Today we’d like to introduce you to Rahkal Roberson.
Hi Rahkal, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
Before I introduce myself, can we talk about full-circle moments? I am definitely having one right now, and sharing it will be important to the rest of this article. So, I moved to ATL from Chicago ten years ago. I worked as a media instructor, educator, and executive producer in Chicago despite knowing my purpose and having a passion for mentorship, youth advocacy, and professional development coaching.
My background and degrees are in media communications and radio/television/film production. I worked with youth on Chicago’s West and South sides in a teaching and mentoring capacity for years. However, I had an itch to get back into television and film for myself. So, it was only natural that I moved to Atlanta to pursue this.
After relocating here, I had the opportunity to work for prominent companies and networks, including NBA TV, HLN, TNT, and CNN. Although I worked in my industry, I knew I had more to offer regarding my talents: mentoring, coaching, and educating others. My passion for advocacy wouldn’t die down, leading me to a second pivot out of television and into the personal and professional development coaching space, where I now work full-time.
While on this journey, I’ve written books on these topics, becoming a workplace peace and equity advocate for women of color in the workplace. My work has been featured in publications, including Forbes and HuffPost. I felt like I was on track, but this year, a complete circle moment arrived while preparing to release my fifth book, College Bound: A Black Girl’s Guide: Everything You Need to Know Before Starting College. Throughout the process of writing this book, and while serving high school and young adult women with college prep and career coaching, I realized that the grass wasn’t greener on the television and media side of things and that while I relocated to Atlanta to get back into TV, God had other plans for me, and that my passions for professional development coaching are not only genuine but undeniable.
All that said, my name is Rahkal Shelton Roberson, but you can call me Coach Rahk Roberson. I am a writer, speaker, certified professional coach, career strategist, mentor, and CEO of Black Girl College Prep, a college prep, career, and life-readiness service dedicated to equipping and building legacy-minded leaders.
I am passionate about helping Gen Z and millennial women cultivate smart and strategic career-planning moves.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
My journey to where I am now has not been smooth. I had to be brutally honest with myself and determine what actually nourishes my spirit and allows me to be more legacy-minded and closer to my goals while kicking anything contrary (even if I enjoy it) to the curb. One of my main struggles was/is a need for more funding and having the courage to niche down. While I have various skills under the professional development umbrella, niching to my passion for serving younger women made sense and provided more confidence and security. The needs associated with launching a business and publishing books as an independent author and solo entrepreneur are also major hurdles. Lastly, regarding niching, it requires courage and strength to change directions when needed and as many times as needed. This was challenging, requiring a fight.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am the author of College Bound: A Black Girl’s Guide: Everything You Need to Know Before Starting College, Woosah: A Survival Guide for Women of Color Working in Corporate, Woosah Workplace Peace: 7 Keys To Obtaining A More Fulfilling Work Experience, and Dreams Bigger Than Texas: A Story of Faith, Perseverance, and Growth Into Womanhood and the CEO of Black Girl College Prep which I am prepair to fully launch soon. With over 15 years of combined experience in broadcast, project management, and education, I leverage my professional problem-solving, critical thinking, and strategic planning skills with my knack for creativity, solutions, and passion for serving others. My uncanny ability to connect and educate is the foundation of my mission: serving, inspiring, and helping individuals confidently identify, own, and live out their God-given purpose. My passion for bridging personal and professional development as a tool for holistic success sets me apart. I am committed to creating a pipeline of high school and college-aged women who are thoroughly prepared for life after high school, wherever that may take them. Those full-circle moments are important to recognize and surrender to. Sometimes, we don’t fit into jobs, cities, or spaces because something greater awaits us elsewhere. Sometimes, we may have one thing in mind but end up going in a different direction. Also, knowing that God can use everything you’ve learned and experience to tell a greater story. He is the ultimate director and film producer who writes incredible life scripts.
I proudly help women obtain more fulfilling work experiences while cultivating smart, strategic career-planning moves.
What does success mean to you?
Success is defined as operating in your God-given purpose, being impactful, and creating something that outlives you (legacy). Success is subjective, fluid and an intangible concept. It’s how you define it.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.rahkalshelton.com
- Instagram: https://www.
instagram.com/blackgirlcollege prep
- Facebook: https://www.
facebook.com/rahkal.shelton - Linkedin: https://www.
linkedin.com/in/ rahkalsheltonroberson/
