Today we’d like to introduce you to Kathiana LeJeune.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Kathiana. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Well, I’m 21 years old and was born in Rockdale, GA and raised in Decatur, GA, by my single mom Kettelye Louisius who is also a successful businesswomen. I attended DeKalb Early College Academy in Stone Mountain, GA and that is where my journey began. I was allotted the opportunity to attend Georgia State Perimeter College and was able to attain my Associates’s degree in Political Science, all while completing my High school diploma at the age of 17. I then attended Marymount University in Arlington, VA, on a presidential scholarship and was able to attain my Bachelors of Arts degree in Politics at 19 years old. All while participating in Student Life, and gaining internships on Capitol Hill and AARP.
I then was accepted to my Master’s degree program at George Washington University and worked as an Executive Assistant for a global humanitarian consultancy, then became a United Nations Association National Capital Area (UNA-NCA) graduate fellow, and move on to a few consulting opportunities, and then became a consultant at National Geographic. While working at National Geographic, I not only successfully earned my master’s degree in Political Management at the George Washington Graduate School of Political Management with my concentration in Global politics. But, through the help and support of my village of family, friends, professors, pastors, and mentors, I was able to write a book. At 21 years old, I transitioned from being a scholar to your present-day successful professional and author.
I was inspired to write my book, The Power of The Palate: Through the Great Exchange because I realized how food drives our relationships, connections, and society. I hope to harness the power of gastrodiplomacy to pursue its application in conflict resolution and diplomacy. Outside of writing, I am passionate about peace-building policy, women’s rights, human rights, access to global higher education, and global public relations. I also play outdoor beach volleyball with friends, go on hikes, volunteer at my local church, Capital Life, binge watch Netflix series, and try new ice cream spots.
I’m always eager to learn about new cultures and I enjoy traveling whenever possible to experiment with new cuisines. Those who know me often say that I am one of the most welcoming people they’ve met, always smiling and never afraid to share a meal with a stranger. No matter who I’m with or where I am, I’m in my element when I’m laughing and enjoying the company of others over a good home-cooked meal.
Has it been a smooth road?
My journey hasn’t always been smooth. Growing up in a single-parent household made somethings difficult. Then moving to a new city without knowning anyone shakes things up too. However, after building my community and friendships through my campus, church, and other affilations I was able to overcome that challenge. During my writing journey, I suffered a major loss in my family. Fortunately, I was surround by amazing family, friends, work team, leaders, professors, peers, mentors, and the New Degree Press publishing team to get me through it and back on track with writing along with achieving my other goals. Experiences loss before reaching a major accomplishment has its pain. However, I’ve found that you have to pray, heal, and push yourself to still get what you want in life, even on the hard days.
We’d love to hear more about your work.
I wrote The Power of the Palate because I noticed the power of food to drive relationships, connections, and community and was inspired to pursue its potential for conflict resolution and diplomacy.
My hope is that after reading this book, people will learn that food is more than just an object to satisfy our hunger. During one’s dining experience, you often embark in the greatest exchange, where connections, friendships, and memories are made. In this book, I hope to instill the same sort of passion and excitement that I have for food, travel, and diplomacy in you. Ultimately, I want you to see this book as a tool to help you understand gastro diplomacy and how it shapes your world, even if you don’t realize it.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Atlanta will forever be home regardless of where I go. The home component is the most important part for me because in a home, you feel welcomed, warm, and loved. Our city is not only known for its rich history but it’s also known for its hospitality and amazing food. So Atlanta is definitely somewhere I would love to host my book signing and have my book on the shelves of all bookstores and shops.
Pricing:
- To preorder my book it’s $39 visit my website for perk details
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/the-power-of-the-palate-by-kathiana-lejeune/x/23241652?create_edit=true
- Email: kathiana.lejeune@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/iam_kathiana?igshid=1jnktxy9khy36
- Other: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathiana-lejeune
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