Dr. Nelva Lee: When Purpose Meets Policy-A Woman Rising For Education & Impact

 What happens when faith, resilience, and purpose collide with the courage to lead? 

In this powerful episode of She Shines, Coach KG sits down with Dr. Nelva Lee—Panama native, educator, author, and candidate for Georgia Superintendent of Schools—for an inspiring conversation about answering the call to serve, even when the path is challenging. 

Dr. Lee shares her journey from education and healthcare leadership to public service, rooted in a deep desire to be a champion for those without a voice. With over 20 years of experience as a vocational school CEO, adjunct professor, and healthcare leader, she brings a rare, holistic perspective to education and community impact. 

We dive into: 

• The defining moments that shaped Dr. Lee’s leadership and faith
• How her maternal grandmother and Condoleezza Rice inspired her courage and conviction
• What it truly means to “stay and fight” when purpose feels heavy
• Why education is foundational to opportunity, dignity, and generational change
• How women can step boldly into leadership—without waiting for permission

Dr. Lee also opens up about her Christian-based books, Stay and Fight and Be the Super Hero of Your Story, and offers encouragement to anyone feeling called to lead but wrestling with doubt.

This episode is a reminder that leadership starts with obedience, impact begins with courage, and your voice matters—especially when you use it for others.
 
✨ If this episode resonates, share it with someone who needs encouragement to rise, reclaim, and shine.
 

Transcript

SPEAKER_02 0:01

I rise, I reclaim, I pray. Living in my essence won't hesitate. I shine, I align, I celebrate. This is my time to illuminate.

SPEAKER_00 0:23

Welcome to She Shines, the podcast that celebrates women who rise, reclaim, and radiate, no matter where they start or what they've had to overcome. This is a podcast that celebrates those women. So I'm your host, Karen, Coach KG Gilliam. I'm a transformational coach, a published author, and your biggest encourager. Today's episode is one of purpose, courage, faith, and bold leadership. My guest today is a woman who doesn't just talk about change. She stands in it, builds it, and advocates for it. She is a champion for those who don't always have a voice, especially in education, healthcare, and faith-based communities. She is a Panama native, a wife of 25 years, a mother of three, an author, formal educator. But you know, you know how I am. I rather you hear from her. But let me tell you, for all the sisters and queens that are watching or listening today, she shines in every sense of the word. So who am I talking about? So allow me to introduce to you, Dr. Nelva Lee. Thank you so much for that introduction, Karen. Oh, you are so welcome. Thank you so much for being with us today. So, Dr. Lee, please let our listeners know who you are. I like them to hear from the source. Okay.

SPEAKER_05 2:11

Well, a little bit about me uh that Karen has not already covered. Um, I have over 30 years of experience uh in the healthcare field, and I was a vocational school CEO and founder for over 20 years. I trained the bilingual individuals to become medical interpreters and translators. I'm a Governor Kemp appointed uh board member to the Department of Community Health. I have served on several other boards. I'm a mother of three, uh, one of the whom is one of which was an adopted uh daughter from Puerto Rico. Uh, and I am running for uh the superintendent of schools of Georgia uh to make change. Uh, I would like for us to improve our educational standings nationwide. We currently rank 38th out of 50, and I believe that we can do better. And under my leadership, I believe that we can.

SPEAKER_00 3:06

Yes, yes. Oh, great. Well, it is awesome to have you. You know, in our pre-interview, we we talked about the defining moments in your life. And now we always start here. Every woman on She Shines has a defining moment. And sometimes it's a defining season. We would like for it to be just a moment, but sometimes it's a season. What would you say was a defining moment that shaped you to be the woman and leader that you are today?

