We had the good fortune of connecting with Roechelle Croskey and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Roechelle, Let’s talk about principles and values – what matters to you most?
If I would have to think about a value that matters to me, I would say community. My belief in community comes from my upbringing of having a large family and a village of teachers, mentors, and church members. They were a vital part of my growth and development as an individual. I believe that building sustainable communities especially within the black community, helps aid with resources and emotional support needed to build generational legacies for our black families.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am an educator and community advocate. My journey in education has definitely not been easy but it has been an essential part of my growth in life. I remember transitioning into education from a previous career within the fashion industry. While working on my Master’s of Education Degree, I was working full time as a retail manager and having to drive an hour and a half to classes while still operating the business of my career at the same time. I definitely learned a lesson in GRIT during this transition as there were times I felt like giving up. However, I knew my purpose was BIGGER than my current feeling of defeat. After transitioning into education, I realized that being an educator was more than having weekends and summers off, I was now responsible for guiding the minds and futures of our next generation of leaders. I was responsible for assisting these families with the resources and education needed to develop a legacy of strength and resilient in their own communities. My pathway in education has allowed me to uncover God’s purpose for my life which is being an advocate for underserved communities and underrepresented girls. This purpose has given birth to the organization, ELITE GIRLS Mentoring. EGM vision is to provide knowledge and resources to educate, expose, and empower girls to become inspiring leaders within their community.

Any great local spots you’d like to shoutout?
OMG! I am a novice Houstonian but I would definitely take my best friend on a tour of some of the BEST restaurants I have eaten in the city. To name a few, we would definitely have to start off at The BREAKFAST CLUB, Frenchy’s Chicken, The Turkey Leg Hut, and Alley Cat for entertainment. I would ensure we take pictures along the way at the various Art morales and then head to BB’s Cafe for crawfish. We would have to end in my home community of the Northside at Esther’s Cajun Cafe/Signature Dish, drinks from Daiquiri Island To-Go, then end off with entertainment at Prospect Park.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would have to recognize my family, especially my mother. She plays an important role in my life each and every day. Her strength and resilience has guided me throughout each stage of my life. My mother is a perfect example of “Living each day without regrets” as she continues to encourage me to take chances in life. There have been times where I was defeated from life’s obstacles but she would kindly remind me,“ What do you have to lose, God is your provider and he will continue to lead you into your desires.” I definitely have to express gratitude to my mother as she continues to sacrifice for our family and ensure we are living life’s purpose.

Website: www.elitegirlsmentoring.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/elitegirlsmentoring
Facebook: www.facebook.com/elitegirlsmentoring

Image Credits
Nicole Lee Photography