Meet Dr. Terrica Arnold | Black Girl Lessons, Founder

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dr. Terrica Arnold and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dr. Terrica, any advice for those thinking about whether to keep going or to give up?
Giving up is not an option. As the leader of a mentorship program, if I give up, there are young girls that may not have access to role models and resources. Receiving guidance and the leadership tools is vital for the growth of young people. This is why giving up is not in my plans. I aim to live a life that exemplifies perseverance and dedication to my goals in order to inspire the young ladies in Black Girl Lessons.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
For almost two decades, I have worked as a higher educational professional at one of Nashville’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). In my current role, I intertwine education, health, and policy to train future health professionals and scientists. I am excited to contribute to the production of diverse professionals that service underrepresented communities. My work in post-secondary education guided me towards my work in the community and inspired me to work with youth in their developmental stages. If we can guide youth beginning in their formative years, we can give them more support towards their goals.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I would take them to all the HBCUs (Fisk, Meharry, TSU, ABC) in the city to view the beauty of each campus, especially my alma mater, Fisk University. Walk down to the Jefferson Street Sound Museum and walk a little further to “The Legacy Mural” by Woke3 (one of the Founders of Liberated Grounds). We would also visit Buchanan Street to experience eats from The Southern V, Bag Lady’s, and Slim and Husky’s. I would also want to show them all the influential work of The Equity Alliance as they continue to advocate for equitable opportunities for Black people. Lastly, I would take them down to the Riverfront.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would like to shoutout every young girl that has dreamed to change the world and our ancestors that came before us to pave the way. I have had some incredible women to influence my life that include my mother (Wanda) and grandmother (Osia) as well grandmothers that are no longer with me (Ella, Rheal, Elonia). These women are the reason I am able to serve young ladies. Young ladies who consistently cope with adverse experiences and obstacles. Youth that push forward to live out loud and with passion. Youth that have taught me life is a constant balance of understanding your power and using it for good. To these youth of Black Girl Lessons and beyond, continue to be Dream Chasers.

Website: https://linktr.ee/Blackgirllessons

Instagram: @blackgirllessons

Linkedin: Terrica Arnold