Today we’d like to introduce you to Christal-Joy Turner.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I initially started out by speaking on panels as an undergraduate student. That was my initial exposure to Higher Education. From there, I later became a recruiter at institutions located in both the Houston and Dallas, TX areas. The more I spoke to counselors, students, and their families, the more I began to feel not fulfilled because I started to notice just how much of a gap there was between students being accepted into the college of their choice and their first year at the institution and wanted to make yet another change in her community. I have always enjoyed helping others and have always wanted to have my own entity, but wasn’t sure just how and kept putting it off due to my job, family, and everything else going during that time period in my life that caused me to doubt myself. In 2018, I reached a breaking point in my life and decided to create The Bridge by H.O.P.E (H.elping O.thers through P.ositive E.ducation) Foundation, Inc. with hopes that the program will impact the lives of minority, first-generation students, providing them with the tools, skills, and motivation to be the best in all that they do and be the best they can be. I always thought of myself as the foundation of the bridge between my student’s dreams and their realities and believe this foundation will not only eventually help the students in her local community, but statewide. The Bridge by H.O.P.E Foundation, Inc not only has been assisting others since it was founded, but it saved my life in more ways than people on the outside could ever imagine.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
The road to success is not a smooth ride and has so many different roads. Some roads lead to dead ends. Others with obstacles and the road to success is a never-ending, winding road, but you have to stay grounded in your purpose. Right before I founded this organization, I was at a very low point in my career and in my life. I lost several people at a point in my life when I needed support the most. I had people judge me based on a situation they knew little to nothing about. At that time, I felt worthless and really doubted my own purpose. So, I am not going to sit here and tell you all that picking yourself up and/or starting your own business or organization is easy because that is far from reality. It is a major risk that requires time, hard work, support, dedication, time, and resources. Not to mention, I am also a Ph.D. student who is active within my community with a small family back at home that needs me at home just as much as my organization does. Yes, there are struggles. Yes, there are obstacles. Yes, I have thought about giving up, but I remember to stay focused and remember why I started this organization, to begin with. I also have to remember that I have kids who look up to me and others who depend on me that I can’t let down. Yes, it can be hard, but when you see how an organization you created is actively helping others be successful and making an impact, it makes everything worth so it.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with The Bridge by H.O.P.E Foundation, Inc. – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
The Bridge by H.O.P.E Foundation, Inc. is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) that specializes with helping first-generation, minority middle and high school students and their families in underrepresented areas in the Houston and DFW metropolis with their overall transition to a school or the workforce after they have been admitted and even leading up to it. As a company, we are proud when we get a student who shows up with their admissions acceptance letter or when we hear they are obtaining another scholarship. The priceless moments are when students who didn’t even think they could go to school show their excitement when they know their options and receive the tools necessary to be successful. Most people place so much focus on the academic side of college readiness and getting accepted, but very few discuss what happens to the student after that. Yes, you’ve been accepted, but do you know how to study? Yes, you have received scholarships, but do you have everything it will take to keep them? According to the U.S. Department of Education, roughly 55% of students who started school in 2015 failed to return the following year. It was also found that 33% of first-generation students dropped out compared to 25% of students who came from homes where their parents went to college. These numbers are way too high and it is time we do something about it.
What sets The Bridge by H.O.P.E Foundation, Inc. apart from other organizations is that we focus on financial literacy, effective studying mechanisms, best networking practices, mentorships, and so much more to ensure our students are successful. We are for the transition that the students go through and assist them on their journey to their best self. This non-profit was created with hopes that more families are prepared for the next level and crossing the bridge between their dreams and their realities and we have impacted so many families by just being genuine and staying true to our mission. We bridge the gap in such a way that we are H.elping O.thers through P.ositive E.ducation and providing G.rowth L.earning O.pportunities through B.alanced A.djustment and L.eadership (G.L.O.B.A.L) programming for students from all walks of life in hopes that they will have a better tomorrow. In essence, The Bridge By H.O.P.E Foundation, Inc. bridges the gap and develops the leaders of tomorrow by preparing them for their transition today.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
My plan for the future is to not only continue to grow The Bridge by H.O.P.E Foundation, Inc. but to make the changes necessary within myself and my team so that we can lead and impact change in a major way. I am working on my Ph.D., in Educational Psychology with a concentration in Research, Measurement, and Statistics to not only enhance my career but give back and enhance the career and advancements of those who come in my organization. In addition to working on authoring books and publishing research relevant to my respective field, I am working on helping others professionally and assist others with their professional goals in the form of editing resumes, cover letters, CVs, and more. I am also starting to grow as a motivational speaker, higher education professional, and researcher, so I am also excited to see where that takes me. Additionally, I am very excited to see where The Bridge by H.O.P.E Foundation, Inc. goes and grows in the future and I’m even more excited to see the change we impact and the lessons we instill in our students.
Pricing:
- Resume Edits – $40
- Cover Letter Edits- $40
- LinkedIn Building – $75
- Curriculum Vitae – $60
- Resume + Cover Letter – $75
- Resume + Cover Letter + Curriculum Vitae – $125
Contact Info:
- Website: www.thebridgebyhopefoundation.com
- Phone: 817-405-4673 (H.O.P.E)
- Email: Bridgebyhopefoundation@gmail.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/bridgebyhope
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/bridgebyhope
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/bridge_by_hope
- Yelp: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bridgebyhope
- Other: www.cjjturner.com
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
