Meet Alicia Hemphill | Transformational Coach & Game Creator
We had the good fortune of connecting with Alicia Hemphill and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Alicia, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Starting a business is never an easy decision, and it requires a lot of thought and planning. When I decided to launch my own businesses, Beyond-theLimitations and Ebonyopoly the Reconstruction Era game, there were several factors that influenced my decision.
First, as a minority woman professional, I had faced numerous challenges and barriers throughout my career. I knew firsthand how difficult it could be to achieve success. Through constant prayer and guidance from God, I learned how to overcome those obstacles and achieve my goals. I am the type of person who wants to share my strategies with my friends who are going through the same problems. Beyond-theLimitations was created to provide 1-on-1 mentorship to women and men who were looking to advance in their careers or improve their lifestyle. I wanted to make a positive impact in the lives of others by offering personalized support and guidance to help individuals reach their full potential. www.Alicia-Hemphill.com
The second factor that influenced my decision to start my own businesses was the desire to pursue my passions. I have always been passionate about history and education, and I wanted to create a fun and engaging way to teach people about an important period in history. Growing up, I remember listening to my grandparents, aunts, and uncles share stories of their upbringing and family history. These stories were a source of comfort and gave me a strong sense of where I came from. I realized that it was important for children to learn about the successes and tenacity of African Americans during the Reconstruction era. This knowledge could help ground them as they faced their own challenges and empower them to make significant contributions to the future of our country.
That’s how Ebonyopoly was born – a family-oriented game that teaches about the Reconstruction era. I saw an opportunity to combine my passions with a business idea that would meet a deep need in our community. The game’s content is centered around the struggles and successes of African Americans during this time period. By playing the game, children can learn about history in a fun and interactive way, while also gaining an understanding of how resilience and determination can lead to success. The thought process behind creating Ebonyopoly was driven by a desire to help children gain a sense of belonging to make significant contributions to our society. www.Ebonyopoly.com
Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am the Vice President of Regulatory Affairs at a consulting company. My job involves helping medical device manufacturers obtain clearance from the FDA so that physicians can use these devices to save lives and improve quality of life.
My career started as a trainer for service technicians at a local medical device manufacturer. When new regulations were issued by the FDA, the company needed people to review engineer design changes. I moved into this field and never looked back, over 30 years ago.
I always dreamt of being a lawyer as a child but did not want to attend law school after college. However, I still desired to understand laws and regulations, and that desire was fulfilled in my current role.
After 15 years at the same company and position, I wanted to take on more challenging roles, but was told that I didn’t have enough experience for more complex medical devices. However, I still wanted to contribute more, and after talking to a mentor, I studied and passed a certification for my field. My supervisor discouraged me from taking the exam, but I knew the external achievement was valued.
One month after passing the exam, I was recruited by a company outside of the state to work on life-saving medical devices. It was scary to leave a comfortable position for the unknown, especially since the town had a low diversity rate. I was aware that being the only person of color in her position at her new company, I could face feelings of isolation which could negatively affect my work performance. However, I kept my focus on the opportunity, skill acquisition, and this opportunity was an answer to my prayers.
That experience taught me the importance of taking risks and embracing change, even when it may seem difficult or uncomfortable. By leaving her old job for a new opportunity I avoided being laid off due to a departmental restructuring that was already in motion. That narrow escape taught me the unpredictable nature of the job market and the need to be intentional about developing my skill set and be open to new opportunities. My faith led to being guided to a new opportunity.
Within 8 years, I had distinguished myself as a leader and innovator in my field. I accelerated to the top of the department and discovered my natural inclination for leadership and help improve corporate cultures. Those tough years set me up for the position of Vice President where I can combine my love for the work and people to help companies get their products to market.
Despite these challenges, I was determined to take the job and pursue her dreams which enabled me to rise to the position of Vice President.
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Day 1: • Breakfast at Ellen’s Southern Kitchen, which serves classic Southern dishes like biscuits and gravy, chicken and waffles, and shrimp and grits.
• Visit the African American Museum, which showcases art, artifacts, and exhibits that document the African American experience in Dallas and beyond.
• Lunch at Sweet Georgia Brown Bar-B-Que Buffet, a family-owned restaurant that’s been serving up BBQ since 1930s.
• Head to Pan African Bookstore to experience all things multi-cultural including clothes, books, the Ebonyopoly Game and more
• Dinner at Kitchen 713, a fusion restaurant that blends African, Asian, and Southern flavors.
Day 2:
• Breakfast at Norma’s Cafe, a diner that’s been around since 1956 and is known for its chicken-fried steak and pies.
• Lunch at Hattie’s, a restaurant that celebrates the legacy of Hattie McDaniel, the first African American to win an Academy Award.
• Head to the Dallas Black Dance Theatre, a professional dance company that performs modern, jazz, and ballet works.
• Dinner at Pecan Lodge, a BBQ joint that’s been named one of the best in the country.
Day 3:
• Breakfast at Mama’s Daughters’ Diner, a family-owned restaurant that serves up hearty breakfasts and comfort food.
• Take a Segway tour downtown to visit the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza, which examines the life, death, and legacy of President John F. Kennedy.
• Lunch at Dallas Grilled Cheese Co., a restaurant that offers gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup.
• Head to the Texas Theatre, a historic movie theater that’s hosted famous films and events.
• Dinner at Off the Bone Barbeque, a restaurant that serves up classic Texas-style BBQ.
Day 4:
• Breakfast at Yolk, a brunch spot that offers creative dishes like red velvet French toast and breakfast mac and cheese.
• Visit the Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum, which explores the Holocaust and other human rights issues.
• Lunch at Lockhart Smokehouse, a BBQ restaurant that’s been featured on the Food Network.
• Head to Klyde Warren Park, a 5.2-acre park that hosts concerts, fitness classes, and food trucks.
• Dinner at Southern Roots Table, winner of two James Beard Award Final Nominations for Best New Restaurant and Best Chef Texas.
Day 5:
• Breakfast at Jonathon’s Oak Cliff, a restaurant that offers a variety of breakfast options, including vegan and gluten-free dishes.
• Visit the George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum, which showcases artifacts, documents, and exhibits related to the 43rd president.
• Lunch at Dallas Fish Market, a seafood restaurant that offers fresh sushi and other dishes.
• Head to the Nasher Sculpture Center, a museum that features contemporary and modern sculptures.
• Dinner at The Island Spot, a Jamaican restaurant that serves up dishes like jerk chicken, oxtail, and plantains.
Day 6:
• Breakfast at The Original Pancake House, a restaurant that’s been around since 1953 and offers classic breakfast dishes.
• Visit the Perot Museum of Nature and Science, which offers hands-on exhibits and interactive activities for all ages.
• Lunch at Henry’s Majestic, a restaurant that serves up upscale comfort food.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Dr. Plummer, a renowned media mogul, ministry leader, musician, businesswoman, and humanitarian, has recently launched the Covenant Daughters International Ministries and Television Network (CDTN). Additionally, she is a co-owner and creator of the newly launched board game, Ebony-o-poly, titled “The Reconstruction Era.” However, her impact extends beyond her professional endeavors. For over 20 years, she has been a dear friend and mentor, offering unwavering encouragement, guidance, and support in areas such as ministry, business, and media, which has helped me to achieve great things.
Website: www.Alicia-Hemphill.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alicialhemphill/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alicia-hemphill-m-s-rac-94946911/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ahemphill1
Other: www.ebonyopoly.com
Image Credits
Cheryl Gilbert Facetime Studios
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