Women leadership talk with Omarosa Manigault

Kachelle Pratcher and
Courtni Wilson
Staff Writers

Women’s Emphasis Week 2014 ended with an intimate conversation with Omarosa Manigault at a Women in Leadership event sponsored by the Jackson State University Student Government Association.

In a lecture that charged all female students at Jackson State to exceed their own expectations, Manigault shared personal experiences that lead to her success.

Manigault, best known for her participation in the reality TV show, “The Apprentice”, is a strong supporter of religion and education and asked that everyone pray because she is a firm believer and product of prayer.

Manigault grew up in the projects of Youngstown, Ohio. At the age of seven, her father was killed, which left her mother to struggle to provide for her and her siblings. She knew from that moment on she did not want to be poor. Once she figured that education was her escape key from the projects, she was on her way.

She obtained a bachelor’s degree from Central State University in Ohio. She also received a master’s and doctorate degree at Howard University in D.C., where she currently teaches “Global, Corporate, and Personal Brand Management” in the executive program in the School of Business.  She is also a ministerial student at the Payne Theological Seminary in Wilberforce, Ohio.

“An education can take you out of the projects and around the world,” she said. “I didn’t just want to go somewhere, I wanted to be somebody.”

Prior to her debut on “The Apprentice”, Manigault worked in the White House under the Clinton Administration as the Deputy Director of Presidential Personnel.  Once she became a part of the then number one show on TV, the business community and the nation saw how she emerged as a pack leader, and how well she negotiated deals with major companies.

“You have to know you inside and out, your strengths, your weaknesses, abilities, what drives you, your passion, and then take all that and figure out how to make a living.”

She asked that students move from an “employee” mentality to a “boss” mentality, encouraging students to build their own brands and companies instead of working for someone else.

She then shared with the audience that she was diagnosed with a form of dyslexia which caused her to have reading problems.  However, not letting this stand in the way of her success, she stated that you can do whatever you put your mind to do, and do it exceptionally.

“Remember, you’re not a success if just make it. Leadership is the ability to take charge of any situation and being able to not only lead the crowd, but getting the crowd to not be afraid to follow,” said Manigault.

Many of the students in attendance stated that they were pleased with the events held during the week to celebrate women and Manigault’s inspirational message.

“I really enjoyed this leadership event tonight. Omarosa spoke on many different issues that women face daily and ways to improve yourself,” said Manisha Heard, a senior mass communication major from Bolton, Miss.

Briana Jones, a sophomore English major from East St. Louis, Ill. said, “Women’s Emphasis Week events were great, but this leadership talk with Omarosa was beyond inspiring. I loved it.”

Knesha Thomas, a senior accounting major said the event was a great way to put an emphasis on women becoming leaders.

“As an aspiring entrepreneur, this event really help put more fuel into me becoming my own boss and being a leader, while a team player,” said senior Thomas.

Mattie Rush contributed to this story