ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book explores the socio-emotional effects of “growing up too fast.” It describes the challenges of accelerating through K–12 by the age of sixteen only to realize social maladjustment had impacts on the author’s learning than academic accolades. The book discusses how the journey of self-actualization led the author to become a US Washington Ambassador Fellow, renowned school leader, and advisor. It argues that Black women need to be intentional about how they can work in tandem to help support each other in educational and professional spaces, rather than compete against one another. The book provides recommendations for educators, practitioners, and administrators in both K–12 and higher education as they work to increase success for underrepresented students throughout the educational pipeline. It concludes with implications for practitioners and educators in both the K–12 and higher educational milieus.
