WEEN Academy Mentor Spotlight: Syreta Oglesby
Why did you decide to be a WEEN Academy Mentor?
I decided to become a WEEN Academy Mentor because it is my personal responsibility to help guide and invest in future leaders. Someone once gave me an opportunity to pursue my goals and it is only fair that I reach back and pull someone else forward.
Tell us one interesting fact about your personal/or professional background that served as groundwork for you to become a mentor?
One interesting fact about my personal/professional background is that I did not let a temporary setback leave a permanent impact on my career. Upon graduation from college, I took a job in corporate America that made me realize how important it was to pursue your passion. Daily I am reminded that it is important to let your life be an example and testimony to others so that they too can let their light shine.
How did you build your personal/professional brand?
I have built my personal/professional brand by being a hard worker. Public Relations is not for the weak at heart. I am inspired daily to expand my horizons so that my clients will make a positive impact. I am resourceful and made it a point to not only network for what I want, but for what I can also contribute.
What are two gems that you wish someone would have told you about the business?
I am very grateful for the lessons I have learned over the years. If I could have been given two gems it would be: 1.) Create a sense of balance with work, family, and life in general. While it is wonderful to have a garnered significant placements, it is mutually important to enjoy life. 2.) To take credit for your work. Being a productive catalyst means nothing if no one knows about it. The saddest thing in life is the reality that if you do not take credit and claim your space, someone else will.
Who is/was your most significant mentor and why?
There are several women who serve as my mentors. They are Phylicia Fant, Gwendolyn Quinn, Tamekia Flowers, Shanti Das, and Jacquie Lee. However, my greatest mentor would be Sheri Riley of Glue Inc. Sheri is largely responsible for the success of major acts such as Usher, Toni Braxton, Outkast as she lead the marketing efforts for LaFace Records. She would later start her company, Glue Inc. out of Atlanta, GA, where I would first learn about her during my Freshman year at Spelman College. She is masterful in flawless execution and client management. She is a consummate professional who always takes the time to pour into others. She is balanced and has shown me that you can have it all.
What are some things that you are doing to make the entertainment business a better place for women?
I continue to mentor and empower young women through a variety of opportunities.
Who would play you in a modern day movie about your life and why?
If I could select one person to play me in a modern day movie about my life, it would have to be actress Regina Hall. I would select her because she is not only a professional, but she is funny.
What do you believe are important tools needed to survive in the entertainment industry?
Some tools to survive in this industry are: strong conviction, hard work ethic, integrity, passion, and an excellent support system.
What do you consider to be your biggest accomplishment?
My biggest accomplishment would be being published in the 2011 Souls Of My Young Sisters Book. I have always had a passion for writing, and wanted to tell a portion of my story. My story was published with other compelling testimonies including those by Mary J. Blige, Lalah Hathaway, and industry influencer, Kimberly Cooper King.
Famous or not: Name one woman who embodies what you think a real woman is and explain. Dead or alive.
If I could name one woman who embodies what a real woman is, it would have to be actress, political activist, and my Soror, Ruby Dee. Ruby recognized her passion and stayed true to it although others would have counted her out. She defied the odds and exceeded expectation. She made sure that her voice was used to impact. She was graceful. She was unapologetically authentic.
Tell us something about you that people do not know?
I was a Pre-Med student before I decided to venture into the entertainment industry. I spent three years in a special summer program at Temple University School Of Medicine studying reproductive health.
Social Media Handles:
Instagram: @jazzylady_22
Facebook: Syreta J Oglesby
Twitter: @syreta
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