This exciting maga-blog has been providing the latest in fashion, trends, styles and design since 2007.  The mission statement of Addikted2Fashion.com is simple,  " Addressing the Needs of Individuals who are Addikted2Fashion" and Pamala G. works diligently to do just that.  She spends her days and nights consulting with PR specialists, Executives, Designers  and bloggers around the globe to give her readers the latest in fashion news and culture.  If you check out the website I can guaranteed you will not be sorry.  I'm super proud of my friend.  From her humble beginning as a fashion merchandising major at Buffalo State College she's taken her passion and her skill set and made a reality out of her dreams.  I know this is only the beginning for her and I look forward to her continued success.  I love you Black Girl! 

The Fashion Addik and The Glam NERD (respectively) 

Everybody, please go and support Pamala G! Visit and subscribe to the www.addikted2fashion.com

SisterToldja of www.thebeautifulstruggler.com 

The Beautiful Struggler is one of my favorite blogs and quite honestly one of the larger inspirations behind the launch of www.theGlamNERDS.com   Her Blog deals with culture, politics, art, history, MUSIC, relationships and so much more.  I think of her as “a friend in my head. ” A fellow niece of our Aunt Wendy “, if you will.  How You Doin?!?” Her writing is insightful, thought provoking and still captures that "that's my good homie" conversational tone that incites the reader to believe appreciate what their reading as well as the writer. It's that blend of charisma and credibility that all of us aspiring writers work to achieve and SisterToldja got right! Our paths crossed as we each set out for an evening of good company and good eats at the BBQ’s in Chelsea a few weekends back.  I was so pleased to find her humble and handing out hugs as I introduced myself as one of her loyal readers. Check out her blog, you will not be sorry.   Congratulations Sis! Please keep doing what you do! Be Encouraged. 

Sister Toldja is a 20-something Chicago native and graduate of Howard University.  Equal parts sass and sensitivity, she describes herself as “a Hip-Hop Denise Huxtable, who dreams of growing up to be Claire“. Her daily blog, The Beautiful Struggler: Me, Myself, An Eye gives readers an up close view of all the stunts, pratfalls, and revolutions of this artist/Earth mother/barfly/scribe. As she will readily tell you, she doesn’t have anything to prove to anyone, but she definitely has a whole lot to share.

Since 2006, Sister Toldja has galvanized a broad national audience with her meditations on race, culture, relationships and her own less-than-ordinary life. Regardless of the subject matter, Sister Toldja is sure to explore it with her signature blend of intelligence, wit, and sass. She is the spiritual daughter of bell hooks and Wendy Williams-interested in Black power and happy hour, freedom and five-inch heels. Toldja is an rising and rousing voice of the modern woman: no longer struggling to fit all her parts in a box and living beyond boundaries.

 Sister Toldja is a 2007 and 2008 Black Weblog Award Winner for Best Personal Blog (Popular Vote) and has conducted/participated in numerous panel discussions about social media networking women’s issues and relationships.  She has also done a number of radio appearances, including  NPR’s “All Things Considered” and “Al B. In The Afternoon” on Philadelphia’s 900AM WURD. Sister Toldja is a contributor for the upcoming anthology Bet on Black: African-American Women Celebrate Fatherhood in the Age of Barack Obama and her writing has been featured in Essence Magazine, The Griot and Clutch Magazine. She resides in Brooklyn.

Visit www.thebeautifulstuggler.com for booking and further and information 

 “Its’ not just about who you know, its’ about who knows YOU!!”

What’s goin’ on fellow GlamNERDs!! I know that this is a topic that has been touched on before, but since it’s’ something that you will always come across in life, I felt it’s necessary to address again. Be it social or professional, you will find that this will come knockin’ on your door more often than not.  Yes, you guessed it; I’m talking about the beauty of NETWORKING!! 

While you each embark on your individual paths towards greatness, you will most definitely meet a vast array of people, some you may consider important and others not so much so.  Quite frankly, in my opinion there is no difference between the two. You never know who a person is, or what kind of impact they will have on your life until you open your mouth or return that handshake! As someone who is dangerously shy, I at times (and often still do) struggle with stepping out of my shell and sparking conversation.  But you’ll find that once you start, the fun don’t stop. It’ll get easier, more natural, and most importantly exciting, as you never know who you may meet.

I’m sure you’re now thinking, networking may be where it’s at but how do I make my way in the game? And to that I would say, the easiest and quickest way to get your feet wet is by GETTING INVOLVED in just about anything (as long as it’s of interest to you). Whether it’s a student organization, church group, or social organization, all you have to do is sign up! Get a feel for the organization’s (org’s) missions or goals,  and if it is something that really speaks to you than try to become more active.  You could possibly even take on a leadership role. This is the perfect opportunity to practice your networking/people skills with other group members whom you may or may not know as well other people/groups that your organization may work with.

