Who am I personally and professionally?
Latise Hairston, HOPE Consulting, Founder/Chief Creative Officer
In recent conversation with someone who I had just met she described me as “having the ability to heal the soul”. My daughter recently said to me “You are a chameleon, able to adapt to any situation and pull positive results.” I begin with these thoughts because I believe that while it is important to engage in a process of self-assessment and development, it is also important to hear how others (near and far) experience me. At the heart of who I am are my values and beliefs that drive my behavior.
I believe:
- In the power and ability of people to create their own destiny and future.
- That each one of us has unique talents and gifts that we are endowed with.
- We are each born with purpose – to make the world better.
- We have a responsibility to honor, respect and love humanity.
- That I should always ask if others feel less, the same, or more lovable, capable, worthwhile, and responsible as a result of coming in contact with me. I hope more, but at the very least the same.
- That laughter feeds the soul, so I do a lot of it.
- That music and dancing makes the heart merry and brings serenity to any space that you occupy.
- That there is beauty everywhere. We have a responsibility to stop and pay attention to it.
I am a wife and the mother of Nailah, my only child. I enjoy spending time with my 3 year old grandson, Skylar.
Professionally
I have held a position at the SUNY at Buffalo State for over 20 years collaborating with organizations to develop creative strategies and products that strengthen, energize and empower customers. I specialized in instructional design, training, facilitation, leadership and organizational development. Throughout my professional experience, I have trained, mentored and coached hundreds of professionals, including workers, supervisors and executive leadership to enhance their on-the job performance and strengthen organizational capacity and change.
Additionally, I am the Founder of HOPE Consulting. I’m responsible for the overall strategy and vision of the organization. We develop custom designed coaching, facilitation, and training to enhance job performance and strengthen organizational capacity, with a focus on creativity, innovation and change leadership. Evidence-based assessments are utilized to build problem solving capability and collaborative solutions. Our clients have included large public sector agencies, small businesses, universities, and individuals looking to enhance their leadership skills.
I hold a M.S. in Counseling and a Ph.D. in Leadership and Policy (concentration in Organizational Development), as well as certifications as an International Coaching Federation coach, FourSight facilitator, coach, teacher and speaker with The John Maxwell Team. I am currently completing a M.S. degree in Creativity and Change Leadership from the SUNY at Buffalo State.
Resume (click to view)