Intergenerational Inspiration Q&A with Dorinda Walker, CEO of Cultural Solutions Group
Dorinda Walker is an award-winning executive, author, multicultural marketer, international motivational speaker and community advocate who is a champion for gender and racial equity. She has received numerous accolades and awards and has been greatly influenced through a very special intergenerational relationship. Below is our conversation sharing how she has been impacted by older and younger generations in her life.
1. Intergenerational relationships traditionally focus on people who are “skipped”, non-adjacent generations like grandparents and grandchildren. Have you had someone in your life from a different generation who greatly inspired you?
I am inspired by my paternal great-grandmother Pasqualina Jones, a.k.a., ‘Nana’. Although she passed on before I reached adolescence, her legacy left a profound impact on my spirit. She was the matriarch of the family and was beloved by everyone in our neighborhood. Nana was kind to everyone and instilled that value into her children and grandchildren. Nana tried her best to appear stoic, but behind her strength I sensed a sadness in her eyes. As an adult, I learned that she was disowned by her parents because she fell in love with my great-grandfather, a black man. I researched my family tree and discovered that she was listed as a ‘white woman’ until she gave birth to my grandmother, the oldest of her eight children. My memories of her are vivid for many reasons, the main being that even in death she loved me. You see, Nana was the angel that God sent to save me after my second suicide attempt as a teenager. She told me that God had a different purpose and plan for my life. At the time, I had no idea how profound those words would be because I thought my life was not worthy of living.
Photo courtesy of Dorinda Walker
2. What is something you enjoyed doing with the person? What did you learn from him or her?
I have fond memories of Nana gathering her daughters to cook family meals. I enjoyed watching them interact and the fond banter between them. They had a strong bond and cooking was a tool that she used to bring the family together. That tradition has since passed down to me, I love to cook and entertain my family and friends. It gives me great pride to know that I am continuing these traditions with my own granddaughter, who I fondly refer to as my ‘Shugz’.
3. How has this relationship continued to impact you? Is there something you do or a motto you follow in your personal or professional life that came from that intergenerational connection?
Accept people for who they are, regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation or socio-economic status. I chose to honor Nana’s legacy by dedicating my career as a multicultural marketer and community advocate to championing for gender and racial equity. Having received numerous accolades and awards for my service, I remain humbled, because I stand on the shoulders of Pasqualina Jones and her legacy of love.
4. Is there someone in your life now from a younger generation in which you have a special reverse-mentoring relationship? What types of experiences do you share together?
My three children have been great mentors to me and my husband. Each have their own unique personality and gifts. My daughter, Janae is very outgoing with a big sense of humor. She has taught me to loosen up, not to take life too seriously and to enjoy every moment. My middle child, Thomas is very quiet, shy with the biggest heart ever! When he was eight years old, he was diagnosed with a cognitive reading disorder. He’s super smart but absorbs information better by listening opposed to reading. My experiences with Thomas helped me to be a better leader, understanding that I could not treat everyone the same. I embrace differences as gifts opposed to challenges. My youngest son, Timothy is confident and witty! He is not afraid to speak up for himself and he loves a challenge. We have lively debates about life and he’s taught me to be fearless in pursuing my dreams.
5. How do you encourage intergenerational relationships in your family, business or community?
I strongly believe in the power of collaboration and sharing. Throughout my career, I have led events and sponsorships that bring people of all generations together. I am now touring the country sharing my story of overcoming trials to achieving triumphs and have been overwhelmed by the response from people of all generations.
6. Is there a book, movie or piece of art that has reminded you about the importance and power of intergenerational inspiration?
My memoir, “Protected by Purpose…How the transformation from despair and hopelessness can lead to an extraordinary life” details the intergenerational legacy and connections that have impacted my life. In the book I am candid about how I went from a path to prison or death to leading a life of purpose because of the lessons I learned from older generations of my family.
7. How can our readers follow you and learn more about your work?
Readers can follow me at www.dorindawalker.com, @dorindawalker on Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn and @dorindaJwalker on Facebook.
WOW, Dorinda! Thank you for your candor. I am so grateful to “Nana” for her courage marrying across racial divides. Her love and faith are amazing — and so clearly evident in you! Thank you for the work you do and I look forward to reading your memoir. Grateful to be on this journey of building bridges with you.