As you get more and more attached to whatever your role is, you’ll find that you’ll start reppin’ your org so hard that someone will have to take notice. Guess what?!? This, my dears, is otherwise known as networking! As you actively work with your organization, all that you’re doing is sharing your interests with another person. Being involved in any type of org allows you do this, to the point that you will eventually become a pro! With this skill you will have easy access to a plethora of resources, or even better, become a resource to someone else. Yea, Google may be a tad bit more precise, but its’ definitely not as fun as going through your mental rolodex for that person who might have the answer to your question or the ability to meet your needs.  

Even though it’s the most common route to take, you shouldn’t limit yourself to just “networking” with colleagues or classmates. Family and friends count as your network too, so use them!  I’m sure that not everyone in your crew is pursuing the same career that you are. Take advantage of that! Take the time to go to their birthday soirees, office parties, or luncheons to get to know the other circles they roll in. Personally family and friends functions are the easiest scenes to network in because you don’t have to be the one to do that awkward first introduction. Everyone will remember you, especially if you are closely related to the host/hostess, and you won’t feel as nervous sparking convo because you’ll be in a room full of heads that you most likely will never cross paths with again aka you ain’t got nothin’ to lose!!!

People always say its’ all about who you know, but I say its’ about who knows you. You don’t want to be that person who’s added on BBM just for the sake of increasing contacts. Nor do you want be that nine hundred and ninety-ninth facebook friend that never gets a wall post or event invite. Once you start nurturing and practicing your networking skills, people will start to remember more than just your face. They’ll remember your personality, your spirit, and most importantly your talents! So the next time you feel like you’ve been dumped in a strange and unfamiliar place, shake it off and talk to someone cause   you never know who you might meet, who can get you the hook up, or who you can put on!

Peace & Blessings

ChiPharmD   

Dr. Chinenye Anyanwu. 

She writes, 

What's up fellow GlamNERDS. I am an American born Nigerian, one of seven children, was born and raised in The Bronx, NY. I’ve had a catholic school education, St Raymonds Elementary School and St Raymonds Girls Academy. My interest in Chemistry in high school led me to pursue a degree in pharmacy at the University of Connecticut. As a city girl the transition to the sticks of UCONN wasn’t easy, but I managed by staying active in student organizations. The Student National Pharmaceutical Assoc (SNPhA) was an org that I was introduced to early in the game that showed me the importance of community service and serving the underserved. Since then the two have become my passion and what I have dedicated my career to. After 6 LONG years, I graduated with my doctorate in pharmacy and moved on to pursue a Masters in Public Health from the George Washington University in Washington DC. I chose to pursue this degree to make myself a more well rounded clinician and to become familiar with the causes of health disparities, and strengthening my role in eliminating them. I will be completing my first year of the MPH program at the end of the spring. In addition to this, I currently work as a pharmacist for Walgreens and am preparing for a clinical pharmacist residency program.

Our paths crossed at UConn, she was working on a Pharm D and I on my first Masters. We didn’t get to hang out that much while we were in school.  However,  a host of “get togethers” and good times with mutual friends have linked us and I'm so very grateful to be connected to such excellence. She’s brilliant, grounded and committed to sharing her talents and skills to remedy health disparities across the world. I love her and I know her successes in life will be remarkable to say the least. I admire her tenacity, her motivation and her fab sense of style. She’s a cool kid with out a doubt. She’s been a supporter of the blog since day one and I’m honored and ecstatic to present her to you as our GlamNERD of the month. Look forward to hearing from her soon.

Till Next Time We’re Still in Constant Pursuit of All Things Fabulous,

Tykeia

AKA 

TheGlamNERD

As a native Washingtonian, Jessica A. Gray, grew up in the North East (NE) corridor and attended Washington DC Public Schools.  Upon graduation from Eastern Senior High School, Jessica went to Manhattanville College in Purchase New York, about 30 minutes outside of New York City.  While at Manhattanville, she majored in African History, participated in a domestic exchange program, and served on numerous student organizations.  After graduation, Jessica was accepted into the nationally recognized AmeriCorps organization, Teach for America.  She completed her two-year service agreement in Atlanta where she taught 4^th and 5^th grade.  Upon her move back to Washington DC, Jessica taught 4^th grade at an area charter school and after which applied and was accepted at the David A. Clarke  School of Law of the University of the District of Columbia.  Jessica is presently in her last semester where she will graduate, Magna Cum Laude.  She is a Dean’s Fellow, an Olender Scholar and the Publications Editor of the Law Review. She is currently an intern at the Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking. 

