Today we’d like to introduce you to Latisha Jordan .
It’s an honor to speak with you today. Why don’t you give us some details about you and your story. How did you get to where you are today?
I became a math tutor at my college’s Mathematics Department despite being ineligible for a work-study position due to my full scholarship. A mistake allowed me to enter the industry for extra income. When the school realized the error and ended my tutoring through the work-study program, I understood my impact on the students.
Although I never planned to become an educator while pursuing a Mathematics and Engineering degree, in 2003, after obtaining my Bachelor’s and Master’s in IT, I applied for an IT position at a community college. They surprised me by offering to teach an introduction to computers course, mandatory for all students. Despite feeling shocked and nervous, I accepted the opportunity.
Teaching the course presented challenges with students from diverse backgrounds, including homeschoolers proficient in computers at a young age, a 55-year-old woman unfamiliar with computers, and a student with limited English proficiency. Successfully teaching this class boosted my confidence and motivated me to pursue a career in education.
Over the years, I held various positions in education, such as Lab Instructor, General Education Instructor, General Education Program Director, Registrar, Dean of Students, and Student Success Coordinator. In 2005, while working at a local college in Nashville, I took on the temporary favor of tutoring a friend’s child for kindergarten preparation.
Little did I know that this experience would inspire me to start three tutoring companies and establish AST, my fourth. The student I helped is now graduating from college with a Nursing degree next month.
I’m sure your success has not come easily. What challenges have you had to overcome along the way?
I think the biggest challenge has always been being one of very few successful African Americans in this arena. I have often felt alone with no one to turn to for support and that has made me want to give up on many occasions.
One day I was talking with one of my business coaches and she said if you do not have a village create one so I set out to do just that. Now I have a group of over 300 African American tutoring business owners who work together to support one another in business.
Let’s talk about the work you do. What do you specialize in and why should someone work with you over the competition?
I’m That Math Chick! Math has always been my passion and I love numbers. Although I have a love of Math I also specialize in Engineering and Technology as my background is in all three subject areas. We tutor all subjects with an emphasis on math and science and incorporate STEAM and career and college readiness.
The services that we provide have an integrated approach to help students from beginning to end. They can grow with us at each level and explore different aspects of careers and themselves. This sets us apart from the competition. There’s something for every student at every level.
What’s your best piece of advice for readers who desire to find success in their life?
Don’t STOP! No matter what comes your way keep going because nothing is insurmountable. If you can visualize it then your can achieve it!
Speaking of success, what does the word mean to you?
Success is only determined by the person who is going after it. No one can decide whether or not you are successful but you!
What’s next for you?
Continuing to grow our current business while opening up a brick-and-mortar and expanding to new metropolitan areas starting with Charlotte, NC. Creating some amazing STEAM products and services, becoming an industry leader in the STEAM field, and expanding or Coaching and Consulting Program.
Finally, how can people connect with you if they want to learn more?
Our website: http://www.achievesuccesstutoring.com
and email ljordan@achievesuccesstutoring.com
@thatmathchick1 on IG
https://www.linkedin.com/in/latishialjordan on LinkedIn
@achievesuccesstutoring IG and FB
