Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Estenia Goodridge.
Hi Dr. Estenia, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
I’m an educator. It’s a funny story how I became one. I remember graduating with my master’s in communications management in Fall 2014 and deciding to do a whole 180 and enroll in Urban Education in Spring 2015. Besides me working in Higher Education as an administrator for a number of years, I had no background in a K-12 setting. However, I felt that there needed to be programs for our kids in Baltimore, especially the boys, and I wanted to do something about it. So, I went back to school to start my doctorate journey in education.
Towards the end of completing my degree, I knew that I wanted to start a program, but I realized that it had to be more than just a program for boys. The children in this city are graduating from school without the social skillset they need for society. A number of them were not ready for the job market. I knew that it was best to either go to college or work in a trade to be successful, however, did they know netiquette, how to dress for an interview, how to network, make proper introductions, or how to navigate a business lunch and dinner? Most of the time the answer is no. Knowing these social skills is another way of preparing for success. Although if I mention Bridgerton, their interest in etiquette is piqued. I think the social graces and the protocol in Bridgerton has people excited to learn more about the world of etiquette.
I have been named Chief Etiquette Officer of Miss Black USA, INC. I am very honored to be partnering up with Miss Black USA pageant. This partnership will provide the contestants with the softs skills training they need to take over the world like the Queens they are. Miss Black USA, INC is a highly respected organization redefining what it means to be a courageous, compassionate and confident woman of color. The Cultural Presence is honored to be a part of the contestants’ journey.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
I think one of my challenges was the fact that a lot of people didn’t think that etiquette was necessary. That social skills weren’t necessary. For example, there are adults who are not interested in learning how to use a fork and a knife at a dinner table until they have to worry about a business meeting over lunch. However, I was committed in changing that narrative. I want to make sure that you are prepared for success. When you graduate from high school, I want you to be prepared and equipped for an interview. When you graduate from college, you will have the technical skills, but I want you to be equipped with social skills. There is evidence from a Harvard-Stanford study which concluded that one’s success, particularly in the workplace, is based 85 percent on social skills, and less than 15 percent on a technical skill set. If the people won’t come to me, I will come to them. That’s why I decided for a short period of time to give back to the community and offer workshops. Etiquette is misconstrued. It’s for everybody and not just for a small percent. Etiquette is about how you treat people and show consideration. And honestly, we need more of that now more than ever in this world.
As you know, we’re big fans of The Cultural Presence, LLC. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about the brand?
The Cultural Presence, LLC was created to establish positive values and promote cultural ideals in the community. The Cultural Presence focuses on two goals: The first – to strengthen social skills in the community, as research has revealed social skills combined with technical skills are more valued in the job industry than technical skills alone. The second – to bring back etiquette and making it relatable to all different cultures in the community. It is the mission of The Cultural Presence to not just empower and assist those who are in lack of social skills but to enhance the well-being of young adults by improving their soft skills such as leadership, social etiquette, business etiquette, dining etiquette, and character development. The soft skills help build confidence, improve their daily lives, and assist them in securing a placement in the workforce. Additionally, The Cultural Presence, LLC seeks to advance social and cultural knowledge as well as opportunity, growth, self-esteem, and confidence for all people and all cultures.
We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
I learned that empathy and kindness was needed more than ever. The Covid-19 crisis had an impact on all of us, whether it was positive or negative. There are things which we cannot control, however, we can control how we treat ourselves and each other. I’ve seen the community come together to fight against mental health from the lockdown. I’ve seen the community reach out to one another regarding food and health. I’ve seen the world come together during a pandemic and protest against injustice. I’ve seen compassion, trust, and change. Change in the way how humans can adapt and learn using technology. These are things that we shouldn’t lose sight of and should continue to build, and I feel like I’m doing my part.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.theculturalpresence.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theculturalpresence/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheCulturalPresence
Image Credits
Michael Vega
