First let me start off by thanking the Head Start Community all over the world for my success because I could'nt have done it without you. And a special thanks to all the parents who supported and still do support me. Now lets get right to the point. The first thing I did was to volunteer in my local Head Start North Presbyterian which was led by a spectacular woman Frances Brown. It is now known as Storey / West Harlem Head Start and is now being led by another dynamic woman Jeanette Spencer. I had to be dragged into the volunteer world of Head Start but after a couple of weeks I had to be dragged out. I could not get enough of the place. The knowledge, advice, experience and passion that was shared with me turned my life around. I began to develop my own passion and my thirst for more led me to become the Chairperson of my agency and the NY Citiwide Policy Council. But that was not enough for me so I went on to become the parent rep and Vice Chairperson of the State Association as well as the Region II Association. Now that all sounds like a lot but it actually was a breeze for me after I got out of my own way. And what I mean by that is none of the above things could have been possible without the help of parents, staff, directors, friends, family and trainers. I had to realize that to get ahead I needed to learn from as many people as possible. I opened up my mind and shut my mouth and let in the vast knowledge from different races, cultures and especially different personalities which was the hardest. I even had to learn from the people who did not support me or think that I was doing a good job which I am glad to say was not many. Or not many who told me to my face. But either way I moved on, and in doing so I gained confidence in myself beyond belief. I was and still am determined to be the best person I can be for me but also had to realize that I also needed to be accountable to my family and friends on some level. Never will I doubt my ability and never should you. Never put that kind of obstacle in your way. This world has to many people already doubting you and me, so why add to there doubts by doubting ourselves. Move out of the way of yourself and change them old ways of negativity and replace with a positive attitude and I promise you that you will see results. Now for the results of all my hard work and faith in myself. I am now the proud owner of my own company call P.O.T.E.N.T.I.A.L. and that stands for PARENTS OPERATING TOGETHER EMPOWERING NURTURING TRAINING INFLUENCING ADVOCATING LEADERSHIP. I have four beautiful ladies, and that beauty is inside and out working with me. We are now doing parent workshops and not just governance we are also doing parent literacy as well as leadership trainings. And if you notice I said we are doing trainings not I because remember the title MOVE OUT OF THE WAY OF YOURSELF, and you will learn that we can get much further than I. Just make sure you have confidence in yourself before you work with others. So my success is not limited to what I have shared and by no means am I better than any other parents, I am just more determined and focus than some. So get your inspirations from me, others or any place you deem necessary to succeed and never give up. And when all is said and done, please do me a favor and never give up on Head Start. It has brought me and many others out of desperate situations and it will bring many others out and further than they could ever believe. I love Head Start and all it has done so thank you Head Start Community, I am a friend for life.