SPEAKER_05 3:43

Say I've had many seasons, defining seasons in my life. Uh, but I would say that right now, in the current season that I'm in, as I'm kind of wrapping up motherhood, you know, or or training my children up for the way they should go, as the as the Bible says. Uh I have one adult child and two teenagers about to, you know, finish off high school. Um, definitely training my children has been a defining moment for me. I homeschooled my eldest uh because he was uh uh on the spectrum. And so I homeschooled him through fifth grade. And now, uh, and then with my daughter, whom we adopted from the foster care system, she came to us not just with a language barrier, but also with a learning disability and really just navigating what was the best learning environment for her. That has been really uh just the just seeing them flourish after pouring in so much of myself into them and not just academically, not just academically, but also spiritually. All three of my children serve at church and they all, you know, love the Lord. And so that is such a um a blessing to me, really. They are all three of them a blessings to me for sure.

SPEAKER_00 4:58

So in this season that you just spoke about, um what did does this season teach you about faith, resilience, and trusting the call on your life?

SPEAKER_05 5:12

Really, um, Karen, for me, it's it's staying really close to the Lord. Okay, just keeping it. I understand that. Having my ear to his to his still small voice, uh and and training each of each of them because they're all different. Every single one of my kids are very different, very different temperaments, very different learning styles. And as a mother, I've had to shift and and you know, uh, you know, definitely train each one individually in the way that they each have to go, uh, because they all have different strengths and weaknesses. Um I would say that just prayer is so important. Um, as far as whenever you you have challenges with with your children, just don't ever give up on them. Speak life into them. I have learned that even if I'm disappointed because of their snapshot moment, I have to believe that God has a plan and a purpose for them and that that that He brought them into my life, you know, for a purpose. I'm just a steward of them of their lives. I'm not the owner. Right. And so I have to just constantly speak life into them. And I have found that the more I do that, the more they flourish. Even if I'm even if they're not in the room when I'm speaking life into them, it just has those wonderful side effects, those wonderful benefits. Um, and so I would encourage, I would encourage all mothers, just speak life into their child into your children, even if you're not seeing at the very moment the results of all of your efforts, all of your sacrifice. Yeah, uh don't give up. Just don't give up. Don't give up. Keep keep praying them through.

SPEAKER_00 6:55

Yes, absolutely. You know, I I have said on several occasions, Nelva, that we didn't get an instruction book when we had children. No, it just didn't happen. And but I remember growing up, I'm the eldest of four. And I remember a friend of the family when, you know, as a teenager, yeah, what mom said really didn't, you know, jive with me. So I I wasn't rebellious because she wouldn't allow it. But her friend said to me, Your mother and father are giving you a strong foundation. And she said, but at the appointed time, they also are going to give you wings to fly.

SPEAKER_05 7:43

That's beautiful, yes.

SPEAKER_00 7:44

And I never forgot that. So what she was trying to sort of tell me is you may not like what they do as far as disciplining you and going against what you want to do, but they have to give you the foundation. And at the point of time, you are going to be able to soar with the eagles.

SPEAKER_05 8:06

Correct.

SPEAKER_00 8:07

And I love that. But and I listened because it came from someone other than my parents.

SPEAKER_05 8:14

Right, that's interesting.

SPEAKER_00 8:16

Yes. So you have worn many hats. You are an educator, you a healthcare leader, uh, your author, you are a mother, of course, and a candidate running for office. So this kind of journey that you're on doesn't come without any challenges. That's correct. So, what were some of the biggest obstacles you've had to overcome, Nelva? So if you don't mind, I it's Dr.

