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Conversations with the Inspiring Dr. Erica Breann McCrae

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Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Erica Breann McCrae.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I was born and raised in Douglas, GA. I graduated high school in 2006 and was the top African American student in my graduating class. I completed my undergrad studies at Valdosta State University in three years with a bachelors of science in psychology and a minor in sociology. After obtaining my bachelors, I started my career with AT&T as a store manager while completing my master’s in business administration from the University of Phoenix. Upon completion of my masters and a week later, I married the love of my life Brandon McCrae. I have a 9-year-old Benjamin Isaac McCrae and a one-year-old Ethan Blake McCrae. I am currently a Chief of Staff for Cricket Wireless and on February 25, 2019, I successfully completed my doctoral degree from the University of Phoenix in management and organizational leadership.

In essence, I am a wife, a mom, a businesswoman, and I’m extremely passionate about my church, my faith, and empowering women to be their best selves. In 2018, I told God that for the rest of my life I wanted to be used as a vessel for him. This decision has been the most rewarding decision I’ve ever made in life and he has changed my world. My prayer each and every morning is “Lord what would you have me to do today?” In May of 2018, God told me to host a Women’s Conference June 2019. I was like “what? I’m not a minster, I’ve never hosted a conference so how will I complete this assignment?” Obedience to God far outweighs my uncertainty in my abilities so I gave him a yes. He’s been making provision for months now and I’m excited to see how he moves in June. The conference will be held in Valdosta, GA and registration is available: https://form.jotform.com/ericabthompson/women-of-purpose-conference-2019

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 always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
My childhood was amazing for the most part. My mom and dad divorced when I started high school so that was a bump in the road for me but I made up in my mind that I had to focus on myself and I couldn’t let my surroundings affect my destiny. I started working at the age of 15, so I could take care of myself and not be a burden on my mom. I graduated from high school with honors and went to college three times to obtain three degrees. I have been working for AT&T/Cricket for nine years right out of undergrad.

My advice to anyone is: you don’t have to be a victim to your circumstances. Some things are out of your control but what you can control, do that. Create your own destiny! And know that your happiness comes from God. Putting him first has truly changed my life and perspective on everything! He’s the best thing that’s ever happened to me and I choose to spread the gospel and talk of his goodness and mercy for as long as I’m on this earth.

Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I started off in the retail leadership development program (RLDP) for AT&T for college students. I graduated from the program in six months and was placed as a store manager in Jacksonville. I was then transferred to Tallahassee to manage another location. Two years later, AT&T opened up their very first flagship store on Michigan Avenue in Chicago and needed five managers to manage the location. I applied and was the only African-American manager to be selected. I moved there for ten months. I got married and moved back to Atlanta and started working at the AT&T Headquarters. I have been working on the Cricket side which is a subsidiary of AT&T for two and a half years now as a Chief of Staff.

I enjoy my job because I’m able to help my VP manage his direct reports. I am the point of contact for the team with pretty much anything they need. I am hoping to transition to another field soon as I have a passion for employee engagement and organizational leadership.

What do you feel are the biggest barriers today to female leadership, in your industry or generally?
The biggest barrier I would say to female leadership is ourselves. We are our worst enemy. We are harder on ourselves and feel as though we have to meet all of the qualifications to apply for an opportunity so we limit ourselves. Females are just as qualified if not more qualified for roles but we stand in our own way.

God gave me two words this year and I pray this helps someone else: Trust and Fearless. We have to trust that he is in control of everything and that he’s given us all the tools, resources, wisdom, and knowledge we need to complete the assignment he has for us. And we have to be fearless. He doesn’t reside in fear and if he’s told us to do something he’s right there by our side. If he’s for us who can be against us?

As females, we must demand respect and take the authority with the boldness that God has given us.

Pricing:

  • General Registration for my conference is $35

Contact Info:

Image Credit:
James Anthony- red photo, animated photo, chair photo, Mel B Elder- all others

Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.

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