Elaine Bryan

Here is the first in my ‘Be Wise’ series. Over the next few months, Financial Freedom will offer some wise tips from successful entrepreneurs and leaders. It has already been established that one of the best ways to learn is from the mistakes of others and from the examples of great people.

United States Congresswoman from New York Yvette Clarke shares some of her wise tips below:

Tips

1. Financial freedom means access to the American/Caribbean dream.

2. Successful leadership begins with service. It is important to give back to your community and to see first-hand the issues that people grapple with every day.

3. It is wise to build a relationship with someone who has the expertise and knowledge that you aspire to obtain.

4. Find a good mentor who is willing to share the wisdom that they have gained so that you can be successful.

5. Learn from your mentor and pass the knowledge to someone else who needs the assistance that you were able to obtain.

Representative Clarke shares her journey, “As a Brooklyn native whose roots are firmly planted in my Jamaican heritage, I am constantly reminded of the people who worked hard so that I can be where I am today. Growing up in Brooklyn, New York, with a mother who was and continues to be involved in the political arena, I was motivated to do the same. I was able to help my community through following my mother’s footsteps in the New York City Council when I took her seat representing the 40th District in Brooklyn. That made us the first mother-daughter succession in the history of the Council.

“Now as a member of Congress, representing the 11th Congressional District of New York, I am committed to continuing the district’s legacy of excellence as set forth by the late Honourable Shirley Chisholm, the first African American woman and Caribbean American elected to Congress,” she said.

Meaningful Collaboration

Clarke attributes her success to her constituents in the 11th Congressional District. They continue to be supporters of the work that she does. They strengthen her love for humanity and allow her to be an effective leader. For this reason, she continues to be an outspoken advocate on numerous issues of great importance to her constituents.

Sensitive to the needs of immigrants, Dr Una Clarke and daughter led campaigns for citizenship and voter registration to enable their constituents to receive greater rights and benefits. Congresswoman Yvette Clarke is the youngest African American to serve in Congress and is a tireless advocate and supporter of United States foreign policy towards the Caribbean, especially on trade issues.

She is well prepared educationally and has the experience of an advocate for the well-being of all citizens. It seems as if the best volunteers and leaders are those adequately able to help themselves and their dependants and are, therefore, capable of assisting others in their community.

With her Caribbean heritage, Congresswoman Clarke draws on her love for people and discipline to be a successful and wise change agent in Washington. By using the What What What Approach – What you do with what you have determines what you become, she has been able to achieve excellence and continues to be a positive influence in the lives of many.