SPEAKER_05 8:46

Lee. Oh, Dr. Lee, I'm sorry. That's that's okay. Um, so I have overcome many challenges. Career-wise, I would say that not having um not having everything laid out for you. As you're going through your career, just like with your children, you you have to stay really close to God's voice. It's the same with your career. Honestly, some sometimes you feel stuck. Sometimes you feel uh as though you're not really sure if this is a step that you're you're to take right now, whether it's a step forward or step backwards. Right. Um, you just never know. Uh, but if you stay close to God, uh, He will give you the step, just the one step that you have to take. Oftentimes we want to see the whole panorama, we want to see 10 years down the line. Uh, and he's like, just take this one step. And sometimes he his answer is be still and and know that I am God. Uh, so I have had the the biggest obstacle, I would say, career-wise, is not having everything laid out for me, right? Uh I'm a bit of a type A personality, and I just like to have, I like to have a plan. I like to have things planned out. And sometimes that is just not how God wants you to cooperate at that moment. Um and so, and and just be in just being very, like I said, just be very close to him. And by that, stay in your word, stay prayed up. You know, that that's what I mean, stay close to God. Uh, as far as challenges with my other hats, I will tell you, um, my books, I don't see them as challenge, challenging, I see them as testimonies, written testimonies. The Bible says we overcome by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of our test of our testimony. And so I see my books as that, as written testimonies. If I go through a challenge, I like to put it in writing and share it with the world. So maybe someone can learn from my experiences and and be encouraged by my uh by how I overcame a situation. Um, when it comes to um my children and my family, I really try to prioritize. You know, um, career is always gonna be there. You know, a job is always gonna be there. You can always get another job. You can't all you can't get more different kids, okay? You you get what you get. You know, and so we don't get to pick and choose. We don't get to pick our children. Uh but not only that, the season of time, and that's why I was saying I'm so grateful for this season coming, kind of coming to a conclusion. Those 18 years that your children that you're the most influential in their lives, those 18 years don't come, don't come back. Yes, you can repair relationships later, but those 18 years are priceless. They they just are, you have to prioritize them. Uh, and so as a mother, uh, and even as a wife, I really try to prioritize my family, you know, God first, then my family, and then the church, really. Um, and then comes my my career and my extracurricular activities. They come way down here. Um, and which is honestly why I feel now that it's okay for me to go come go back into politics. I've tried my hand at it in the past and realized just how all-consuming it is, really, on your time. And now that my kids are older and technically don't need mom, they really don't, I I feel that me, I feel like I'm able to now uh devote my time and energy into other pursuits. Um, but yes, I would say just stay close to God to whatever challenge, whatever season you're in, because the safest place to be is in the center of his will.

SPEAKER_00 12:34

That is so true. So if if there's ever a time when someone is wanting to push through and they don't want, I mean, they they want to quit, but they know they can't, what would you say to them?

SPEAKER_05 12:50

So many, many, many, many, many times, Karen, I have wanted to quit. Okay. Oh gosh, I if I could get a penny for every time I wanted to quit. Sometimes you just have to take a break. It's okay. We're all human. But if some if you're in the middle of something that's really challenging and it's, you know, causing anxiety or stress, it's okay to take a break. It's okay. In fact, I truly believe that if if we practice the Sabbath very strictly, that that, you know, God gives us a built-in day of rest every you know, every week. Very few of us take the full day of rest. I don't know about you, but I know that it's been a it's challenging to me to take that full 24-hour period and do nothing. And I'm talking about no emails, no phone calls, no planning. Oh my goodness, Doctor. Yeah, if we if we fully take that full 24 hours, it actually serves to rejuvenate us. And so, um, and then I obviously, you know, and and I'm telling you this because this is how I push through. I I take care of my body, eating healthy, exercising. I make sure that I have a really good, strong support system. So I have my friends, my prayer warriors. If I need someone to pray for me, that I can call on them any moment's notice. Uh, and then I obviously do the same for others. Um, and I volunteer, my church, it's so important to always give that because it gives back to you as well. So all of these things, if you put those things, those those parameters around your life, when you're feeling stressed out, you can fall back on those. And it really definitely helps to give you that little oomph. Okay. Last but not least, last but not least, just you know, do not grow wary and well-doing, for in due season you shall reap. And so just knowing that you are in the center of God's will and that what and what you're doing is, you know, God approved and God ordained. Yes, then you just then that gives you the the little extra energy to keep going on.

