Start with Excellence: A Guided Workbook for Successful Entry into Your Career is the first in a series from Samantha Wilson Jones, Founder & CEO of Jewels Advancing, Nurturing & Empowering, Inc. (JANE), a non-profit organization_dedicated to_increasing_representation of Black and brown_professionals_at all organizational levels in academic institutions and corporations.
Start with Excellence invites anyone early in their career journey (including high school students, college students, and young professionals) to read SamanthaÕs dynamic and conversational blog posts and work through step-by-step professional development guidance on various related topics that will lead them on a trajectory destined for career success. Combining elements of a workbook, journal, and planner, Start with Excellence bridges the knowledge gap between formal education and practical application for readers traditionally excluded from insider information and the often-unspoken tips and tricks essential to successful navigation within professional environments.
SamanthaÕs experience as a first-generation attorney informs her keen understanding of the challenges and trials commonly faced by young Black and brown professionals who may feel alone while creating a path for themselves. The prompts encourage readers to inventory their dreams, experiences, and resources as a springboard to complete meaningful action items at their own pace.
The book is sized for easy transport in a purse or school bag to go everywhere with the reader. There is ample space to record oneÕs reflections and outcomes while completing activities, coloring pages to spark creativity, and selected quotes throughout to keep readers motivated. Samantha invites readers onto this journey from the introduction and writes, ÒStarting with excellence made it easier for us to be excellent whenever and wherever excellence was requiredÉStart with excellence!Ó