Jessica is a close personal friend. Our paths crossed during our Freshman year at Manahttanville College and I've always admired her intellect, perspective, polish and personal style. Throughout our friendship we've always connected on the ideal of representing ourselves, our communities and culture as intelligent, ambitious, trendy and just plain fabulous Black women.  We shared many memories and  "nubian moments", where we've laughed, danced, shopped & kept each other motivated on the long nights at the library. I 'm so proud to call her my friend and even more ecstatic to introduce you to her as our GlamNERD of the month for February 2010.  

Jessica's experience is extensive in navigating college and graduate school life. She'll be lending her expertise to our GlamNERDS in the form of her colorful and content filled top ten lists. The lists will be designed to give you a variety of insight and information on preparing for the law school application process and beyond. 

Get INTO her...  I love her! 

My fellow GlamNERDS, keep checking in to hear from my "good judy" Jessica aka  The JettsettingJAG! 

Till Next Time, 

Tykeia

aka

TheGlamNERD

Get into her tips.. They are GREAT!!! 

How YOU Doin ?!?! 

Till Next Time,

Don't forget to check out our previous post! 

Strategies of a Scholar-Study Tips Vol. 1

Take care, 

Tykeia 

aka 

TheGlamNERD

Each month the website will feature another fabulous student/professional who's successfully navigated undergraduate/graduate life. It is our aim to showcase the many of us out here grinding and trying to make significant and positive academic and professional moves. The featured GlamNERD will contribute one or several posts on a topic/issues of  his/her choosing. They will share their advice , experiences and opinions in hopes of helping students that are still out here hustling trying to get these A's. Think of it as a upper classmen leaving pearls of wisdom in your yearbook. The unwritten rules and real talk of getting through and getting to flip them tassels at graduation. Ya dig!

Our GlamNERD of the Month for February is on deck! 

Till Next Time, 

Tykeia 

aka

TheGlamNERD

Here's the first vid. Get all the way into her. 

She's my Sister and I love her like myself!

Thanks Ernie! 

I'm so proud to present my sister from another mister... She's officially joined the movement and will be sharing her wisdom and experiences from time to time. Ladies and Gents I give you..  MissProfessional!

Let me introduce myself….I am what they call a professional student. I've been through it all from academic dismissal (otherwise known as THEY KICKED ME OUT!), scholarly achievement (BS in Biochemistry with Honors in Independent Research then to a full ride at the University of Florida College of Medicine) and down to “I hate what I am doing” and switching majors (currently a Secondary Science Education Major at UFlorida and mostly likely on to a Ed.D).  So if it’s on campus…I've done it, hated it, and changed it.  So call  me MissProfessional. I count it an honor and a privilege to be acquainted with someone such as the GlamNerd…27 years of friendship well worth the journey!  

Let me just start by saying that GRADUATE SCHOOL IS EXPENSIVE and your local university financial aid office SUCKS!  (#jussayin) They have come into cahoots with your Federal Government to subsequently hide money from you so you can suffer and flunk right on out of school. (#realtalk) As a fellow GlamNerd in graduate school I have had my share of financial disasters… 

For those of you that are in graduate school, you know many graduate programs have block registrations programs.  Under block registration your courses are already laid out for you and you will be pre-registered for the particular "block" or sequence of courses you are to take.   As many of you know, the number of credit hours within these blocks will vary from semester to semester.  What you may not know is that your financial aid office will not automatically adjust your federal loan budget to accommodate  the change in your credit hours.  What I mean is…if you are taking 9 credits in the fall and then 12 credits in the spring, they will NOT tell you that you will subsequently receive a SMALLER refund check in the spring!  Your school will take their increased tuition cost and keep it moving.  WE ARE TALKING THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS PEOPLE and JUST FOR ONE CLASS!!!  This may apply to undergraduates as well depending on your institution, where I went for my undergraduate education…they hooked you up!

Long Story short, take your tail down to the welfare ( aka Your financial Aid office) and make sure they not messing with your money. What you have to do is go to your financial aid advisor and petition for a budget readjustment.  They have to give you your money!  Somehow or another the federal government has come up with this bogus amount of money that we should get per semester and that should suffice….lets just say THANK YOU JESUS for scholarships and grants! If it wasn’t for them, most of us graduate students would be HOMELESS!  After all, being smart is one thing but being GLAMOUROUS costs MONEY!   

Till next time….GET YOUR MONEY! 

 MissProfessional