SPEAKER_00 14:59

Awesome. Awesome. Now, I know because I remember sharing it in your uh intro that you advocate for others. You are want to be a champion for those who feel unseen or unheard. So how has those experiences that you just talked about of pushing through helped you to be that advocate?

SPEAKER_05 15:26

Um, so I really truly believe it's a genetic um thing with me, because anytime I see someone that is at the negative end of injustice, I can't help but do something about it. I just can't. Um, whenever I see something, uh whether it's on the government level or you name it, uh, that that that needs to be addressed, that someone needs to champion. I'm always like, here I am, send me. And sometimes, sometimes to the to my detriment. I always have to, you know, check, check in with God and go, okay, do I need to put a lot of time and effort into this? Um, no, because because it's just something that is innate within me. That being said, uh, very often prayer is really the first result, you know, resort for me. So if I know that if I pray for someone, that moves mountains, right? Whenever we pray in moves mountains. So that's usually my first line of of defense for advocating for someone is I that I know that God hears the prayers of a righteous. And so I know that that if I come alongside someone and pray for them, earnestly pray for them, that I know that their situation is gonna change for the better. Oftentimes it's just a matter of connecting them with the resources that they need. So I might not have to provide those resources myself, but just in in, you know, connecting them and giving them the, you know, this is the way, you know, out of this situation. And and oftentimes people are very appreciative of that because they they are not aware of the resources that were available to them. Um, and last but not least, if I have to lend my voice, you know, go along with someone and lend my voice, uh, I have a big mouth. If I if I have to lend my voice to theirs to get something moved along, I will definitely do that.

SPEAKER_00 17:24

I I can definitely sense that that is a passion for you. And um that would what's the word I'm looking for? You you are um an encourager. Yes, uh you are one that that I know and I just can't think of it at the moment, but your spiritual gifts. Um there is a gift in the spiritual gifts that speaks to what you do and who you are. Um, you are very open about your faith, your family, and the women who inspired you. And so I know in our conversation um in the pre-interview, you told me that your grandmother was an inspiration for you. So, what lessons have you still today utilized?

SPEAKER_05 18:17

So um for my for my grandmother specifically. So she was someone that did not give up. I I can honestly say that she um persevered in much more difficult situations and circumstances than I'll ever face. But she came from she came from of the very you know, very hard knots. Um, and she always had a smile. She always had she persevered, but with the the best of attitudes. And she loved everyone. She did not have a penny that she would not give to somebody else. You know, she if she had to give the shirt off of her own back, she would. Uh, she was an amazing cook, and so she always oftentimes gave through that. You know, if at any time, at any moment's notice, if you needed her to cook you a warm meal, she would cook. And I and I say this in jest, but really everybody knew that that they could always count on her to provide from her own kitchen if needed. Yeah, if you being. Uh, for many years, that's how she earned a living was by cooking. Um Wow. And yes, and so she raised four kids, you know, as a single mother uh through that. Um, and I remember, you know, she loved she loved greenery. She had lots of plants. And uh and she she would often tell me, you know, that that was her vision to one day be able to have a home with lots of plants to take care of. And she achieved her vision. So I saw in her someone that I wanted to emulate. Yes, you you have a vision of what you want, and then you just strive for that. Uh, but you don't have to trample. Over people to get there, to get there. You can love people, uh, you can be there for them, you can be someone that they can rely on and count on. Um, and you can always have a smile, no matter what circumstances going through in your life, you can always keep a smile on your face. So those were those amazing, amazing um tidbits from my grandma girlie.

