An Inspired Chat with Rahkal Roberson of Gwinnett

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Rahkal Roberson. Check out our conversation below.

Hi Rahkal, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: Who are you learning from right now?
I am learning from my husband! I married him less than three months after we met (a leap of faith and totally a God thing!). Now, as a newlywed, I find myself enrolled in a beautiful, unexpected kind of schooling. I am learning through love, through partnership, and through the quiet revelations of being a wife.

My husband moves through life with a grace that humbles me: He is the embodiment of emotional intelligence, patience, kindness, and unwavering consistency. The way he leads our home teaches me trust not just in him, but in love itself, And surrender not as weakness, but as a sacred kind of strength.

Many of his lessons are wordless. They live in his daily acts, his steady presence, A silent masterclass in character, devotion, and the art of showing up.

Through him, I’m learning to extend grace, to myself, to others, to the messy, marvelous process of becoming. I am learning to laugh more, hold less tightly, and take myself far less seriously. It’s a gift to be loved by him. An even greater one to learn from him.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Here’s my long story… short: Just before the pandemic (in summer 2019) I made a bold choice to “fire” my corporate employer and reclaim my time, peace, and purpose. That pause—a full “Woosah” moment—became a defining pivot point, launching me into my calling as a coach, author, workplace peace advocate, and career strategist.

I earned a coaching certification and began helping professionals find healthy work-life balance, navigate office politics, break through growth barriers, and map out values-driven career paths.

By day, I coached seasoned pros. By night—and often on weekends—I coached Gen Z and late millennials from underserved communities, helping them get college, career, and life-ready. This work sparked a fire in me and showed me something important: equitable career planning and early support aren’t optional, they’re necessary.

Coaching both seasoned pros and emerging talent, I noticed a clear gap: young people weren’t really being prepared for real-life challenges or the job market. If Gen Z and learners from underrepresented communities had earlier access to career exploration, power skills, and resources, their journeys would be easier, more enjoyable, and more fulfilling.

That insight became my mission—so I launched Black Girl College Prep® a future-focused service that supports students from middle school through postsecondary planning. Whether it’s college, career, trades, entrepreneurship, or something entirely new, we help students and the adults who support them navigate life after high school with confidence.

Today, I stand at the intersection of career strategy, purpose activation, and generational empowerment. My professional experience blends leadership, project management, coaching, creative strategic planning, content creation, facilitation, instructional design, and curriculum/program development.

I am a Global Career Development Facilitator (GCDF) and a Certified Career Services Provider (CCSP) guiding clients through today’s complex career world.

This isn’t just a career—it’s my calling.

And the rest? Still being written.

Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
The part of me that has served its purpose and is now ready to be released, is the sense of responsibility I’ve carried for other people’s emotions.

Growing up in a challenging environment and navigating early trauma, I became an empath at a very young age. My sensitivity was a survival tool, rooted in a deep desire to protect others from the kind of pain and isolation I knew too well.

Over time, that empathy evolved into something heavier: I began to own other people’s feelings as if they were mine to carry. Though my intentions were pure, I’ve came to understand, especially over the past five years, that this weight was never mine to hold. I’ve been slowly learning to let go.

I have to remind myself that I can care deeply without taking responsibility for everyone else’s emotional landscape. That love doesn’t require self-abandonment.

And that freedom, for me, looks like setting it all down. It has been liberating. Seriously, I feel free.

What did suffering teach you that success never could?
I believe that suffering has a way of awakening deeper creativity, resilience, and ingenuity—qualities that success alone can never truly inspire. I firmly believe that suffering is woven with humility, and it is in that humble space that we finally reach the end of ourselves. When we reach the end of ourselves, God can work and flow through us. Suffering gets our attention.
I
also believe suffering cultivates humility, and humility reminds us that life isn’t meant to be lived in isolation. We are not islanders; we need one another to find true success. No one got to where they are without the help of someone else. Suffering teaches us that there is no such thing as “self-made.”

Within suffering, there grows a greater dependence on God—a quiet clinging to hope: a steadfast light that carries us through the darkest moments. Personally, suffering has built the character and humility I need for my next level.

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
Over the years, I’ve often said, I am who I post to be.
It’s more than just a catchy phrase, it holds deep meaning for me.

As the author of a memoir, I am literally an open book. But beyond that, as a leader, mentor, and follower of Christ, my character and integrity are everything. They are the foundation on which I stand.

I believe that if more people lived with consistency (if their words, social media façade, and actions aligned) there would be less pressure to keep up appearances and far fewer moments of public downfall and cancellation when vulnerabilities are revealed.

Vulnerability and authenticity are at the heart of my signature and my brand. They are what make me unique, trustworthy, and real. So, YES… the public version of me is also the real me.

Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. If you laid down your name, role, and possessions—what would remain?
A woman deeply stirred by her convictions and a heart devoted to serving, supporting, and guiding others, especially students and young adults—as they navigate the journey of personal and professional growth, shaping a life their 50-year-old selves will look back on with pride.

Without titles or possessions, I would still be a woman drawn to the beauty of art, the joy of learning, the gift of teaching, and the rhythm of music (insert a little shimmy dance here).

A spiritually grounded woman, woven with profound compassion, who carries the love of Jesus within her, letting it shine through every act.

I would be a woman who is stylish yet playful, silly yet wise, humorous yet steadfast, an embodiment of grace, loyalty, and light. Cultivating my character is the most important and valuable thing I desire.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.rahkalshelton.com and www.blackgirlcollegeprep.com
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rahkalsheltonroberson/