Hidden Gems: Meet Dr. Teneka Steed of Willene Agency

Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Teneka Steed.

Hi Dr. Steed, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story. 
Absolutely, I’d be thrilled to share my journey with you! 

I’m Dr. Teneka Steed, and I’m beyond excited to walk you through the incredible journey that has brought me to where I am today as the CEO and Principal Research Consultant at the illustrious Willene Agency. 

It all started at North Carolina Central University (NCCU), where my passion for the social sciences took root. I poured my heart into my studies and proudly earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Master of Arts in Sociology, both with honors. But my hunger for knowledge and my love for diving into the world of quantitative research pushed me further. 

Fast forward to the University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG), where my education journey reached new heights. There, I earned not only a Master of Science but also a Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Research Methodology with a focus in psychometrics (testing and assessment), statistics, and evaluation. The educational field became my playground, and I was ready to make my mark. 

Those academic years were truly memorable. I was welcomed into the International Honor Society in Psychology (Psi Chi) and the International Sociology Honor Society (Alpha Kappa Delta), which were like badges of honor for my dedication. And let’s not forget the Graduate Student Research Assistant Award that brightened up my days in 2007 at NCCU – that was a major highlight! 

From NASA to the Ohio Aerospace Institute (OAI) and the Department of Education, I was fortunate to secure competitive positions that fueled my growth. The learning experiences from powerhouses like College Board, Duke University, and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill were mind-blowing. I soaked up every bit of knowledge and mentorship that came my way. 

Oh, and the thrill of sharing my research with the world! I had the privilege of publishing numerous manuscripts in prestigious peer-reviewed journals and gracing conferences across the nation with my presentations. Teaching college-level courses also became one of my passions – there’s something truly magical about nurturing the minds of eager learners. 

But it doesn’t stop there. I am a firm believer in giving back, and in 2015, I founded The Steed Foundation. This nonprofit is my heart’s work, offering scholarships and developmental opportunities to empower young women to become leaders in their communities and globally. The feeling of making a real impact is truly priceless. 

Now, as the CEO and Principal Research Consultant at Willene Agency, I get to bring my expertise to the table every day. It’s a true honor to provide corporate and non-profit executives with the tools they need to refine their impact measurement systems, bolster their teams, and deliver exceptional results to their key stakeholders. My journey has been shaped by a burning passion for research, education, and community empowerment. 

And when I’m not shaping the future, you can find me being a mom, exploring different cultures, traveling the world, and even picking up new languages in my downtime. My journey has been a rollercoaster of excitement, growth, and impact, and I can’t wait to see where the road ahead leads me next! 

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
No, it hasn’t been a smooth road, but every challenge has been incredibly rewarding, thanks to my hard work, dedication, and unwavering faith. My journey has been a testament to resilience and the power of perseverance. 

After completing my undergraduate studies at NCCU, I set my sights on joining the only Psychometrics graduate program in the state. However, when I applied, I faced a major setback – a rejection letter. I was devastated despite receiving admission offers from other universities across the country. It was a tough blow, but it ignited a fire in me to prove that setbacks wouldn’t define my path. 

Refusing to give up, I decided to re-enroll at my alma mater, this time pursuing a master’s degree in Sociology. I graduated with an impressive 3.9 GPA, and in the meantime, I dedicated myself to preparing for the GRE (Graduate Record Examination). With renewed determination, I reapplied to the same graduate program that initially rejected me. This time, my hard work paid off, and I secured a spot with my entire degree funded. 

However, the challenges didn’t end there. In 2015, after an impactful stint at NASA, I unexpectedly faced a layoff. Although I swiftly received a job offer from IBM just a month later, fate had other plans as that role was taken away due to internal acquisitions at the time. This series of events hit me hard, leading me into a period of stress and even depression. 

But I firmly believe that every setback is a setup for a comeback. It took me a few years to regroup and find my footing again. I persevered, and eventually, a consulting opportunity came my way. This proved to be the turning point that launched my own research business, Willene Agency. 

Looking back, these challenges weren’t just roadblocks; they were steppingstones that shaped my journey and defined my character. They taught me the value of adaptability, resilience, and the importance of staying committed to my dreams. Today, as I reflect on the path I’ve traveled, I’m grateful for every twist and turn that led me to where I am now – a testimony to the fact that hardships can be transformed into triumphs with the right mindset and unyielding determination. 

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next, you can tell us a bit more about your business.
At Willene Agency, we specialize in partnering with Corporate and Non-Profit Executives to streamline their operations and empower their teams for exceptional performance in delivering impact measurement services. Our mission is to propel organizations forward by optimizing resources, enhancing team dynamics, and achieving remarkable outcomes. 

What sets us apart is our resolute dedication to helping executives overcome capacity challenges while achieving exceptional results. We take pride in delivering data-driven insights that drive impactful decision-making. Our expertise includes offering tailored solutions such as comprehensive needs assessments, customized research strategies, data collection, statistical analysis, and streamlined workflow recommendations. 

Our commitment is to be more than a research and evaluation company. We are devoted partners in driving corporate and non-profit success. By optimizing resources, fostering team cohesion, and achieving exponential growth, we empower organizations to exceed their impact measurement goals. 

You can discover how our innovative approach to research and impact measurement, combined with our commitment to excellence, can transform your organization. You can learn more about our comprehensive offerings and take the first step towards enhancing your impact measurement initiatives by visiting our website (www.willeneagency.com) or sending us a message ([email protected]) to explore how we can help you thrive in today’s dynamic landscape. 

What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I was a bundle of curiosity and passion for understanding the world around me. I remember being deeply intrigued by human behavior, constantly asking why people did what they did – which is what initially drew me to the field of Psychology. I had this innate drive to unravel the mysteries of the human mind and the motives behind our actions. 

Beyond my fascination with psychology, I held a strong connection to the environment. I was genuinely concerned about the well-being of Mother Earth and how she was treated. This concern for our planet’s health ignited a sense of responsibility to make a positive impact in whatever way I could. 

A defining aspect of my personality was my desire to support others in overcoming challenges and reaching their fullest potential. It was as if I instinctively knew that I had a purpose to be a guiding light for others on their journeys. I was also incredibly observant, always watching the adults around me and learning from their actions. This observational streak, while often landing me in trouble, sparked a belief that I could achieve anything I set my mind to. 

Education was my realm of joy. I reveled in school, cherishing every opportunity to learn and explore new subjects. Reading became a cherished pastime, offering me windows into diverse worlds and perspectives. Aspirations to excel were deeply ingrained in me; I was driven to be the best version of myself, regardless of the endeavor. 

Early on, my interests leaned toward creative pursuits such as writing, painting, modeling, music, and acting. These outlets allowed me to express my thoughts and emotions in unique ways. As I matured, my interests expanded to include English and math – the former giving me a platform for effective communication and the latter a toolkit for logical reasoning. 

Looking back, I can see how these formative years laid the groundwork for my journey into research, education, and community empowerment. My innate curiosity, passion for understanding, and commitment to helping others have been constant guiding lights throughout my life. And although my path has taken me down various avenues, the essence of who I am and what I stand for remains deeply rooted in those early years of exploration and discovery. 

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.willeneagency.com
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tenekasteed/
• Other: https://oncehub.com/drteneka

Image Credits
B. Carter Solutions