SPEAKER_00 20:23

Oh yes, girly, I remember you told me that. You know, that so for those of you that are listening um today, I I hope you are really taking good notes. You know, you come to She Shines with your notebook and your pen because nuggets are dropped every episode. And what I want to just remind you, what Dr. Lee is saying, look at your legacy. Look at the legacy that you have in your own life and see what attributes you can take from the women in your family. That means you are passing on the legacy. And that for those of you that sit there and say, Well, Coach KG, no, I don't think I have anybody in my family. Then start, you be the start. Based on what you hear on these episodes from these women, you be the start for your family's legacy. And you be the one that they will talk about, your the the people that come after you, who your children, your grandchildren, your great grandchildren, they will talk about you because you're the one that made the difference. Just I had to put that in there. So you also share with me, and I like you to share with with our audience, that you admired Condaleez-Rice. Yes. So, what about her leadership resonates most with you?

SPEAKER_05 21:52

So I believe I shared with you that I came to the US from Panama due to the Noriega dictatorship. And so I have always been very keen on politics. You know, I have, in fact, as a senior, I really struggled whether to go to political science versus healthcare. I'm glad I chose healthcare because politics is always going to be there. Um, but I have always looked up to Condolisa because she was in politics, but she was, she did politics differently to me. She did it with integrity, uh, she did it with poise, and and she was a woman of faith. And I loved that. I absolutely loved it. I I I've always was very concerned because we you hear about all politicians are corrupt, you hear about all that. And um, and I knew that that was a calling for me. I knew that eventually I will be uh be led into politics, but I didn't want to end up corrupt like all the others. Uh and I realized that there is a way to do it with integrity, with poise, and I truly believe that Condoleezza Rice, uh, Dr. Condoleez Rice paved the way to do that.

SPEAKER_00 23:00

Oh, that is so important. Yes, you don't have to fall into the stereotypical uh characteristics of politics or any other position. You can be authentically you, which I know Dr. Lee is a big advocate for about women being authentic. So you you heard it here about be yourself, be yourself, not what you see that you think, uh, I don't want to do that. We need you. People the people of this country need people of uh quality, character, uh, faith. Absolutely. So thank you so much for sharing that, Dr. Lee. Now, education has been a thoroughline in your life. Yes, a homeschool mom, which I give you a round of applause for that. Thank you. Uh substitute teacher. I I have been a substitute teacher, vocational school CEO, and a professor. So, what's calling you to run for Georgia Superintendent of Schools?

SPEAKER_05 24:15

As I as I mentioned, uh I cannot stand by when I see injustice. And I feel that there's so much injustice happening at the school system. Karen, it breaks my heart. It absolutely breaks my heart. When children are being moved along without being literate. Uh, we have fourth, 70% of our fourth graders here in Georgia are not reading at the fourth grade level. 76% of our eighth graders are not proficient in math. And yet we're graduating these children and they're not prepared for life, let alone college, because they're going to college with and having to take remedial courses. It's an injustice. It's an injustice that we can take these kids through 12 years and waste their time and not educate them properly. It's an absolute injustice. Um when we know what works, right? We know phonics works, we know how to teach arithmetic and reading and writing. And what are we doing? Are we just wasting our time? What are we doing with these kids? Um I I know that we're they're constantly changing curriculums and teaching methods. They're using kids as as guinea pigs and without caring enough about preparing them for their future, preparing them to have an act to be actually workforce ready. So my my two initiatives that I would like to see implemented when I become superintendent of schools is true school choice, um, similar to Florida, where they have true true school choice. And by true, I mean where the budgetary dollars follow the student, not the institution. And where where the parents can use uh that voucher, they they in Florida, they give $8,000 voucher to parents to use for their child in any learning environment. So parents, not the school system, know what's best for their child's learning, where their child will thrive best. So just like my children benefited from homeschool and my my daughter benefited from Montessori school, I want parents to be able to say, I think my child needs to be in a different learning environment than the cookie cutter school environment where they have to sit for six hours at a time.

SPEAKER_00 26:36

Yes. I want to give parents for that.

