Today we’d like to introduce you to Emani Collins.
Hi Emani, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I am an educator in the Atlanta area. I am an English Teacher at Carver High School in South Atlanta, and I am also a part-time English Instructor at Kennesaw State University. I am a part of the Board of a local nonprofit, Guide Outreach, and I am also a District 1 Leader with Equity in Education. I have spearheaded, for three years now, an initiative and fundraiser to raise money and collect books to send to local prisons in Georgia and the U.S. Virgin Islands. I have raised thousands of dollars to purchase books from black-owned bookstores, such as Nubian Bookstore in Morrow, GA. I also lead many panel discussions and other events at the schools in which I am associated with. I am a huge advocate for education in the Atlanta community, and I am always volunteering in my free time. My organization is called Emancipate ATL!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I have challenges, but I look at them as necessary events that propelled me to get to where I am today! My parents are from the U.S. Virgin Islands. With being migrants to a new place, my parents were faced with many challenges that were passed down to my sister and I. My parents ensured that my sister and I went to college, so when we did, we both decided on education as our field of choice. It is hard for individuals in the education field to gain certain support due to the nature of the job. A lot of individuals do not believe that teaching is an executive or elite function in the community, but it is! The monetary aspect can be difficult to obtain the sources I need for my students and to obtain the resources I need to be an effective community leader, but I get it done!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am an English Teacher and Part-Time English Instructor at Carver High School and Kennesaw State University. I teach students in English Language Arts, Journalism, Marketing, and other professional subjects as well, including professional and technical writing. I also am in a doctoral program, obtaining my Ph.D. in Education Management with a focus in Higher Education. I want to bridge the gap between high school and professional institutions for students in low-socioeconomic areas. I am most proud of the impact, I’ve made on my students! I have multiple students who later tell me that I have assisted them in some way with their future. I am set apart from others because I believe that EVERY student deserves a better chance- no matter what! Along with that, I am working two jobs in education, in a doctoral program to further my education and experience, and I am also giving back to the community by spearheading programs, events, and initiatives/fundraisers!
Do you have any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
My favorite childhood memory was sitting with my mom and playing LeapFrog games. My mom is the main reason why I became interested in education. She went to school later on in life, in her 40s, while I was a toddler. She would take me to her classes with her during the day, and I fell in love with seeing my mom obtain knowledge and interact with her classmates!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.bonfire.com/store/emancipate-atl/
- Instagram: @peacelovemani
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emanicollins/
