Dana Fergins, Speaker/Author/Facilitator

10/13/2025

As Director of the Thelma DeWitty Honors Program, I design and lead high-impact learning experiences that cultivate leaders, scholars, and changemakers. My work integrates academic excellence, leadership development, and community engagement—empowering students to not only persist and graduate, but to thrive as global citizens and vision-driven leaders.

Outside of academia, I am a best-selling author, sought-after facilitator, and dynamic speaker specializing in leadership development, resilience training, and personal growth. Through my workshops, keynote sessions, and coaching experiences, I equip emerging and established leaders with tools to strengthen mindset, expand influence, and lead with purpose. My programs blend research-based strategies with practical, real-world application—helping individuals and organizations unlock their potential and create lasting impact.

I bring both strategic vision and hands-on leadership to every initiative I lead. Whether in the classroom, at the podium, or in the community, my goal remains the same: to develop confident, compassionate leaders who serve with distinction and inspire change.

Driven by purpose and guided by resilience, I am committed to building legacy—one leader, one scholar, and one moment of impact at a time.

💜 Dreamers & Doers | Building Legacy. Inspiring Global Impact.

07/13/2025

Dana Michelle Fergins is a no-nonsense, spiritually-grounded, brilliance-driven woman who refuses to let pain go to waste. Her journey is one of turning adversity into assignment, using every challenge as fuel for purpose and power. A truth-teller, quiet warrior, and champion for others, Dana leads not for applause—but for transformation, restoration, and legacy.

In higher education, she serves as Director of the Thelma Dewitty Honors Program at Wiley University, where she equips the next generation of change-makers through academic excellence and bold mentorship. Her book, 7 Rules of Resilience, offers raw yet empowering guidance for those ready to rise after hardship. Her recent academic research on remote work and workforce transformation was featured at an international conference in Cairo, Egypt, further extending her impact to a global stage.

Rooted in community, Dana serves with unwavering commitment through organizations like Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Junior League, Rotary Club, and the Lupus Foundation of America, Lone Star Chapter. Whether mentoring students, advocating for systemic equity, or serving her local and global community, Dana Michelle Fergins embodies what it means to turn purpose into power—and to leave a legacy that uplifts others long after the work is done. www.danafergins.com

05/31/2025

Invest in yourself. 7 Rules of Resilience offers real strategies to help you heal, grow, and thrive—because the best project you’ll ever work on is YOU. www.danafergins.com

05/11/2025

Excited to share my latest article for the Shreveport Sun: Education Options & Leadership in Cedar Grove: It’s a Notable Discussion.
As Cedar Grove—like many urban minority communities—navigates educational challenges, strong leadership and innovative options are more necessary than ever.
Grateful for the opportunity to contribute to this critical conversation.
By Dana M. Fergins, M.A., M.Ed. The Shreveport Sun

04/19/2025

I am honored to serve as both a service advocate and an education advocate, committed to uplifting and empowering communities—especially our children. With a passion for equity, leadership, and transformative education, I believe it’s time to amplify my voice further by contributing this current year as a guest columnist again for newspapers and media outlets. My goal is to expand the conversation around advocacy for children, highlight pressing issues, and inspire actionable change through informed storytelling and thought leadership.

04/13/2025

Join me this Monday (tomorrow) from 6–7 PM CST for a special Kindle eBook Sale of my book, 7 Rules of Resilience – available here: https://a.co/d/7YsHy2t
Let’s build resilience together—one rule at a time!

In "7 Rules of Resilience," author Dana Fergins shares a powerful personal journey of overcoming hardships and discovering the essential principles that helped her become more resilient. From a dysfunctional upbringing to professional setbacks and personal betrayals, the author faced numerous cha...

04/13/2025

Join me this Monday from 6–7 PM for a special Kindle eBook Sale of 7 Rules of Resilience – available here: https://a.co/d/7YsHy2t
Let’s build resilience together—one rule at a time!

04/06/2025

March 25, 2007 — I was honored to be recognized as the LSU Shreveport Outstanding Clinician in Secondary Education. Just a month later, I received the state-level award.

As a Clinician (Supervisor of Student Teachers), I had the privilege of helping shape future educators.

Today, I’m proud to continue that journey as a University Field Supervisor — working alongside the incredible education faculty at Wiley University. Grateful for the opportunity to support and inspire the next generation of teachers!

