2019 Onyx Woman Leadership Honoree: Dr. Renee Galloway is a Sweet Inspiration

1. What does receiving this award mean to you?

Being selected to receive the Onyx Woman Leadership Award means the world to me because of the organizations’ strong legacy of support and empowerment for women of color by Visionary, Ola Jackson. I’ve admired past honorees and supported previous award events; witnessing the splendor and charm as only Ola can provide. I’m looking forward to proudly wearing the distinction and honor of being a 2019 Onyx Woman Leadership Award winner. 

2. What advice would you give to other women who want to go into your field?

I would advise women who would like to have a successful coaching career, or any career, to first connect with others who have similar experience. I’ve found that others in the same field have been more than willing to provide support and direction. This has, in most instances, been through paid services. However, a few will provide tips over lunch or coffee, but we shouldn’t expect the relationship to advance if we’re not willing to invest in ourselves.

3. What would you tell other women about overcoming obstacles? 

I would say to women that one of the keys to overcoming obstacles is to stop and remember that the journey of life can take each of us on detours because life is not lived in a linear path.   Obstacles can be nothing more than a delay, but it does not mean that the plan, dream, goal, etc. cannot still happen. Confide in a trusted friend, family member or professional for additional support.

4.  What was the bravest thing that you have ever done that got you where you are today?

I believe the bravest thing I’ve ever done took place after my 21-year career ended. I started a new career that resulted in an open door to pursue my Doctoral degree. When I began the Doctoral program, completion was unfathomable, but with God and strong support, it became a reality and I graduated with “zero” debt. When I look back I can see how one door closed, but a wider door opened, leading me to where I am today. 

5. How have you evolved over the years?

I’ve evolved over the years primarily in my willingness to take calculated risks. As a thinker, I wanted to be pretty much assured that nothing would go wrong before stepping out on a new venture. Today, I do my homework and conduct a reasonable assessment, then I remind myself that, “in order to travel a road that I’ve never traveled, I’m going to have to step out on faith in God and believe that things will work out”.