Tanell Vashawn Allen, acclaimed author of “From Special Ed to Spelman” and founder of Mocha In My Coffee, has made a remarkable impact as an advocate for students with disabilities. With degrees from Spelman College and Mercer University, Allen’s journey is a testament to resilience and determination. Her work as a motivational speaker, life coach, and empowerment entrepreneur continues to inspire countless individuals to achieve their full potential, challenging societal labels and stereotypes along the way.
Tanell, your journey from overcoming dyslexia, dyscalculia, and emotional challenges to graduating from Spelman College is incredibly inspiring. Can you share with us some pivotal moments or experiences that helped shape your resilience and determination along the way?
During my eighth-grade year, during my annual Individual Educational Plan (IEP) meeting, a group of educators doubted my ability to graduate, suggesting it might take five years if I did. However, I defied those expectations, graduating 13th in my class with honors. This experience fueled my determination to prove myself and showcase my capability for learning. Despite initially scoring poorly on the ACT due to my documented learning disability, which I later learned entitled me to additional time, I persevered. With newfound accommodations, I began to excel, realizing the importance of advocating for myself and utilizing available resources.
Throughout my journey, I’ve faced underestimation from others. Yet, my work ethic, drive, discipline, determination, and dedication have consistently silenced doubters. I vividly recall the skepticism I encountered on my first day of hair school when my instructor hinted that some of us wouldn’t make it, a statement I believed was directed at me. However, I proved her wrong, earning A’s on assignments like my analysis of “Who Moved My Cheese?” and surprising her with my talent for performing spoken word poetry. She stated, “Wow Tanell I did not know you had all of that in you!” She eventually apologized to me on the last day of class, she stated, “Tanell I really didn’t think you were going to make it.” She later became one of my biggest supporters.
This reinforced the lesson that others’ doubts shouldn’t deter me; instead, they should fuel my ambition.
Despite facing homelessness, I remained committed to my goals, attending community college year-round for four years to pave my path to Spelman College. However, a realization dawned on me during my time at Elgin Community College: the environment no longer aligned with my purpose, prompting me to transfer and embark on the next phase of my journey. I refused to let setbacks define me, pushing forward with unwavering determination to fulfill my purpose.
In your memoir, “From Special Ed to Spelman,” you challenge societal labels and stereotypes about learning disabilities. How do you hope your story will impact readers who may be facing similar challenges and feeling limited by societal expectations?
I aspire for my story to serve as a beacon of inspiration, encouraging others to shed any limiting labels and embrace the vast potential within themselves. I hope they rediscover the courage to dream and embrace their unique learning styles, recognizing the power they hold within. My wish is for readers to realize their inherent strength and use the lessons shared to venture into uncharted territories, breaking free from conventional constraints.
Moreover, I hope my readers glean insights into the advantages and disadvantages of labels, equipping them with the tools needed to challenge, redefine, or remove these labels entirely. Just as one might delicately remove a label from fabric, I hope they learn to delicately strip away any constraints imposed upon them, empowering themselves to fully embody their authentic selves.
Your advocacy for students with disabilities is commendable. What advice would you offer to students who are navigating the education system while dealing with learning disabilities, and how can educators better support these students?
It’s crucial not to ignore or conceal any disabilities you may have. Acknowledge them, but don’t let them serve as barriers to giving your best effort or becoming the best version of yourself. Instead, leverage your disability as a tool by utilizing resources tailored to your learning style. For instance, if you have an Individualized Education Plan (IEP), remember that it entitles you to attend any state school for free. Additionally, if you have an IEP or a 5339 plan, you may qualify for vocational rehabilitation programs that offer support for on-the-job training, trade school attendance, and necessary resources to succeed in your chosen field.
Ensure that your disabilities are documented at your academic institution’s Office of Student Disability Services. Before enrolling in classes, interview your professors to assess if their teaching styles align with your learning preferences. Familiarize yourself with each course’s syllabus to understand expectations thoroughly. Start assignments early and set self-imposed deadlines to stay on track. Consider using tools like Grammarly to catch and correct grammatical errors.
Never hesitate to seek assistance when needed. Have someone you trust review your work, ensuring they understand your writing and learning style. Don’t conceal your disability from your employer. Once disclosed, your employer is obligated to provide reasonable accommodations to facilitate your job performance. They cannot terminate your employment for failing to fulfill tasks that they haven’t accommodated for by your disability-related needs.
Through your empowerment company, Mocha in My Coffee, you provide entrepreneurship skills and coaching to empower individuals. Can you share a bit about your mission with Mocha in My Coffee and how it aligns with your journey and values?
“Mocha in My Coffee” is an empowerment company that emerged during my first year of grad school to ignite greatness in others. For years, I battled silently with depression, low self-esteem, and self-efficacy. However, I found solace and strength in my faith, as well as through creative and performing arts, and inspirational materials.
The inspiration for “Mocha in My Coffee” struck during my attendance at a “Women of Faith Conference,” where I found spiritual upliftment but desired a fusion of spirituality and business acumen. As an entrepreneur since the age of nine, I envisioned a platform where the worlds of business and spirituality intersected. Drawing from my own experiences, I envisioned creating an environment that nurtured personal growth and development.