SPEAKER_05 26:39

Yes, I want to give parents that ability. And then when it comes to instead of tax dollars for starters, let's remember that. Oh, yes. And then when it comes to workforce readiness, I want to see every high school student graduate, not just with a high school diploma, but with a trade school certificate. Why? Because even if they're going off to college, they can use those trade skills towards a job and earn critical experience in the field that they're getting a degree in, right? And if they're not college bound, it still gives them a career, gives them an actual career out of high school and not just a job. And so I I'm very passionate about this, Karen, as you can see. I know. I know. And I I I just want to make a difference. Right now, Georgia ranks 38th out of 50. That's a disgrace. Um, and we can do better. And under my leadership, we will.

SPEAKER_00 27:33

I love that. I I love that. You know, when I was in the school system, and um when I started talking to high school students, I I always would say to them, don't get a job. And I just said it like that, and they looked at me and I said, Oh, you have a puzzled look on your face. Well, let me tell you what job stands for. It's just overbroke. You're gonna hate to go, you're gonna make excuses not to go. When you get there, the clock doesn't move. It takes forever to go to lunch, and lunchtime comes, and before you know it's time to go back. Why do you think we have Blue Monday? Um, the midweek, Wednesday. What is it they hump day, hump day. Hump day, hump day. Yeah, I got to get over the hump. Right. And then T G I F. Thank God it's Friday. Right. And you know what's amazing, Dr. Lee? I told those students, I said, look, watch your parents. You will know your parents are working a job if on Friday they are happy, they're spending money, they've got paid, and then watch them on Sunday afternoon and see are they the same people? Right, right. That's when you know they're working a job. So I I I definitely, and also believe, cookie cutter, you said it, schools need to understand not everybody learns the same way. Exactly. So you have to cater to the individuals. Even in my coaching, I don't coach everybody the same way because we're all different. Yes. So absolutely. Oh my goodness. All right. Well, you mentioned earlier, you have authored Stay and Fight, be the superhero of your story. And those titles alone speak power. What message were you hoping readers to walk away with?

SPEAKER_05 29:40

So as I mentioned, so as I mentioned, my books are my testimony. So if God gets me through a period of time that was very challenging, I want to put it in a book so that others are encouraged and perhaps even learn from my experiences. Uh so stay and fight, it's a book on marriage. It's a book on uh staying through and and fighting for your marriage, fighting for your family, really. Uh so one little-known fact uh is that women, when they're in reach menopausal age, they have hormones that decouple. Hormones such as oxytocin and others that really help them form bonds early on with their children and their husbands, those hormones are no longer needed, according to your body, uh when you reach a certain age. And the problem is that once those hormones decouple, then those emotions, those bonds are not, they're no longer formed from those hormones. And so a lot of marriages end. You know, those 20 and 30-year-old marriages that end, it's because of that. So you oftentimes marriages have to have a completely redoing. It's like, what are we holding on to each other for now? You know, so they have to have a complete like reset, oftentimes. And and many, many couples really struggle during that time. So, really and truly, that book was really um educating women, right, on that as well as just how to be a wife. Because I I initially wrote a book called Be the Be a The Good Christian Wife, uh, the Good Christian Wife, but then I rewrote it to include a chapter talking about you know divorces later on and and why they happened, etc. So again, whenever God puts me through something, I have to, and I'm I overcome it. I go through get to the other side, I have to share it with the world. Now, be the superhero of your story. Uh, that one was I as a result of seeing so many young people in my church and in surrounding areas just going through so much uh anxiety and depression as a result of COVID. Uh, I'm on the prayer team at my church, I'm on the prayer team of the Joy FM. And I just hear that constant theme of anxiety and depression. And so this book really was about realizing that whenever we face really, really hard times, whenever we face hardships, it's not to bury us. They are really to help us to shine. You know, superheroes need challenges for them to be super, right? That's right. So, and so I I encourage everyone take those challenges and make them your stepping stone. Take those challenges and let them be the catalyst for you to be your true best self, uh, to be the superhero of your story.

