Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Pamela Harlan-McSwain.
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?
Over 20 years ago, Dr. Toya and Dr. Pam began their journey together at a community college in Meridian, MS, where their shared aspirations set the foundation for a remarkable partnership. United by common goals, they pursued both undergraduate and graduate degrees in business administration at Mississippi State University. Recently, they achieved another milestone by earning their doctorate degrees in Adult and Higher Education from the University of Memphis.
Driven by a long-standing passion for helping others, the two co-founders have channeled their expertise into creating mentorship and educational coaching programs designed to close gaps in opportunity. Dr. Harlan-McSwain’s dissertation highlights the critical need for African-American medical doctors and examines how medical education has historically restricted pathways to success for African Americans. Through their programs, the duo aims to establish an educational pipeline to support aspiring medical professionals.
Dr. Windom’s research sheds light on the challenges faced by Black women and students of color as they navigate higher education. The ultimate mission is to empower students with a tailored roadmap to success. By combining innovative guidance tools with personalized one-on-one support, these programs will help participants thrive academically and beyond.
While building trust with students presents an initial challenge for their growing consulting business, the co-founders are committed to overcoming this by consistently delivering reliable and impactful guidance. Their unwavering dedication continues to inspire and pave the way for transformational progress.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The journey has been far from smooth. Like any entrepreneurial endeavor, it has been marked by both triumphs and setbacks. Securing adequate funding and sponsorship remains a persistent challenge, as the co-founders work tirelessly to expand their outreach while facing limited funding opportunities. Moreover, Dr. Windom and Dr. Harlan-McSwain balance the demands of working separate full-time jobs to personally finance and sustain the consulting business. Their dedication and perseverance in navigating these obstacles reflect their unwavering commitment to their mission.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Dr. Harlan-McSwain holds the position of director at Meharry Medical College, where she plays a vital role in shaping the future of medical professionals. Her mission is to ensure that medical students are thoroughly prepared to serve as physicians in underserved communities, addressing critical healthcare disparities. Similarly, Dr. Windom is deeply immersed in medical higher education at Baptist Health Science University. Her expertise centers on fostering strong connections with medical students, guiding them as they navigate the rigorous and specialized field of osteopathic medicine. Together, their efforts exemplify a commitment to empowering the next generation of medical leaders.
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
Over the next 5-10 years, our goal is to significantly expand our outreach and grow our dedicated team. Currently, we provide virtual services to students across four states, supported by a network of tutors and college student volunteers. Our mission is to broaden our reach, impacting even more minority students by guiding them through college, graduate school, and other higher education challenges.
To achieve this, we aim to:
Forge strong partnerships with local schools, colleges, and universities to create effective referral networks.
Actively participate in conferences and events to enhance our brand presence and connect with potential clients.
Offer free workshops and seminars to attract new clients while establishing ourselves as trusted experts in the field.
By implementing these strategies, we aspire to empower minority students with the tools and support they need to succeed, while building a thriving and impactful organization.
Pricing:
- K-12 Tutoring starts at $25/hr
- Dissertation support starts at $50/hr
Contact Info:
- Email: harwinconsultants@gmail.com
- Instagram: @harwin_consultants_
- Facebook: Harwin Consultants
- LinkedIn: Harwin Consultants
