Conversations with Sheneka Brown

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sheneka Brown.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
The genesis of The Promise Academy tutoring center was founded out of a deeply personal commitment to overcoming educational challenges. When my two children were in elementary school, they were diagnosed with a speech and language impairment and developmental delays. It sparked a transformative journey. I decided to tutor them from home and concurrently returned to college to finish my degree in Elementary Education. Witnessing my sons’ remarkable success in the classroom and on standardized test proved the power of targeted, explicit, and 1-on-1 instruction. Inspired by their academic progress, I established “The Promise Academy” in March 2022 to extend the same level of personalized support to help other children reach their highest academic aspirations.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road has not always been easy. As the sole founder, you are responsible for every aspect of the venture, which leads to immense workload and mastering diverse skills. In the beginning, one of the struggles was serving simultaneously as the educator, curriculum designer, business manager, marketing director, and administrative staff. Some days, I was spread thin but the love for education kept me going. Launching a new educational service often required significant capital and start up cost, but I had the wonderful support of friends to assist. Lastly, finding the perfect location. I wanted a place where it was not too far for parents living in Dade or Broward county.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I have dedicated nearly two decades to educating and inspiring students in Miami Dade and Broward. I am a graduated of Union Institute & University with multiple degrees in education. I am the founder of the The Promise Academy tutoring center where we specialize in tutoring students in grades K-12. We provide them with academic assistance that elevates their reading skills and scores. Moreover, we also tutor students for exams like the FAST, ACT, SAT, and CLT. The Promise Academy provides students with self-confidence, hope, and the future that they deserve. The Promise Academy tutoring center is a beacon of support for children who were once struggling readers and a light for scholars with collegiate aspirations. I am also an author of five children’s books. I am most proud of receiving the 2024 Literacy Trailblazer Award from the City of Miami Gardens, the 2023 Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award, 2023 Generational Cure & Miami Dolphins Unite Award. Additionally, being award the 2023 i-Heart Radio Women’s History Award for my community service. I am also listed on the Proclamation for the City of Miramar, along with Stichiz from 103.5 The Beat, for our advocacy of literacy. Every year, we give out free books at Cleveland Ice Cream for students to build their own at home library. I am also proud to have the ability to help families and provide students with scholarships for college. Lastly, I am honored and blessed to see my tutoring students score high on standardized test and seeing their classroom grades dramatically improve.

What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
The most important lesson I have learned on my journey is patience and love. Patience has help me to assist my students by giving them clear explanations, expectations, and staying grounded. Patience has help me to find new ways to find examples, visuals, or strategies to better assist them on their academic journey. Love helps me to see their potential, to help them feel seen and valued, and help them take greater pride in their work. Most importantly, I learned that every child is different and every child can learn. We just have to equip them with the right tools, strategies, individuals, and support systems.

Pricing:

• $50 an hour

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.ThePromiseAcademy.com
• Instagram: @ThePromiseAcademy
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheneka-brown-156177254
• Twitter: ThePromise_FL