Lately, I’ve been having more conversations about energy. In fact, one of the discussions was centered around the energy that a person brings into a room. When you walk in and you’re timid, afraid, and/or reserved, people notice. Moreover when you walk into a room with all the confidence in the world embracing who you are and all the beauty that comes with it, people gravitate to you!
Our WkendHer feature for the month of July is Ms. Zyer Beaty, and I kid you not, everything about her screams GRACE & FORTITUDE!
This Spelman Alumna knows, embraces, and embodies her intellect. She currently serves as a lead school counselor in the Atlanta’s Fulton County School System. She has a heart for youth, education, travel, and mental health. While maintaining a healthy social and professional
balance, she also graduated from the University of Georgia with her Masters of Education in professional counseling. But wait, THERE’S MORE! She’s now a doctoral candidate in the counselor education program at UGA. Let the record show that her multitasking abilities are top notch!
Her current PHD research analyzes how international travel for Black girls in high school influences their experiences in college, the Black Lives Matter movement in counselor education, and the increasing suicide rates in the Black community.
She’s truly a rockstar! Contrary to popular belief, you don’t just wake up one day on cloud 9 running the world. It’s a series of little things that build you to who you are.
Some of Zyer’s most formative years were spent overseas, which fueled her energy for international travel and education. She moved to Atlanta in 10th grade and noticed disparities in the inner city public school systems, leading to her work in education. During her time at Spelman, Zyer was a part of numerous community organizations.
One of the most renowned is the Eta Kappa chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. She also volunteered at the Oprah Winfrey Academy for girls in South Africa, and participated in the winter enrichment voyage through Semester at Sea. Talk about rubbing elbows with giants!
Zyer is currently on the leadership committee for Girls Going Global, a nonprofit organization that provides global leadership programming and international travel for teenage girls of color. Zyer believes that international travel and your educational experience will change the way you view the world.
Not only is she killing the game professionally, but she’s something of a fashion icon. Here’s what she had to say:
Fashion is one of the truest forms of self-expression. For me in particular, there is no specific way that I have to dress for work or personally, which gives me more room to take creative liberties.
As a military kid, I traveled a lot growing up, and as a result, I was exposed to different styles based on location. It also forced me to quickly find my identity, which is why I’m super comfortable just wearing what’s me.
I feel my best when I’m dressed for a private or really upscale event. I love getting really, really dressed up. Look good, feel good is truly a thing for me. Simply put, there are levels, and when I’m dressed for a ball or gala, I’m on boss status. Lights on with the spirit and the energy to match the look, it all comes full circle!
My fashion inspiration is Ri Ri. I really love how she wears what she wants. As a testament to my motto, not only does she wear what is comfortable for her, but it’s more about how she authentically embraces herself.
Thank you Zyer for allowing us to feature you as this months WkendHER. if only they knew what was coming next!
To a Life Worth Living!
The Wkender