March 25, 2007 recognized and awarded the LSUS Outstanding Clinician in Secondary Education. A month later, I was awarded at the state level. A Clinician is a Supervisor of Student Teachers.

03/25/2025

Reading opens minds, transforms lives, and connects us through the power of story. With 7 Rules of Resilience, I’ve witnessed firsthand the impact my book can have—seeing it in the hands of readers and signing countless copies has been an experience beyond words. Every story matters, and every reader brings a new meaning to the journey.

Join my community of readers for 7 Rules of Resilience. Your support turns pages into purpose, and together, we’re proving that resilience is more than a word—it’s a way of life. Thank you for making this journey unforgettable.

03/05/2025

Thank you all for the calls and texts sharing how much you love The 7 Rules of Resilience! Your testimonials mean the world to me. This book was written to make a real impact, and hearing your feedback confirms it's doing just that. If you haven’t yet, scan the QR code to join the community and be part of the movement. I truly appreciate everyone who has already booked me for speaking engagements—your support is invaluable. Every event is an opportunity to inspire and empower others. Let’s keep spreading the message of resilience together!

02/05/2025

Life is composed of ups and downs. However, at those precise moments, people get an opportunity to transform by developing resilience and realizing the authority of authenticity. This book is a guide and companion on that journey.
https://a.co/d/4ScsS8n www.danafergins.com

Are you ready to flip your world with a positive mindset, elevated with resilience, and shine with unwavering confidence? Dana Fergins’ “7 Rules of Resilience” will show you how to harness your inner strength, overcome obstacles, and step into the life you were always meant to live.

01/01/2025

2024: The Year Resilience Bloomed into Intentional Impact

When you commit to growth, the universe conspires to create opportunities beyond your imagination. This year proved that dreams aren't just wishes - they're crafted through relentless dedication, strategic intention, and unwavering resilience.

From university lecture halls to nonprofit boardrooms, 2024 became a masterclass in transformative leadership:

• Realized my lifelong dream of becoming a full-time university education and history lecturer, immediately engaging in TEDx committee work, convocation speaking, and grant writing team
• Completion of “7 Rules of Resilience" Book - transforming personal challenges into a roadmap for others
• Joined the Lupus Foundation of America, Lone Star Chapter's Board of Directors, expanding advocacy beyond education
• Completed my term as Chairwoman of the Junior League's Adaptive Leadership Training Committee, developing future women leaders
• Participated in a 6 Huffines Dealership Broadcast Commercials and 4 Radio Broadcasts for the DFW Metroplex
• Provided voiceover for Wiley University's impactful campaign, amplifying HBCU excellence
• Women's Auxiliary to Children's Medical Center Plano's 2025 Legacy of Love Speaker Luncheon & Fundraiser Committee Member
• 2X Guest Speaker/Facilitator for the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc. Dallas Chapter
• Guest Speaker/Facilitator for the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc. Fort Worth Metropolitan Chapter 2024 Leadership Retreat
• Superintendent selected “Relationships Award” Winner for Building Relationships
• Superintendent selected participant for Region 10 ESC Assistant Principal Leadership Academy, received training from nationally recognized consultants and superintendents in the field of education and leadership
• Subject matter expert for local news station broadcast
• Speaker for City of Plano Multicultural Outreach Roundtable-MCOR Friendship Circle
• Guest Speaker for the Anouk Radio Show
• Highlighted by Collin County Area Women in Business
• Guest Speaker for MacArthur Accommodations Podcast
• Guest Speaker for Today's Professionals Podcast with Business Etiquette Expert, Julie Jones
• Guest Speaker for Junior League of Collin County and Collin County Council on Family Violence
• Guest Speaker Through the Eyes of Trauma Podcast
• Guest Speaker Junior League of Collin County V.I.T.A.L. leadership training committee on Purposeful Gatherings with Meaningful Conversations and the Do’s and Don’ts of Purposeful Gatherings

2025 isn't just another year - it's an invitation to continue expanding impact. My focus remains crystal clear: advance equitable education, cultivate leadership potential, and demonstrate that true resilience is about continuous, intentional growth.

To every educator, leader, thought leader, and change-maker: Your gifts are waiting to be unleashed. Keep blooming, keep growing, keep leading.