Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Lorin R. Carter, Esq., E.I.
Dr. Carter, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
My path to C-Suite Consulting was not a straight line. I started with a very clear “why” (I wanted to make a difference and to make life better for people) but the “how” has changed and evolved over the years. From childhood, I’ve worked to be sure no one was left out/behind. As I got older, this commitment switched from offering the new student a seat at lunch to evaluating conditions in my hometown of Jackson, MS. I recognized certain communities did not receive the benefits of development, lacked infrastructure, or bore heavy environmental burdens. I also noticed these differences were disproportionately present in racial minority & lower-income communities, reinforced by institutions (formal & informal) that perpetuated these inequities. My first way to address these issues was serving as a Civil Engineer, Legislative Liaison, and Senior Attorney with a state environmental agency. I enjoyed my work, but I wanted to do more. After careful consideration, I took a leap faith and decided to move to Texas to pursue my Ph.D. During my studies, I taught at the collegiate level and worked on interdisciplinary research teams to address pressing equity issues including, environmental health & justice as well as issues related to location and access to transportation, public/green spaces, fair/affordable housing, and opportunity. This experience laid the groundwork for my consulting practice – C-Suite Consulting – which allows me to use my diverse background in engineering, law, policy, planning, engagement, and education to address long-standing inequities and help communities rebuild in place. So far we’ve been able to help three Dallas communities complete equitable development plans, assist a local chapter of a national service organization with a community needs assessment regarding future programming, and assist with the authorship of a grant that secured $6million in funding for equitable community development. I’ll also be co-presenting at a conference in February on equitable development. I’m excited for the opportunities 2020 will bring for us to continue to help communities in Dallas and beyond.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Define smooth. (Haha) My journey to C-Suite Consulting has been an adventure. I honestly did not think I would be consulting full-time at this point in my career, but an amazing opportunity presented itself and I haven’t looked back. However, starting so quickly called for a lot of “on-the-job learning” about new business formation types, tax laws, website building, managing administrative and value-based responsibilities, marketing, delegating, hiring, and more. I was also finishing my Ph.D. in Urban Planning & Public Policy at the University of Texas at Arlington as I made the transition to owning and operating a business full-time. That was a challenge, but it made my time management, prioritization, and communication skills sharper. My husband, Mario, has been a wonderful partner on this journey, helping me develop business strategy and practices, brainstorming, planning, and serving as a sounding board. He, and my family and close friends, have offered encouragement and support every step of the way. I have also been blessed to meet some amazing professionals on this journey. They have mentored me, shared resources, connected me to others, and offered listening ears. I am forever thankful for how they all have invested in me and helped me grow as an entrepreneur and professional.
Please tell us about your business.
C-Suite Consulting is the first business from Carter Creative Enterprises, LLC – a company focused on helping others live, work, and be well. C-Suite Consulting brings c-suite level expertise to community development and social change initiatives. We offer a comprehensive and innovative approach to creating equity solutions that strive to holistically improve quality of life, increase access to opportunities, and ensure diversity and inclusion in decision making. Our goal is to make urban spaces more equitable places by fostering the creation or rehabilitation of thriving equity ecosystems. Examples of our services include Speaking, Research, Workshops/Training, Program Creation, Strategy Development, and Project Planning and Management.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
Anytime my family and I were together was full of laughs, lots of fun, and lots of love. Some that are top of mind this time of year are of my immediate family during Christmas. My mother (with our “help” of course) would decorate the entire house and lawn, have hot apple cider brewing (one of my absolute favorites to this day), and find/create games for us to play. We would also enjoy light displays all over the city, watch the annual Christmas play, and bake/cook during that time. It was always such a sweet time of fellowship with my family; memories I’ll always hold dear.
Contact Info:
- Websites: www.csuitequityconsulting.com
www.cartercreativeenterprises.com - Phone: 214-810-6238
- Email: info@csuiteconsulting.com
Lorin@cartercreativeenterprises.com - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/
csuiteconsulting/ - Other: On LinkedIn as
Dr. Lorin R. Carter, Esq.,E.I. www.linkedin.com/in/drlorinrcarter/
C-Suite Consulting www.linkedin.com/company/csuitequityconsulting
Image Credit:
Mario K. Carter
Lorin R. Carter
The Real Estate Council Community Fund
Advocates for Community Transformation (Act.)
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