RTDM: Kwan Graham

Kwan Graham
Director of Community Engagement
Charlotte, NC

We want to get to know you! Briefly tell us about yourself: Where you came from, where you've been and how you're living your dream?

I am originally from Far Rockaway New York and lived in a number of different states and countries as an military brat. After college and marriage I started my own medical transcription business and become a stay at home mom. I then transitioned into the world of education reform and have worked tirelessly with the nonprofit Parents for Educational Freedom in NC to empower parents to advocate for their child with their chosen educational option.

How do you define success?

Success is when a person uses their talents and skill set to impact and change those who they cross paths with. Giving hope to people is the key to their change.

What did it take to make your dream happen and when did you know you had arrived?

Having focus and determination to see your dream come to pass is what I used to strive towards my dream. I am just settling into a certain comfort level with working with my dream.

What are you most proud of? Go ahead, boast a little!

I am proud of the accomplishment of my children and husband. My oldest son is on an academic scholarship at Appalachian State University and my youngest son is looking forward to attending a college on a soccer/academic scholarship. They both are strong young men. My husband is the CTO of a company here in Charlotte and he striving to expand the company. In my role as Director of Community Engagement, I have been able to grow the organization’s parent outreach program to reach across the state of North Carolina. My team touches the lives of children and their families everyday as we look at educational options that best fit that student.

What was your biggest obstacle/fear and what was your turning point?

My biggest fear was not being able to balance my responsibilities of my family and my career. My turning point was establishing priorities and sticking to a schedule that focused my own self care, my family, and my career.

What’s the best advice you’d give to a younger you?

Continue to move forward even when fearful and in your relationship with God always walk in His direction.

How do you stay motivated and purposeful when you feel overwhelmed?

I allow myself to have 10 - 15 minutes to have a control meltdown which usually includes a good cry and then a nap. I then refocus on the next 1-2 priorities.

Tell us a time when a perceived failure was actually a blessing in disguise or served you in a surprising way.

As my transcription business came to a close, I was unable to sign on any other clients or secure another position in the field. I then was given the opportunity to begin my journey with Parents for Educational Freedom in NC. This journey has been one of the most rewarding in my life.

What is your favorite vice/guilty pleasure/strange habit? Come on now, we all have them!

My favorite vice is staying in my PJs and my bed all day. I will then only eat junk food while reading cheesy romance novels.

What's the smartest investment you’ve made for yourself?

My smartest investment has been really doubling down and building up my retirement portfolio.

What’s MOST important to you right now?

My relationship with God and my family.

Share 1-2 books you've given as gifts:

I always give this book: The Power of a Praying Parent (Stormie Omartian)

What have you learned to say no to?

Always being available to help my friends.

What's something most people would never guess about you?

I have a wave of panic every time my boys and husband leave the house. I pray the blood of Jesus over them every day.

Follow Kwan:

Twitter: @kwangraham