Through my determination, strength and confidence, I have cultivated and continue to cultivate my own success. I am a wildflower – I grow naturally and beautifully and without interference from man. And it is for this reason that I feel I have earned this coveted title.
I grew up in Mon-View Heights in West Mifflin, PA, with many fond memories of my childhood and community. I come from an encouraging and loving family who worked hard to make sure my two brothers and I never went without.
I am now a wife to my supportive husband Deodis and the mother of four amazing children – Isaiah,19; Deodis III, 15; Zaniah, 11; and Thenniedivine, 1.
Currently, I am work full-time as a license practical nurse, an achievement in itself, but this is only a small part of who I am.
One of my more recent accomplishments was attending Triangle Tech here in Pittsburgh and graduating with an Associates Degree in Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (HVAC/R). While in school juggling a full course load, and continuing to work full time as a nurse, I became pregnant with my fourth child. However, I continued to strive for excellence and was determined to be the best. As the only woman in my class, and often times facing sexist treatment, I graduated fourth in what started out as a class of eleven students.
Shortly after graduation, I gave birth to my daughter. One week later, I suffered a TIA, a blockage of blood flow to my brain. Through treatment and prayer, I slowly recovered and was back to work and taking care of my family. However, eight months later, I was then diagnosed with Graves disease, a thyroid disorder, and had to start radiation therapy. Despite these setbacks, I did not give up and have continued to take care of myself and regain my health.
After recovering, I began looking for work in the HVAC/R field. Despite being certified and licensed to fix, install and replace furnaces, AC units, commercial and residential appliances, I didn’t have much luck finding work, so I started my own independent HVAC/R services company. In my spare time, I provide repair services to those who are unable to pay the high prices demanded from other companies. I fix broken appliances and donate used, but working, appliances that I come across in my work, to those in need. Though I can only do this work and help others in a limited capacity because I still work full time, I find what little I can do to lend a hand, highly fulfilling.
In the spirit of volunteering and service to the community, I have also organized and directed a clothing drive which provides clothing, coats and shoes to families in conjunction with Good Samaritan Baptist Church, the church led by my father, Pastor Michael Rhue, in the Hill District.
I am currently working on a business plan to open and run an adult day care center, to help provide quality care to the growing elderly population in Pittsburgh. In the process of scouting locations and researching funding for the day care project, I am also looking into establishing a non-profit soup kitchen for the homeless men, women and families in the community.
It is not only my determination and perseverance. It is not only my drive to be a better person each day the Lord allows me to live. It is not only the knowledge that whatever obstacles I may face, I will remain content and humble at all times. It is all of these things and the knowing that I am a walking testimony for God!
These are what make me a BEAUTIFUL, BROWN, BOLD WOMAN!
