CATHY'S INSPIRING LIFE STORY

As a child, Cathy had a DESIRE to INSPIRE!

Growing up as a child in Louisville, Kentucky, I always knew from a very young age that I wanted to make a difference in the world.  I had no idea how to go about doing that.  All I knew is that I wanted to make a difference, influence others in a positive way or help make the world a better more productive place of existence.  I never felt special growing up.  I was the youngest of 5 children.  I had one sister and three brothers.  My two oldest brothers were in the military, one of which fought in the Vietnam war.  My other brother was 6’8 and played basketball in college, and my sister was a juvenile diabetic and had special medical needs.  Each sibling had reasons to be special or different.  I, on the other hand, was a simple ordinary child.  I didn’t know how to make a difference or be special.  I just knew I wanted to be.

I performed well in school, straight “A” student, graduated high school at the age of 16, went on to attend Sullivan Business College and Bellarmine University and graduated with a B.S. degree in Computer Science. But still I didn’t feel special - just an ordinary achievement in my opinion. As time went on, my sister’s illness deteriorated into a fatal situation. After marrying and giving birth to a baby girl, her health took a turn for the worst and due to kidney failure, she had to go on dialysis. At that point, her doctor told her she would not live to see her 30th birthday due to her failing health. He was correct because she passed away at 28 years old from a massive cerebral hemorrhage as a result of diabetes and kidney failure complications. At this point in my life, I was newly married and had just began my career at IBM Corporation. I felt I may finally be on my way to realizing my purpose in life. Needless to say, I had no idea what was yet to come. Even with the educational and career accomplishments, in the back of my mind, I still felt that I hadn’t fulfilled the inner burning desire to do something special and make a difference.

“How could I raise a special needs child when I was so young, newly married, and just starting my career?”

Soon after my sister passed away, my sister’s widower came to both me and my parents and asked if either of us wanted to raise my niece because the burden was too much for him. I was shocked that he would want to give away his only child. I was young and wasn’t ready to raise a child. My niece was 6 years old at the time. Also, due to my sister’s failing health during her pregnancy, my niece was born with many facial deformities and health challenges. How could I raise a special needs child when I was so young, newly married, and just starting my career? And how could I expect my parents to take on this challenge when they had successfully raised their own 5 children and were now enjoying their golden years?

I accepted the challenge. And this was the turning point in my life. I finally realized at that very moment what I wanted to do with my life and how I could help others. This was how I would make a difference. As my favorite scripture states, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me". So I raised my niece, and instilled in her a foundation of spirituality, self-confidence, and determination to do whatever she wanted to do in life. I helped her realize that God made us in His image, and we are all His children. He places us in life experiences and situations for reasons unknown to us. Our job is to learn the lesson and become stronger christians. This instilled in her a drive and belief in herself that no one could take from her. Through encouragement, mentoring and nurturing, I guided her through self-esteem issues by explaining that no matter what life throws at you, you must love yourself on the inside first, and then the rest will follow. After undergoing numerous facial surgeries at a young age, I am proud to say that she has excelled in all areas of her life. In high school, she was a governor’s scholar, national honor society member, beta club member, graduated High School with a GPA of 3.9 out of a 4.0 and received a full academic scholarship to the University of Kentucky where she graduated, with honors, receiving a B.A. Degree in Business Management. She is a spiritual, beautiful young lady, she loves her heavenly Father, and she is a successful pharmaceutical sales representative.

By the grace of God, and through this revelation, this is what I was born to do….I want to make a difference in the lives of many young women. Since that turning point in my life, I have mentored thousands of young women who have beaten the odds to achieve outstanding success similar to my niece’s story.

“My goal is to reach as many people as possible to help them achieve their career and life goals.”

I was blessed with a successful career in the Business and Technology Industries for over 20 years. However, God led me to walk away from a lucrative 6-figure income in corporate america to focus on my life's purpose of changing lives!

I am blessed and very passionate about my career as a Certified Career and Life Coach, Author and Motivational Speaker. My goal is to reach as many people as possible to help them achieve their career and life goals. Throughout my career, I have worked with employees internally within corporate America as well as women externally with Big Sisters of America, Black Achievers, Youth Alive Foundation, Girl Scouts of America, and the Positive Impact for Pregnant Teens, and Teenage Parent Program (T.A.P.P.) organizations of the Jefferson County Board of Education.

I have been blessed with the opportunity to host a live Radio Talk Show every Wednesday entitled, "Living By Design". This radio talk show focuses on self, health, and wealth to enhance and advance the lives of women. My co-host, Mr. Tony Lamont is an icon in the broadcasting industry. Mr. Lamont is a radio and TV personality, and has conducted numerous celebrity interviews, including President Bill Clinton, President George W. Bush, Senator Barak Obama, Senator Hilary Clinton, and countless A-list celebrities in the entertainment, sports, and music industries. Join us each Wednesday, 6:00 p.m. est on blogtalk radio for an action packed informative discussion with our weekly guests.

I am anxious to hear from you and work with you. It is my desire that we can, together, change your life to enhance all aspects of your career, relationships, self-worth, and ultimately, your happiness!

Welcome to the Journey – welcome to a WHOLE NEW WORLD, AND A NEW FANTASTIC POINT OF VIEW!

Cathy Holloway Hill

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