We recently had the chance to connect with Unique Watkins and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Unique, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: Would YOU hire you? Why or why not?
Of course! I treat everyone’s organization, program, or business as if it were my own. My name is my signature, and I take immense pride in the quality and dedication it represents. I am deliberate about where I invest my energy, and once committed, I give nothing less than my all to the mission. I’m no stranger to hard work nor am I reluctant to taking the initiate to achieve a common goal.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Unique Watkins, a diligent servant and visionary educational leader with a strong commitment to the promotion of academic excellence and equity for all students.
Founded in 2020, YOUUNIQUE was born from a simple yet powerful belief: every young person, regardless of their circumstances, deserves the tools to thrive. In Miami’s disadvantaged communities, access to quality education, valuable resources, and constructive outlets can be a significant challenge. This often impacts academic performance, behavior, and social development. We believe that all children deserve an equal opportunity to learn, grow, and forge their own successful paths. The three pillars of the brand are youth advocacy, empowerment, and education.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
The start of my career as an educator was a pivotal time that reshaped my view of the world. During my undergrad journey, I interned at an elementary school under the guidance of a remarkable kindergarten teacher whose students were working academically above grade level. She equipped me with a robust understanding of classroom management, lesson development, and direct instruction, and I stepped out with the confidence to conquer my own classroom. However, moving back home to teach first grade at a public, Title I school forced me to confront the stark contrast between my idealized training and the reality of teaching in my community.
While interning, parent involvement was not just encouraged; it was a given, thanks to parents with flexible work schedules and the resources to be active participants. At my new school, however, my students’ parents were caught in a constant struggle for survival, so they weren’t present which led to a disconnect between the home and school.
Unlike their peers in that kindergarten class, my students weren’t afforded access to high-quality preschool and early childhood education or resources outside of the school such as private tutors and academic summer programs.
The sobering fact was that my students did not have a fair chance. They were facing hardships at home and hardships in school. They had to go up against unstable housing, community violence, and inadequate healthcare. On top of all of that, they were trying to learn in classrooms with large class sizes, outdated curriculum, and a desperate lack of essential support staff. I realized then I was witnessing the achievement gap in real time—the systemic disparities that create a lifelong uphill climb.
Is there something you miss that no one else knows about?
I miss reading for pleasure. One day, it just hits you how the demands of life can really take you away from the simple things that bring you joy. I’ve been an avid reader my entire life, enjoying the works of Sister Souljah, Colleen Hoover, and Bryan Stevenson just to name a few. One of my personal goals is to carve out time to finish the books I have at home by next summer so I can purchase new books that have been on my Amazon Wishlist for a long time.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
I am committed to empowering individuals and families to transcend generational poverty. It is estimated that about one third of children who grow up poor in this country will also experience poverty as adults. In Miami-Dade County, it is no secret that our families have fewer economic opportunities such as less access to high-quality education, income inequality, limited employment opportunities, and subjection to living in neighborhoods that are not suitable for development. Children rely on their families to provide guidance yet that is not an easy task for families who are trying to keep their head above water. Now that the cost of living is increasing drastically and the world is moving in a new direction, our children and families need the support and aid, now more than ever, to achieve upward economic mobility despite their current circumstances.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. When do you feel most at peace?
I honestly feel at peace all the time. Life isn’t perfect but I am blessed. I wake up every day and have another chance to work towards my dreams. God has placed wonderful people in my life, led me to the right places, and always delivers me from situations that were meant to hurt me.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: _youunique
- Facebook: YOUUNIQUE LLC
