In the heart of New York City, a story of unwavering resilience unfolds the tale of Cheryl Cross, a woman who defied the odds to pursue her entrepreneurial dream after a stellar corporate career in healthcare and a role as Professor of Project Management and leadership. She is the Founder and CEO of Consultant Proficiency Resources, a doctoral candidate at a University in Philadelphia, a 1st-time author, a radio host, and the host of her podcast on YouTube, CPR Moral Leadership Coaching tidbit. Still, her path to success began with the painful fracturing of her family.
At 12, Cheryl migrated to the United States with her mom and siblings, leaving the comfort of a middle-class suburban community in the Caribbean to unify with her father. Her dream of a unified family was shattered when misplaced trust led to a devastating separation of her and her parents. Initially, she, her siblings, and her mom were separated from her father while he worked laborious hours.During these times, Cheryl’s paternal aunt made their stay unbearable, including locking them in the coldest temperatures when her father was off on assignment. This caused the family to be homeless on numerous occasions. As a result, many families were willing to host them for a couple of days or the weekends until her father returned. Eventually, they moved to their Queens home, yet her father was swindled. Left with little money after purchasing the home, her father was compelled by the actions of untrustworthy relatives to split the family of six until he could financially recover. Though Cheryl and her older sibling were accommodated by a wonderful family in the Bronx, she and her sibling endured arduous commutes to Queens for school. In contrast, her parents and two other siblings settled in Brooklyn. This fractured existence persisted for a year, marked by uncertainty and hardship.
Eventually, her father reunited the family of six into a cramped two-bedroom apartment in one of Brooklyn's most challenging neighborhoods. Though the neighborhood was questionable, the family of six preferred to remain united rather than separated. Yet, amidst the adversity, they thrived. Cheryl, determined to build a better future, embraced the opportunities available to her. She attended school diligently, found solace and community in her local church, started a youth organization at sixteen, formed unexpected bonds with the neighborhood's gang members, and facilitated discussions with the local police precincts.
"It was a complex environment," she recalls, her voice resonating with strength. "But my family instilled in me the importance of respect and integrity. We earned the respect of those around us, even the most unlikely individuals." The gang members greeted her family as family and even asked her and her family to keep them in prayer. The gang members, recognizing the family's character, treated them with deference.
Cheryl's determination to rise above her circumstances was unwavering. She pursued her education relentlessly, balancing her studies with the realities of her environment. She earned her high school diploma, her bachelor’s degree, and later, her MBA. Now, she's a doctoral candidate, delving deep into global business.
Today, she is the CEO of her consultancy firm, specializing in business analytics, leadership coaching, and personal branding. She empowers individuals and businesses to achieve global success, drawing upon her extraordinary journey as a testament to the power of resilience.
"My experiences shaped me; they didn't define me," she says. "I learned that even in the face of adversity, you can build bridges, create opportunities, and achieve your dreams."
Her influence extends far beyond her consulting work. She hosts two popular online radio programs, sharing her insights and inspiring listeners worldwide. She also collaborates with other women to host masterclasses and boot camps, providing practical tools and strategies for personal and professional development.
Cheryl authorizes two compelling eBook series, including Rags-2-Royalty: Building and Rebuilding Your Personal Brand. The series advocates aligning personal brand image (people’s perception of you) to your personal brand identity (authentic self) and offers a roadmap for expressing the authentic you, even with a challenging past.
"Her story is a testament to the power of the human spirit," says her older sister. She proves that no matter the obstacles, you can rise above them and achieve greatness. She is a true inspiration to our family, community, and soon to the world."
Cheryl’s story powerfully reminds us that resilience, determination, and community can overcome even the most challenging circumstances. Her journey is a beacon of hope, illuminating the path to a brighter future for all. With such a challenging past, she recently discovered during the CV pandemic when reconnecting to elders within her family that she is related to the most decorated soldier of the Caribbean and distinguished stateman Ulric Cross-a member of the Royal Air Force of Great Britain, a jurist for the Caribbean and Africa, and diplomat. His life is the subject of the movie Hero: Inspired by the Extraordinary Life and Times of Mr. Ulric Cross.
Learn more at her official website at CPRLLCServices.com
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