PERSONAL
PROFESSIONAL
ORGANIZATIONAL
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Chamblee Consulting
Services
(510) 526-8240
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Marquita T. Chamblee, Ph.D.
Summary of Skills and Experiences
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I was directly engaged in higher education administration for over 23 years. During that time I have been fortunate to work in a number of different roles and develop a wide variety skills. I've included a brief vita summarizing my educational background and work experience. I've also participated in very diverse training---from Myers-Briggs qualification, Holistic Management ®, Co-Active Coaching, and now Co-Active Leadership.
I really am a lifelong learner; and all this training has also allowed me to strengthen my natural talents and develop new ones. I've tried to summarize some of that into what follows to give you some sense of who I am.
Personality Traits, Working Style, Key Skills
Over the years, I have grown confident and comfortable with my personality type, learning and working style, and key skills and abilities. Generally, I am a quiet, reflective observer. In new situations, I often listen quietly until I gain a sense of the issue being discussed, spend a few moments reflecting on what I am hearing, before I choose to speak. As a reflective individual, I also process a lot of my ideas internally, through writing first, then orally.
I am a creative, visionary thinker, and can see possibilities in just about any situation. In situations working one-on-one with people, particularly those seeking direction, I have the ability to ask questions that help individuals derive the information they need from and for their lives. I am equally comfortable addressing matters at the classroom, program, unit or institutional level, thinking strategically about issues, challenges, opportunities, outcomes, and possibilities.
I am a good writer and oral communicator. I have written papers, policies, grant proposals, resumes, and other professional, academic pieces. I also write poetry, fiction, children's stories, and songs. I have given a number of presentations, occasional musical performances, taught classes, etc. in front of small groups, classes, conference groups, and audiences. I am comfortable working one-on-one with students, colleagues, and others. I enjoy collaborating with diverse groups of people on a variety of issues and activities.
Selected Areas of Experience and Expertise
Coaching and Interpersonal Connections
Between February and July 2006 I began and completed the coach training program through the Coaches Training Institute. I am building a coaching practice and also offering consulting services to colleges and universities on issues related to diversity. While I work with all different kinds of people, I am particularly drawn to work with people of color. We need nurturing and support as we recognize, develop and walk in our power. Each of us brings our unique cultural, spiritual, emotional, intellectual perspectives to everything we do. And yet we sometimes get in our own way as we try to move forward in our lives.
As a coach I meet people where they are and help them get to where they want to go. Among the gifts I offer to clients:
- Curiosity and deep listening:
I might spend more time than is preferred in listening to clients' stories; but I've found that first and foremost people want to know that they are seen and being listened to.
- Focused intention---a promise to be fully present with each person I interact with.
- Sincere desire to help each person become their best selves, the best self they can or want to be.
Diversity and Pluralism
I have dedicated the majority of my career to enhancing access and opportunity for persons of difference to achieve their maximum potential. I have worked almost entirely in post secondary institutional settings on programs to recruit and retain students of color into academic programs. I have worked from high school students all the way through PhD candidates. In science fields, particularly agriculture and natural resources, where I have done most of my work, people of color and women are underrepresented in academic programs and careers. I have also spent a great deal of time working with white students and professionals helping them develop awareness of issues facing people of color.
Parenting
While it's odd to think of parenting as an area of expertise (and while my children might question my level of expertise) it is nevertheless an important role I've fulfilled and an experience base I continue to draw upon. As a parent, I have always sought to love, encourage, nurture, empower, instruct, and guide my children. I have drawn upon the fullest extent of my patience, experiences, and knowledge of life to provide them the tools they need to achieve happiness and success in all they choose to do. I have learned a great deal from both of them and continue to be amazed at who they are becoming---the fine young man and young woman I've always known they could be.
Final Thoughts
Mission Statement
My mission statement continues to evolve. At last writing, here's what it said:
As a visionary thinker, educator, and communicator, I seek to direct my gifts, talents, skills, and experiences to create growth and learning opportunities for all people; and to empower others to create and take advantage of the opportunities around them. To give a voice to the voiceless, a listening ear to the disregarded, a vision to those seeking to know their life purpose.
Among many mottoes/credos I've been exposed to, this one by Helen Keller comes close to expressing what I would consider a good personal credo:
"I have learned four things in life: to think clearly without hurry or confusion; to love everybody sincerely; to act in everything with the highest motives; and to trust God unhesitatingly."
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