I love teaching. I love seeing that ‘light bulb’ turn on when my students finally understand a concept or solve an issue. I love hearing them excitedly share stories of how they applied what they learned in my class in their personal or professional lives. When students recognize the relevance of the lessons, their engagement naturally deepens.
Before and After I Became the Professor
During my twenties, I held Paraeducator assignments that helped me discover which grade levels or age groups I worked best with. I quickly learned that I needed to steer away from high school, as my youthful appearance often caused coworkers to shout, “Young lady, where’s your hall pass?” in the hallways. Students would also try to challenge or intimidate me, mistaking me for a peer—which didn’t quite go the way they envisioned [*smirk*].
After moving to Georgia, I worked as a preschool teacher for a time, and later spent several years volunteering through a global nonprofit, delivering financial literacy and entrepreneurship curriculum in K-12 classrooms. In 2019 and 2020, during the pandemic, I worked at an afterschool program with children in grades K-8. As schools transitioned to online learning and then back to in-person, our program provided in-person educational support, collaborating closely with teachers, schools, and families.
Purdue Global
As a proud member of the Purdue University team, I teach an “Introduction to Management” course and a “Small Business Management” course at Purdue Global. I’m passionate about these subjects because they connect with the work I do at Foreman & Associates, LLC. From the very first class session, I help my students see themselves as managers even if they don’t yet hold the titles. They’re managing their lives and households long before they step into a formal role at work.
My courses are fast-paced and intense, but after 10 weeks, students see organizations differently and can identify the difference between effective and exceptional leadership. Seeing my students empowered, especially when they launch their own ventures, brings me immense joy. It’s been a privilege to serve in this role since 2014!
Atlanta Technical College
When I moved to Georgia in 2007, I noticed Atlanta Technical College [ATC] and the surrounding community. I knew I wanted to teach there one day, helping to mentor and educate positive change agents who could uplift that community—and in 2014 I made it happen!
I currently teach Management, Human Resources, Marketing, and Business Ethics courses at ATC. What makes these classes so rewarding is seeing my students immediately apply what they learn to their work environments. Throughout the course, they assess their workplaces, understand the management they’ve experienced, and gain a clearer picture of the leaders they aspire to be.
My goal is to help them embrace change, contribute meaningfully to their organizations, and become highly engaged employees. Many of my students aspire to management roles or to start their own companies. They quickly learn that I don’t offer “easy A” classes, and that real-world management issues don’t come with quick solutions like in TV shows. The challenge excites them, and I love seeing their enthusiasm build each week as they rush into class, eager to learn.
Emory University
Previously, I co-taught a course on Economic Development in Africa with Dr. Sam Cherribi at Emory University. Watching the students grow throughout the course was truly rewarding. One of my key objectives was to break down stereotypes, propaganda, and misinformation, and help students view development through multiple lenses—not just their own.
Economic development, particularly across a vast and diverse continent like Africa, is not a one-size-fits-all process. On the first day, many students knew little about the subject or the continent, but by the end, they had a deeper understanding than most people. More importantly, they left empowered to be local change agents and global partners. That transformation is priceless to me.
Natasha 