Who from Black History has Impacted Your Life

Tell us about someone from Black history who has impacted your life.

We asked some of our healthcare PR and marketing pros. Here are their responses.

Chintan Shah, President

My 3rd grade teacher. Mrs. Brenda Coleman. Unbelievable teacher, strength in character and incredible influence. I reconnected with her on FB a couple years ago and she is still teaching but now through non profit work. She found innovative ways to incorporate black culture into our curriculum. MC Hammer dance breaks were part of my education.

Jonna Howe, Account Director

As a young girl and during my time attending an HBCU, I was surrounded by Black role models. So it's hard to choose just one from my personal life! But from afar, I love Ava DuVernay. She's a masterful storyteller!

Beth Cooper, Director of Marketing

For me, the Williams sisters have always been inspirational. I didn't appreciate until I was older how much adversity they overcame to get to where they are. I have always loved how unapologetically themselves they were -- strong and very confident.

Corrie Fisher, Account Executive

I just saw a quote from Michelle Obama that I LOVE - "Don't ever make decisions based on fear. Make decisions based on hope and possibility. Make decisions based on what should happen, not what shouldn't.” She is a great example of strength.

Doug Haslam, Account Director

I had to think back to what might have influenced me, growing up in a very white suburb north of Boston. It would have to be the frequent presence in our church (American Baptist) of Rev. Ronnie Lanier, who was very active in the church regionally. She made it normal for me to see people who don't look like me project authority, calm, warmth, and confidence. I didn't remain active in religion, and my parents knew her better than I did, but the memory of her looms large.

Amy Roberts, Director of Client Services

Definitely going with Stacey Abrams. Gotta admire anyone who is motivated by the injustice of their defeat.

I'm also a big fan of Trevor Noah. His book "Born a Crime" is equal parts hysterical and soul stirring. The man is a certifiable genius, too--fluent in something like eight languages.

Christina Tuck, Digital Marketing Strategist

Ever since I was a little girl, I always knew I wanted to be on television. I remember growing up learning about Oprah Winfrey and her successful talk show. Although I didn't end up with my own show, Oprah still inspired me to take a chance at anything and never hold myself back because of my race, age, or gender.