Vanderbilt Posse 15
Annie Paraison, child champion, community wellness consultant, cultural architect, and coach, was featured in an alumni interview by The Posse Foundation.
Q: How has Posse’s mission inspired you to create change in your professional or personal life?
A: Posse’s mission of identifying and nurturing diverse leaders has been a guiding force in my work as an advocate for justice in education and community development. The focus on facilitating inclusive environments where all voices are valued inspires me to champion culturally affirming learning spaces for overburdened and under-resourced
communities. This vision drives my professional initiatives and my personal commitment to mentoring and coaching others and fostering justice-centered leadership.
Q: Can you share a story where your leadership or advocacy efforts positively affected someone or a group within your community?
A: As Interim Executive Director of Eighteenth Avenue Family Enrichment Center, I worked closely with staff and families to implement client focused policies. Through intentional coaching and restructuring, we saw a transformation in organizational culture, empowering staff and families to embrace justice and growth. The center’s shift inspired others to advocate for similar changes in their respective workplaces, demonstrating the potential ripple effect of inclusive leadership.
Q: In what ways has the Posse network helped amplify your impact and influence within your community or field?
A: The Posse network provided me with community during my senior year in high school, throughout my college career at Vanderbilt, and beyond. Posse recognized the ability for a group of strangers to become a support system for one another. My relationship to my Possemates amplified my influence by broadening my perspective and equipping me with strategies to tackle systems of inequity. My dedication to building healthy relationships and community building is directly connected to the role Posse has played in my development as a professional and as a human.
Q: What Posse Resources have helped you along the way as a Posse Scholar?
A: I lead with compassion and accountability by prioritizing growth for everyone. The principles of nonviolence drive my decision making and the value of community elevate belonging, monitoring, and adaptability. These qualities connect directly to Posse’s values of teamwork, adaptability, and commitment. Whether coaching staff or strategizing with partners, I prioritize creating environments where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute their best even if it costs time and causes discomfort.
Q: How do you lead in your workplace? What Posse values do you bring into your daily professional environment?
A: Posse’s network of alumni offers guidance, collaboration, and support. The Posse community’s unwavering belief in my potential and the potential of students who otherwise would never have access has been a constant source of motivation to create ecosystems where access is prioritized.
Connect with Annie:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/annie-paraison-emba-95304617/