SPEAKER_00 32:36

Oh my goodness, I love that. And and I help people discover their superpowers, which is actually the strengths. So if you don't know your superpowers, then you know, w we can talk. But later on, Dr. Lee is going to share with you how you can get a hold of her and how you can get a hold of those books. So if you don't have paper and pen with you, you want to have that in in just a moment because we're getting close to the end. And if you've been listening anytime to She Shines with Coach KG, you know I like to have a little fun. Because I know we talk about some pretty heavy things in in our episode. But today is no different. Dr. Lee is going to participate in our signature, She Shines, Fire Round. And for her, it's called the Courage to Shine. So, all right, Dr. Lee. This is your signature, fire round, short answers, straight from the heart. Are you ready? I'm ready. Okay. Faith or fear? Faith. Legacy over popularity. Yes or no? Like legacy anytime, every day. Yes. One word that would describe your leadership style. I must it's this is a hard one. We got her.

SPEAKER_05 34:14

Yes, you did. Here's why. I I know you said one word, but before I give you the one word, let me explain. So I'm lazy, I'm laisse-fair with those that are self-motivated. So if I see, if I have, if I'm over someone that is self-motivated, I'm laisse-fair. I I'm very much hands-off. However, I can be very dictatorial with those that are not. So if you need, if you if you need a lot of hand holding, I will do you a lot of so that my leadership style changes with the person that I'm leading.

SPEAKER_00 34:50

I totally expected that. Um, because as she mentioned before, how she has done with her own children. With my children. Yes, so absolutely. All right, here we go. A scripture or quote that anchors you.

SPEAKER_05 35:05

All things work together for good to those who love God and who are called according to his promise. Romans 8 28.

SPEAKER_00 35:13

Yes, ma'am, yes, ma'am. I love that one. I love that one. One thing every child deserves in education.

SPEAKER_05 35:22

To learn how to read. I feel that if they know how to read, that's the foundation for everything else. You can't do math problems if you don't know how to read. That's right. History is out the window if you can't read. You know, you need to learn how to read and read well.

SPEAKER_00 35:37

Okay. I love it. I love it. Finish this sentence, Dr. Lee. I shine when I pray.

SPEAKER_05 35:46

Pray is my superpower. Yes.

SPEAKER_00 35:48

Yes, yes, yes. So, oh my goodness, that was great. I I feel like even in those quick, short answers, you have helped someone to understand herself better so she can shine. So, Dr. Lee, there are women listening out there right now who feel called to leadership but are afraid to step into public spaces. I'd like for you to speak to them right now for that woman who feels the call, but she doubts her courage.

SPEAKER_05 36:22

So, if God is calling you, let me tell you that he's gonna continue calling you. If this is if he's not gonna stop just because you said no.

unknown 36:32

Okay.

SPEAKER_00 36:34

Um I'm a witness.

SPEAKER_05 36:36

Yes, I I'm a I'm a believer. Uh, so you know Gideon, right? When God came, when the angel came to Gideon, he said, Gideon, almighty warrior, not Gideon, the guy that's hiding in the wine press. So God, God sees your potential, he sees your future even before you ever see it or before you ever know it. So you might as well just say, Here I am, Lord, and here's a prayer. Here's a prayer if you're afraid. Here's a prayer if you are terrified. Say, God, I am really afraid. I'm terrified. You know, I have very little faith right now. Increase my faith. Help me to overcome this fear. Just be honest with him as to where you're at, but tell him that you are willing to do what is it that he's asking you to do. I'm willing, but I'm really hard, I'm really afraid right now. Just be honest. And guess what? Guess what he's gonna do? He's gonna strengthen you. He's gonna strengthen your faith if you just take one little step forward towards his his yes, towards your, you know, being obedient. Just take one little step forward towards being obedient to that calling. He'll do the rest because he will finish what he has called in you.

