Today we’d like to introduce you to Wade Manora, Jr..
Hi Wade, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My start has to go all the way back to my hometown, Mongomery, AL. Although I love my hometown, I always knew that the world would be mine only if I created an action plan to make my way out. For me, that was to get an education. Once I created that in my head around the 4th grade, I told myself that I was going to become the Valedictorian of my high school class and I was going to college to become an engineer. Although I wasn’t able to earn the coveted Valedictorian spot, that motivation pushed me to be the Salutatorian and earn a seat in the 2009 Freshmen Class at Auburn University. Undergrad was extremely hard for me and it is the central reason for why I am successful now. All of the trials and tribulations that I faced helped me determine what I want to bring the world and that is to help college students in their matriculation and inspire everyone to press no matter the obstacles that come. Authorship and higher education administration are areas where I know my gifts to the world live at. I have been working in higher education administration for over 10 years across inclusive excellence programming, student success programming, student dean support, and leadership programming – Auburn University, Georgia State University, University of North Georgia, Emory University Oxford College, and Swarthmore College as well as advanced educationally beyond undergrad at Auburn University by way of a Master of Education in Higher Education Administration from Auburn University (2016), a Graduate Certificate in Program Evaluation from Georgia State University (2018), a Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Management and Leadership from the University of Georgia (2019), a Graduate Certificate in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion from the University of Georgia (2020), and a Doctor of Education in Learning, Leadership, and Organization Development from the University of Georgia (2022). Wanting to help as many people as possible outside of the college students in my campus, I wrote a memoir called 2.43: The (Im)Possible Dream to help people understand that success starts in the mind and the “no” means reroute.
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?
No, not at all! There was so much that I got wrong in my practice in higher education administration in the beginning of my career. Additionally, it is also extremely difficult to go through the process of building something from the ground up. I created a website community so people will have access for all things Dr. W, which include information on speaking engagements, my book, the #PushingForward Scholarship, eModules that come inclusive excellence and career readiness. Building all of those things and going through the writing process for my first book took a lot time that I was not initially prepared for when I came up with the idea to build something for my community to access the help that are sometimes gatekept from us.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Outside of being really skilled with working with college students to help them self-actualize and leadership development, I have a unique specialization that overlaps in my day-to-day. I specialize and am most known for work in inclusive excellence programming and my speaking engagements. People have been able to resonate with me on so many levels simply because I am honest and I want to see them do well. That level of authenticity is what people want to see and crave. It is something that I champion for everyone to unlock within themselves.
I am most proud of seeing the young people that I have helped directly achieve their dreams and goals. I was once them and relied on those honest coaching moments from my amazing mentors during my time in undergrad. It warms my heart every time, especially when my students of color shine and make it to the highest heights. Stemming from that, hearing from my young men, particularly my Black Male students on a daily, prob my brain as they navigate life makes it worth it. They are like sponges and I love getting to think. So seeing them make it does something to my heart every time.
What sets me apart from the others is my genuineness and my ability to connect with anyone. Its part of the reason that my speaking engagements and my book has done so well. People know that Dr. W is an overall good person and wants the best for them. Maybe it is the Leo in me, but I know that you will never find someone who is as amazing, as loving, as hard-working, as thoughtful, as joyful, as determined, and as motivating as me.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
I want to be remembered as someone who made it a point to help people improve their personal life, internal mindset, career outlook, and general well-being. That is what matters to me most. Being a servant honestly makes me happy and it is something that I have dedicated my life to for than 10 years. That help can come by hearing me speak at a conference or engagement, reading my book, watching an eModule, having a 1-on-1 conversation with me about your goals.
Pricing:
- 2.43: The (Im)Possible Dream Book (Signed) = $17.99
- eModule Career Development (Resume/Cover Letter = $20.00
- eModule Inclusive Education (Beginner / Intermediate) = $20.00
- Career Development – Resume-CV-Cover Letter Creation and Review = $40.00
- Speaking Engagement = Inquire
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.wademanorajr.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_wade91
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wade.manora/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wade-manora/
Image Credits
The Grad Photo and headshot was taken by Maurice Andrews, Owner of Hyper Focus Photography.
