe me at all. I have always been outgoing and in search of new experiences. I attribute this to my Uncle Woody Johnston. As the tour and production manager for Al Haymon Concerts, he worked with many R&B artists for over a three-decades, and I was fortunate enough to travel with him on many occasions. His influence made me want to both follow in his footsteps and also build my brand.
When I was fifteen, my mentor Rhassan Smith former Promotions coordinator at WPEG-Power 98 FM, placed my twin sister and me on the radio stations street team. We were the youngest people to ever intern with the radio station. It was through working on radio that my love for music and technology merged. I attended St. Augustine’s College, now Saint Augustine’s University in Raleigh, NC, where I majored in Mass Communications with a minor in Broadcast Journalism. I was one of the Co-hosts of the College Ave. a radio show on WAUG radio. I loved radio; however, I felt there was something missing. I wanted to be an influence. Give a voice to students that were” troubled” or “misunderstood.”
After graduating and becoming a mother to my handsome son, I needed a career that would provide me both flexibility and opportunity to give back to my community. This led me to a career in Education. Dr. Marco Clark of Richard Wright Public Charter School of Media Arts in Washington, DC; hired me as the 8th-grade Radio teacher. Working at this school, curated my love for teens and allowed me to express and share my love of entertainment and Education. In 2015, a fantastic Administrator by the name of Chaz Patterson hired me as a special education teacher at The Ivy Prep Academy. He saw my passion for the students and my skills as a teacher, and my work was recognized by being appointed to the position of Assistant Principal. In the fall of 2018, I decided I wanted to change fields. I wanted to work more directly with students and technology. That’s when God placed me into the Educational Technology field for a major technology company.
In the Educational Tech space, I have the opportunity to see first-hand advancements for students and educators. I also have the chance to train educators all over the State of Georgia on the latest tools my company offers. There’s a massive deficiency of minorities in this field. I found that there is an enormous deficiency in minority representation in this field. So, I started my Educational Tech Company called” The Hip-Hop Ed-Tech Diva,” where I teach students from underrepresented communities educational practices with the Implementation of Hip-Hop through gaming and technology.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not still easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
My business has taken off faster than I expected. There are lots of setbacks and behind the scenes work to get everything going while maintaining my authenticity. One of my main concerns most times is, “how am I going to pitch my plan in a male-dominated field?” What certifications or paperwork do I have to submit to become a partner in training for a major tech company and how do I make my marketing plan stand out, especially in communities without access to technology.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with The Hip-Hop EdTech Diva – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
Who are we:
The Hip-Hop EdTech Diva provides a bold and innovative learning experience by providing hands-on educational technology training that incorporates aspects of hip-hop culture with gaming to pique student’s interest and boost their confidence and success both inside and outside of the classroom.
My company is unique because I’m an Afro-Latina female that’s created an Educational Technology company that’s Infusing Hip-Hop, gaming, and Education. You have to admit; this is set to be creative and grasp the attention of consumers! I’m known for my signature look: big bamboo earrings, long nails, a nose ring, and blonde hair (box braids or cornrows at times). The meetings and businesses I usually frequent typically are rooms filled with men or executives that probably have NEVER seen a woman in their offices dressed or looking the way I do. But when I open my mouth and speak their language, they’re all in! I usually laugh afterward, as well!
I’m just happy as a minority running an educational tech company that I don’t have to conform to the perception society has of women in tech (dress suits and shoes, quiet and soft-spoken). I’m loud, unique, always using a hip-hop quote or verse for relatable content. I’m also super ecstatic that my 11-year-old son is my inspiration behind me focusing on gaming and virtual reality.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
I want to become an international name and travel around the world, implementing my courses, training the youth, and being a motivational speaker. I’m also interested in meeting with investors and developing partnerships in-order for The Hip-Hop Ed-Tech Diva, to be a household name. I would also love to branch off into an owner in the E-Sports arena and open my school centered around gaming, AI, VR, music, and tech. Until then, I will remain humble, keep growing, and praying that I am both fulfilling my purpose and forging a path for those coming behind me.
Pricing:
- Motivational Speaking $150.00
- Consulting- $75 and up
Contact Info:
- Website: www.TheHipHopEdTechDiva.com
- Phone: 3012561439
- Email: TheHipHopEdtechdiva@outlook.com
- Instagram: the_hiphop_edtech_diva
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheHipHopEdTechDiva/
- Twitter: @HipHopETechDiva
- Other: The Hip-Hop EdTech Diva, LLC.
Image Credit:
Maurice Andrews, Hyper Focus Photography
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