SPEAKER_00 37:51

Oh, he's the finisher. That's so true. Oh my goodness, that is so true. And this is something I used to tell the students as well, Dr. Lee, in reference to what you're speaking to the women who are listening. You know, sometimes I hear, uh, I'll try. And I applaud them for try.

SPEAKER_01 38:13

Uh-huh.

SPEAKER_00 38:13

Because it's better than just sitting on the sideline. Right. But I tell them if you add a little do to the try, you will have triumph. Meaning you will win. You will win. And with God, nothing is impossible. Exactly. So you know right from the start. You may not feel it, you may not see it, but if nothing is impossible for God, you created in his image. Amen. Hello, you are already a winner. Already a winner. So, oh my goodness.

SPEAKER_05 38:50

And can I just add to that, yeah, many times the the fail, the fear is the fear of failure or fear of looking stupid, you know, having egg on our face. Get over yourself, sister, is really the best way, you know. You know, uh, whenever we try something new, we are going to fail. It's okay. Yes. The true failure, the true failure is never trying. You know, if you try something and it doesn't go according to plan, learn from it, pivot, and and get back up. That's it. And that as long as you keep doing that, you're never really a failure. And so we don't try to be a perfectionist in everything that you do. Just try to do your best.

SPEAKER_00 39:33

That's right. Um fear is not final unless you quit. Exactly. Exactly. You can't quit, you can't give in, you can't give up. You have to keep going. And I could tell you story upon story of my life that I had to keep going. I had to keep going. And I would always talk. That's it. I call it BBA, Dr. Lee. Bounce back. Ability. I love it. You know, add that to your repertoire of titles. BBA, I'm a I have bounce back ability.

SPEAKER_04 40:08

Yes.

SPEAKER_00 40:09

Oh my goodness. Well, Dr. Lee, this has been so insightful. I I really have appreciated you sharing. I mean, you you speaking straight to my passion. And that is one of the reasons why I decided to do She Shines with Coach KG, because I know there are many women out there who, like myself, didn't have the strength, didn't have the confidence to do what God has called them to do. And you have spoken to them today. So, to our listeners, before I give Dr. Lee the final word, if today's episode spoke to you, you know what? You cannot be selfish. I want you to do three things. This is your call to action. I want you to share this episode with someone who needs encouragement to step into her calling. That's number one. Number two, I want you to support women who lead with integrity, faith, and purpose. That's number two. And number three, and most importantly, remember this: nothing changes until you change your mind. I love that. So, Dr. Lee, where can our listeners connect with you and learn more about the work that you're doing?

SPEAKER_05 41:40

So if they go to my website, drnelvalee.com, that's D-R-N-E-L-V.com. And uh you'll find everything about my run for superintendent schools there. You'll find all of my books there, you'll find my social handles there. So that's probably the best way to connect.

SPEAKER_00 42:00

Awesome. So again, that is Dr D-R Nelva N-E-L-V-A-L-L-E-E dot com. And then for those of you that join us on a regular basis, or even if this is your first time, we have a Facebook group. It's She Shines. So you just go to She Shines, uh, Facebook.com groups, She Shines 2025, join, and you will be among other women. Um, and we share things with each other, and you'll hear about uh shows that are coming. And also please like and subscribe to She Shines because in 2026, my mantra is get it fixed in 2026. So we're we're going to do some things. We're going to have a subscription where you can get additional things other than the episodes. Um, you get some one-on-one time with me uh to ask any questions that you have, and lots more. So you want to be on the cutting edge in 2026. Get it fixed in 2026. I love it. Yes. All right, again, Dr. Lee, thank you so much for your wisdom, for your insight, and most importantly, your faith. Thank you so much. All right, until next time here on She Shines with Coach KG. Have a wonderful day. And don't forget, I love you. Bye-bye. Thanks for having me.

SPEAKER_03 43:54

Will you do your light or let your spirit break free? You got power inside you, more than you can see. Time to realign, reclaim what's meant to be. Living in your stupid power. This is your moment. This is your hour.