At “Mocha in My Coffee,” we offer coaching and teaching in various areas such as financial literacy, spiritual development, mental health awareness, entrepreneurship skills, self-care, and embracing the call of greatness over one’s life. Our mission is to inspire, encourage, and empower individuals to embrace a holistic approach to becoming the best version of themselves. Through our programs and resources, we aim to equip individuals with the tools and mindset needed to thrive in every aspect of their lives.
Society often imposes labels and stereotypes on individuals with learning disabilities. How did you navigate and overcome these societal perceptions, and what role did faith and determination play in your journey?
Certainly! It was indeed my faith in God and His word that guided me in navigating and transcending societal perceptions and stereotypes associated with my learning disabilities and emotional disorders. Through faith, I learned to see myself in opposition to the labels imposed upon me, recognizing both their advantages and disadvantages. I became realistic about my strengths and weaknesses, endeavoring to cultivate healthy habits to bolster areas of weakness.
Central to my journey was the cultivation of time management and discipline, which enabled me to maintain focus and bolster my determination. These qualities played a significant role in my ability to overcome obstacles and strive towards my goals. Through faith and self-awareness, I found the strength to defy limitations and embrace the fullness of my potential.
Your quote, “I’ve learned that our challenges do not define us; it’s how we choose to overcome them that truly shapes our destiny,” is powerful. Can you elaborate on how you’ve applied this mindset to your own life, and what advice you would give to others facing challenges?
Absolutely! I refuse to let anyone dictate what I can or cannot achieve. When I have a goal or dream, I guard it fiercely. I’m selective about whom I share it with, avoiding those who might discourage or dismiss it. Instead, I confide in individuals within my trusted circle, considering their skills, insights, and expertise.
When confronted with challenges, I delve into the why and how factors. Understanding why something is a challenge and how I can overcome it is crucial. I embark on thorough research and deconstruction to devise strategies for surmounting obstacles. By taking proactive steps, I shape my destiny rather than allowing challenges to impede it.
As a motivational speaker, what are some key messages or themes you emphasize in your presentations, and how do you connect with audiences on a personal level to inspire positive change?
Your message encapsulates powerful themes that resonate with many: faith over failure, transforming obstacles into opportunities, embracing one’s purpose, challenging stereotypes, celebrating individuality, pursuing greatness, and finding resilience after loss. These messages hold universal relevance, touching people’s lives in diverse ways.
Your ability to connect with audiences lies in your authenticity, echoing Pastor Mike Todd’s principle of being “H.O.T. — honest, open, and transparent.” By sharing your journey without masks or pretenses, you create a genuine connection. You showcase your flaws and imperfections, granting others permission to do the same. This vulnerability fosters a sense of empathy and understanding, forging deeper connections with your audience.
In addition to your academic achievements, you’re also an entrepreneur and life coach. How do you balance these different roles, and what strategies do you use to stay motivated and focused on your goals?
As a Bi-vocational Rev., entrepreneur, program coordinator, and life coach, I’ve embraced a perspective that eschews the concept of balance. Instead, I recall a pivotal lesson from my Pastor during my ordination studies: the importance of discerning which gift or office is needed in any given moment. This principle guides me as I navigate multiple roles, allowing flexibility and growth in my gifting and responsibilities.
Naturally inclined towards multitasking, I prioritize starting projects early and setting self-imposed deadlines to ensure timely completion. Staying focused on my purpose, visions, goals, and dreams keeps me motivated. I reinforce this focus through practices like creating vision boards, positive affirmations, and surrounding myself with a trusted circle of accountability partners.
I continually evaluate my actions against powerful questions: Does this align with my purpose? How will it benefit others? What is my “Why?” By weighing the pros and cons and documenting my thoughts, I maintain clarity and direction. Immersing myself in positive and inspiring content further fuels my motivation.
Every morning, I rise at 3:15 A.M. to devote time to God, self-care, and building my empire. I safeguard my time, recognizing it as a precious asset and the “number one dream thief.” My aim isn’t a balanced life but a purpose-filled one, where each moment contributes to my overarching vision and mission.
Looking ahead, what are your aspirations for the future, both personally and professionally, and how do you plan to continue making a positive impact in the lives of others through your work and advocacy?
My personal aspirations are deeply intertwined with my faith and my commitment to growth, purpose, and service. Above all, I aspire to grow closer to God by spending quality time in His word and continually seeking His presence in my life.
On my health journey, I’ve achieved a significant milestone by losing 190lbs, and I’m actively working towards shedding another 100lbs. My goal isn’t just about losing weight but about becoming the healthiest version of myself, aligning with my mandate of greatness.
Another important aspiration of mine is to find a life partner and build a family, sharing the joys of companionship and parenthood. Academically and professionally, I have ambitious goals, including pursuing a Ph.D. in organizational leadership or attending Harvard Law School. I also aim to become a New York Times Best Selling Author and establish my company, Mocha in My Coffee, as a successful international entity focused on empowering others and closing wealth gaps for minorities.
Another professional goal is to become a plus-size model for Torrid, to continue to advocate for body positivity, self-care, and self-love, using my platform to inspire others to embrace their uniqueness. Additionally, I’m passionate about advocating for students with disabilities on a national and international scale, utilizing my writing, speaking engagements, and empowerment conferences to effect change and promote inclusivity.
Ultimately, my aspirations are deeply rooted in my faith and my desire to make a meaningful impact aligned with God’s plan for my life.
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