Ernestine Ray's Story

My name is Ernestine. I'm a client of the Florida Women's Business Center in Delray Beach, which helped me develop my business road map. I am an international educator with three master’s degrees, who spent 12 years working as an Educational Attaché for the State Department, and as a consultant to the Middle States Accreditation Board. I worked in 33 countries.

Diagnosed early with a learning disability, my childhood was difficult and my self-esteem low. At a very young age, I was introduced to a book about Africa which began my fascination with the world and my place in it. I would dream about going to these amazing lands across the water. Unknowingly, this was the beginning of my journey to become an Educational Attaché with the American Embassy in Africa. Upon several visits to various countries, I was drawn to Ghana's Culture which lead up to my desire to complete my doctoral dissertation. Eventually, I was asked to be the Superintendent of the American School System for the U.S. State Department.

Coming from humble beginnings, I achieved significant wealth while serving with the State Department. However, I returned to Florida to take care of my ailing mother for 3-1/2 years. Alternative medical treatment and professional caretaking expenses left me financially challenged.

I have been blessed to be mentored by the late Dr. Barbara Jackson, Maya Angelou, and President Nelson Mandela. These experiences provided me with a greater appreciation for the importance of mentorship and helping others to walk in their greatness. One of my favorite quotes is an African proverb that states, ‘If we stand tall it is because we stand on the backs of those who came before us.’ The philosophy I live by is, “to extend your hand and lift someone up as I have been lifted.”

 
This loan is special because:

It supports a Black female entrepreneur in expanding their business.

 
More about this loan

Business Description

The varied experiences of visiting 18 African countries, inspired me to share the wealth of information I gained from my journeys. My travels enabled me to explore some of the world's oldest cultures, reflecting history, literature, and the arts.

I came to the realization that the world did not fully comprehend the impact that Africa had and still has on world culture. I began the quest to create a greater awareness of the richness of African heritage. Florida is a melting pot of many incredible cultures and was the impetus to establishing this cultural and educational corporation in 1997.

I began conducting multi-cultural celebrations locally, nationally, and internationally to encourage cultures to share and showcase the uniqueness of their traditions. I witnessed the educational value and sense of unity that heightened cultural awareness brought to entire communities. My vision was to continually bring value by developing meaningful educational programs. My intention is to combat cultural ignorance, empower youth, and enhance cultural awareness.

This commitment to serving as an educational and cultural ambassador led me to be elected as the Vice-Chair of the Florida Folklife Council and also Governor Jed B. appointed me as a Commissioner on the Florida Historical Commission. Africa has an amazing oral history but much of it has not been documented. My goal has been to record this incredible history and culture so that it will not be forgotten. This organization is committed to continuing: its international exchanges such as the Youth Ambassadors Project, documenting oral histories of indigenous people, collaborating with individuals like Danny Glover a recent awardee of the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award, and working with organizations like the Fort Lauderdale's Performing Arts Center.

Ancestral Rays Inc. seeks to implement quality programs that improve cultural relations through education and the preservation of African history.

What is the purpose of this loan?

Funding will enable the Director of Education & Cultural Arts to leverage Ancestral Rays’ local, national, and international partnerships to create diversified cultural programming (i.e., exhibitions, lectures, workshops) and educational materials. The Administrative Assistant will oversee the organization’s ongoing operations, consultants will assist in assessing the value of the organization’s inventory, and the Marketing/Social Media Manager and Website Developer will help build the brand of the organization.

 
About Ancestral Rays Incorporated

Industry: Education
Years in operation: More than 5 years