We had the good fortune of connecting with Froswa’ Booker-Drew and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Froswa’, what’s the most important thing you’ve done for your children?
I think the most important thing I’ve done as a parent is made sure I was available for my daughter and that she felt she could share with me even if I disagreed with her decision. I was blessed to have a mother who every day I came home from school asked about my day. I didn’t realize that at the time, she was cultivating a desire in me to share my life with her. I did the same thing with my daughter. I started when she very young engaging her in conversations. As much as it was exhausting at times with so many questions due to her curiosity, I did not stop her from asking me. It didn’t mean there weren’t boundaries–it was a balance. I would let her know there was a time and place and if she couldn’t ask at that time, it didn’t mean I wouldn’t answer later. She’s now a sophomore in college and I appreciate that she continues to share her life with me. I’m not ignorant to believe she shares everything. We talk often and she shares information that she knows I may not agree with but we have a relationship that can withstand those disagreements and tension. I remind her that nothing she can do will change my love for her.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I currently serve as Vice President of Community Affairs for the State Fair of Texas. I’m really proud of the work I’m blessed to do in this role. My staff is amazing and I work with a really great team of people. I was given the opportunity to build a department that did not exist, create signature programs and really focus on investing our resources (social, human and financial) into our community. I was given the opportunity to build our philanthropy work and areas of focus. This allowed me to tap into my entrepreneurial spirit. I love challenges and building from the ground up. In addition to my role at the Fair, I am an author of three books and a adjunct professor at Tulane University. Outside of work, I provide training and limited consulting to national nonprofits. I’ve been in nonprofit management and education for most of my career. I started initially in teaching, delivering direct services and case management. I moved into a variety of administrative roles and my dream was to move into philanthropy. I’ve been blessed to have that opportunity at the State Fair of Texas. I am a research junkie and I read a lot. I am also very intentional about building my network because I’ve seen first hand the power of relationships. Those characteristics in addition to being a hard worker and persevering no matter what has contributed to the opportunities I’ve been presented. I’ve always tried to create win-win opportunities for others and treat others well. My mother always said “…that you never know when you are entertaining angels so treat everyone well.” It’s something I live by. Lastly, my faith is my guide. I’m by no means perfect in living it out but it is my road map to being the best I can be while I am here on earth. My journey hasn’t been easy. It’s been a lot of loss and setbacks. I’ve struggled with health issues in the past. I’ve lost a lot of loved ones. Losing my father and my uncle within weeks of one another was so hard months after recovering from pneumonia. This was all during Hurricane Katrina (my family is in Louisiana). It has been my faith and the support of my family and friends that have gotten me through. I remember working roles that friends said were beneath me but I did what I had to do–even right out of my Master’s program, I couldn’t find a job immediately and I worked at a temp agency. I worked so hard at that job that really bored me but I did above and beyond what was required. They wanted to hire me full-time in just a few months! I’ve had bosses who were amazing and others who were demoralizing and mean. Those experiences shape who you are and those bad bosses taught me valuable lessons. I promised that I would never be that kind of person. I never wanted to be threatened by the potential and success of others. I wanted to support others to reaching their destinies without damaging them. Instead of giving up and becoming bitter, I focused on building a body of work that has been meaningful and impactful which included bringing others with me. I’m most proud of obtaining my PhD in my 40s. It was hard to work full-time, supervise a staff across the country, have a family and finish in four years. It was due to the support of my family who pushed and encouraged me. I am eternally grateful for their understanding and support. It wasn’t easy by any means. It was one of the most difficult and time consuming things I’ve ever pursued. Obtaining a PhD is so much more than the title–I learned so much about myself and being stretched sometimes beyond what I thought was possible. I thought childbirth and being a mother was life changing–this process was number #2. I think a lot of people see the title but underestimate the level of commitment and the amount of work it takes to complete it. I’ve learned a lot along the way. I’ve learned that all money isn’t good money. There are certain opportunities that are not worth your peace and sanity. I’ve learned that bad times will show you who really has your back. I remember being laid off from a job and individuals that could help me wouldn’t even answer my emails. I’ve learned that achievements are temporary. You can never rest on your laurels. Celebrate the moment but don’t get stuck in it. Relationships are critical. You cannot do anything in isolation and expect success. You will go as far as you are willing to take others. If you aren’t willing to bring people along with you, expect to be limited. You may climb up the ladder but everyone that you stepped on getting to the top will be the very ones who will kick you on the way down. Focus on legacy and the eternal goal. So many people think about the here and now without thinking about the legacy they are building for others and their children. I’ve never been to a funeral when they’ve shared incomes, employment history or social status. They always talk about relationships and how the person made them feel. Live the way you want to be remembered.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend, Shene, was visiting from Atlanta, I would take her to the following places: First and foremost, of course, the State Fair of Texas! Food (this is hard because I’m a foodie) Chapps Burgers in Grand Prairie (best grilled chicken teriyaki sandwich) Sankofa (So Fresh So Green Smoothie is amazing!) Rudy’s (best chicken) Royal Orchid (Irving, Thai) Nagoya Japanese Restaurant (Arlington) Mexican Food: Uncle Julio’s (best chicken tamales), Mi Cocina, and La Margarita (Irving) Queen of Sheba (Ethiopian) We’d drive to Austin for Cuban food at SoCo Habana I’d take her on a tour of South Dallas–so much goodness to experience and such a rich history to learn. I’d take her to the African American Museum, South Dallas Cultural Center, Fair Park, (definitely the butterfly garden at Texas Discovery Garden), Kathlyn Gilliam’s House Museum, Juanita Craft Civil Rights House, She must see the Dallas Black Dance Theater, visit TeCo Theater Company, Cara Mia, Teatro Dallas and Jubilee (as well as Sundance Square) in Fort Worth. We’d definitely visit the Nasher, Klyde Warren Park, the Bath House Cultural Center and the Latino Arts Cultural Center. We’d catch a performance at either American Airlines Center, AT&T Performing Arts Center, Dos Equis Pavillion or the Music Hall. We would also visit Deep Ellum, Bishop Arts District, and Trinity Groves to hang out. In terms of people to visit? The list would be so long. She would need to stay at least a month. I’ve been so fortunate to meet so many amazing people in this area.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are so many folks that are a part of my journey that I appreciate so this is really hard to limit it to one person. I want to shoutout to my mother, Dorothy Booker. I saw the many sacrifices she made for me and I’m grateful. I’m blessed to call her my mother and to have her as one of my best friends. She is my rock, encourager, confidante, and road buddy.

Website: There are 2: drfroswa.com and http://www.froswasrules.com/main_page.html
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/froswabookerdrew/
Twitter: @Froswa
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/froswa.bookerdrew
Other: Recent TEDxSMU talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KaaKPAgJJ5Q Legends in Leadership: https://www.realnewscn.com/froswa-booker-drew-legends-in-leadership-ep-62/