The Unyielding Spirit of Verdell Osborne, A Champion for Community, Education, and Healing
It was a radiant Wednesday afternoon when my inbox lit up with an email that caught my eye. It was Verdell Osborne’s responses to the questions I had sent her for an interview. For those who don’t know, Verdell is a Certified Community Life Coach, an extraordinary speaker, and a contributing writer who has been making waves across several organizations nationwide. Her story is one of resilience, hope, and the power of community. It’s not just her remarkable career accomplishments that are impressive, but also her academic qualifications. Verdell holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Adult Education and a Master of Science degree in Leadership.
Born in Sandusky, Ohio, and a Texas resident for over two decades, Verdell’s upbringing was rooted in the values of education and respect for African American women, nurtured by her father, an Army Sergeant and police officer, and her mother, a factory worker and an avid reader. Her grandmother’s legacy, Arlana Clemens, who once held meetings for the Margaret E. Barnes civic club in her home, also significantly shaped her values. Verdell has been married to her soulmate for twenty-seven years. They have a blended family of five children, fifteen grandchildren and she proudly wears the title of “Auntie”.
“Growing up, I developed a deep understanding and passion for education, and a sincere desire to make a difference in my generation,” says Verdell. “What inspired me to become an educator for adults is my love for training and coaching others to become their best selves.”
Despite her passion for education, Verdell’s journey has not been without challenges. In 2018, a personal tragedy struck when her brother, Donavan Clemens, was tragically murdered. She describes the incident as a traumatic experience that one doesn’t recover from quickly. However, she believes in transforming trauma into triumph. “Through prayer and sharing your story to help others, your journey is not in vain,” she affirms.
Verdell’s triumphs are numerous, from being selected as the DEI Leader Presidential Award winner to pursuing her bachelor’s and master’s degrees while working. Her work’s impact is evident in her passion for helping young adults transitioning from college to finding their dream jobs.
“My legacy is really supporting black women and black students after they have graduated college,” says Verdell. She advises educators navigating their own path, “Mentorship, sponsorship, and allyship take time to understand the difference and build your own community centered around the three.”
Verdell is also a contributor to the Centering Our Voices: The Brilliance, Persistence, & Significance of Black Women Educators anthology, a collection of stories from 21 Black Women Educators. “We are training leaders of tomorrow,” she says, emphasizing the importance of addressing the gifts, history, and individual life experiences that children carry with them. Her chapter reflects her unique perspective as a Black woman in education and the transformative power of representation in fostering inclusivity and understanding.
She believes this book can make a difference by encouraging educators to view their students through the lens of their future. “The child you are supporting today could be the next CEO of a company. There has to be a lens of purpose. Every one of us has a purpose. Our children and young adults are no different.”
To connect with Verdell Osborne and to order a copy of ‘Centering Our Voices’, you can find her on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/verdellosborne/.
Indeed, Verdell’s story is a testament to the indomitable spirit of resilience. Through her work and contributions in education and community building, she continues to inspire and make a profound impact in the lives of many.
