Conversations with Charesha Barrett

Today we’d like to introduce you to Charesha Barrett.

Hi Charesha, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
The idea of launching my own business occurred almost ten years ago when I was a fellow for the Institute for Educational Leadership’s Education Policy Fellowship Program. While sitting in the Washington D.C. Seminar, I had an epiphany and decided that I wanted to be in a position that allowed me to have a macro impact on the federal level. Being a teacher provided me with limitations and did not grant me the flexibility to have autonomy over my career, so later that year, I started CHARP Education Consulting. Initially, I launched this company because I wanted to provide two-generational programming and was passionate about students having a seamless transition from high school to college. I presented at numerous conferences about the importance of family engagement and helped develop the parent component of Cleveland Public Library’s Kindergarten Club. Two years later, in 2016, after my company’s inception, I shifted CHARPED’s focus to diversity, equity, and inclusion training. I saw the dissension in our country because of the presidential election results and wanted to be that person to bring bridges across differences. 

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Being an entrepreneur is not for the fainted heart. There have been plenty of valleys and peaks that I have encountered on this journey. Funding is the number one problem for small business owners. As an entrepreneur, you must wear so many hats that your productivity becomes skewed. More employees will lessen your load and help you reach your goals quickly. The saying that you may be the “jack of all trades, master of none” is very true. I wanted to do everything when I started my business because I felt desperate for money. Now, I only focus on one goal at a time. 

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a veteran educator with extensive experience in teaching children and adults. Throughout my tenure, I held positions as an instructional coach, learning coordinator, and Social Studies teacher. I received my B.S. in Education from The University of Akron with a Minor in History. In addition, I hold two graduate degrees from Cleveland State University in Supervision with an Administrative Licence in Curriculum, Instruction, and Professional Development and Adult Learning & Development. I received my Advanced Diversity and Inclusion Certificate from Cornell University ILR two years ago. I have the gift to bring life into people through the power of my words. 

Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
I am a twin. 

Contact Info:

• Website: www.charpeducationconsulting.com
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charesha-barrett/