Daily Inspiration: Meet Ajanaé Dorsey

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ajanaé Dorsey.

Hi Ajanaé, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Growing up in East Atlanta, life wasn’t the easiest for me. I had to learn how to work hard and to go for everything that I wanted in life. I started off as a student at Clayton State University but soon realized that wasn’t the institution for me. So, I transferred to Clark Atlanta University to major in Fashion Merchandising to take my brand ‘Ajanaé Shalice LLC’ seriously.

Once starting at my institution, I found my love for activism and philanthropy. I realized that being a voice for those who feel unheard is something I enjoy doing on a daily. That’s when I grew a love for law and realized that I wanted to take the initiative to become an attorney. Pageantry is a new love of mine as I am the recently appointed “Miss Black South Atlantic USA”. My platform focuses on the mental health of black women, students, and leaders in our country. In the past year, I struggled immensely with my mental health but I was able to prosper through my problems and turn my pain into purpose. God showed me there was a way out of that pain and struggle I was feeling.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Nothing that offers value will come to you easily. Of course, I had struggles and I know there are plenty to come. There are times when I may have wanted to give up because I’m not at the same level of success others are, but I know that my time will come and it’ll be worth it in the end. My advice to anyone who wants to be successful in life is that nothing will ever come to you easily and if it came to you easily it won’t be successful because the lack of foundation being laid down to properly sustain will make everything fall apart all at once.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am honored to have been given the opportunity to serve as Miss Black South Atlantic USA and to use my platform to advocate for mental health in the black community. This issue is incredibly important to me, as I have seen firsthand the challenges that many black individuals face when it comes to accessing quality mental health care. As a regional spokesperson, I have the responsibility of representing my region and promoting its unique culture and traditions. It has been an amazing experience to share my love for my community and to raise awareness about the importance of mental health. I believe that mental health is a universal issue that affects people of all races and backgrounds, but I am particularly passionate about addressing the unique challenges that black individuals face. Stigma, lack of resources, and systemic racism are just a few of the obstacles that many in our community encounter when trying to access mental health care. I am committed to working towards a more inclusive and equitable mental health system for everyone. I am excited to compete for Miss Black USA in August, where I will have the opportunity to further amplify my message and bring attention to the importance of mental health in the black community. I am inspired by the other talented individuals who will be competing alongside me, and I am confident that together we can make a positive impact on our communities.

As a digital brand ambassador for Prime Student, I am honored to represent a service that I truly believe can make a positive impact on the lives of college students. Prime Student provides a range of benefits, including free two-day shipping, access to streaming services, and exclusive discounts, that can help students save money and make their lives a little bit easier. One of the things that I love about this role is the opportunity to connect with young people and help them discover all that Prime Student has to offer. Whether through social media posts, virtual events, or other channels, I am always looking for ways to engage with college students and share my own experiences with the service. Of course, being a digital brand ambassador also comes with a great deal of responsibility. I take my role seriously and always strive to be a positive and effective advocate for Prime Student. That means staying up to date on the latest features and benefits, responding to questions and concerns from students, and working closely with the Prime Student team to ensure that our messaging is accurate and impactful.

I am incredibly grateful and honored to be recognized as a scholarship recipient of the CAUAA Dekalb Chapter, Chick Fil A Scholars, University Scholars, and the Atlanta HBCU Alliance. Receiving these scholarships is a testament to my academic achievements, my leadership potential, and my commitment to making a positive impact on my community. These scholarships have not only provided financial support to pursue my academic goals, but they have also opened up doors for further academic and professional growth. The recognition of my hard work and dedication has inspired me to continue striving for excellence in everything that I do. I am truly grateful for the opportunities that these scholarships have provided me, and I am committed to using my education and leadership skills to make a difference in my community and beyond. These scholarships have given me the confidence and resources to pursue my passions and achieve my goals, and I am excited to see what the future holds.

We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
I believe that taking calculated risks is an essential part of personal and professional growth. Without taking risks, we may miss out on valuable opportunities and experiences that can lead to success and fulfillment. Personally, I have taken several major risks in my life, including pursuing my dreams of becoming a beauty influencer, entrepreneur, and one day an attorney. Starting my own business was a significant risk, as it required a significant investment of time, money, and energy. However, I believed in my vision and was willing to take the risk to bring it to fruition. In terms of how I think about risk, I believe that it is essential to weigh the potential benefits and drawbacks of any decision before taking action. It’s important to consider the potential risks and outcomes of a decision and to have a plan in place to manage any potential challenges that may arise. Ultimately, I think that taking risks requires a combination of confidence, courage, and a willingness to learn and grow from both success and failure. While there are always risks involved in any decision, I believe that taking calculated risks can lead to personal and professional growth and can ultimately lead to a more fulfilling and rewarding life. Taking risks opened doors for me that I didn’t even know to be possible if I hadn’t taken them in the first place.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.ajanaeshalice.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/ajanaeshalice
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ajana%C3%A9-dorsey-5182a9175/
• Twitter: twitter.com/ajanaeshalice
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ajanaeshalice/videos

Image Credits
Selective Focus ATL