Dr. Chantrise Sims Holliman
Dr. Chantrise Sims Holliman is an award-winning former educator with nearly 20 years of experience working collaboratively with students, teachers, and parents, as well as a sought-after speaker in the areas of resilience, creativity, and flexible thinking. Three months after her 45th birthday, Dr. Chantrise survived a widow maker heart attack, which left her partially paralyzed and a bilateral lower limb amputee. This event marked a shift in how she saw her life’s plan and purpose. Today, she’s on a mission to empower Gen X Women to thrive again after facing life’s setbacks as she also raises her voice on the challenges and triumphs disabled individuals, including herself, encounter daily. Dr. Chantrise reminds us that disability isn’t a negative word, and disabled people are just that—people. It’s high time we unite to ensure that “justice for all” truly means justice for ALL.
Raised in West Newton, MA, Chantrise has seen much success in her adult life as a two-time honoree for Who’s Who in Black Atlanta and multiple features in local publications like SF Lifestyle and Voyage ATL. Her quirky sense of humor, coupled with her authenticity, boldness, and passion for the success of others makes her a highly sought-after speaker for people of all backgrounds, on multiple platforms. In addition to being a speaker as a part of Innovation Women, Dr. Chantrise is a TEDx Speaker, and was named Influencer of the Year by the Kingdom Image Awards in 2020 as well as a 2022 Strength of a Woman “Unsung Shero” Award honoree,.
Writer. Speaker. Educator. Heart Attack Survivor. Bilateral Amputee. Wife. Mother. Sister. Friend. Child of God.
Holding a Doctorate in Education from The University of West Georgia, a Master’s in Education from Georgia State University, and a Bachelor of Arts in English from Bentley University, Dr. Chantrise is currently in the final semester of her Master of Divinity degree at Columbia Theological Seminary (Completion May 2024). So, it is no surprise that Dr. Chantrise has authored numerous books and other educational products. In addition to TeachStayLove: A Reflective Journal to Help You Stay in the Profession You Love and Shoes Without Feet: A Journey of Strength, Hope, Obstacles, Encouragement, and Success, Noah Had an Ark. You Need a R.A.F.T.: Resilience and Flexible Thinking she is also the creator and author of a journal series titled Living A Resurrected Life a set of 31 day journals focused on one of twelve principals that women need to regain the life that they’ve lost or begin living the life they were supposed to be living in the first place.
First Lady C, or Dr. First Lady as she is affectionately called, isn’t just passionate about teaching; It’s her spiritual gift. Her love for teaching hasn’t fizzled out since her days as a public school teacher, and her enthusiasm burns brighter than ever as she uses her gift to support the Body of Christ. She’s all about that Proverbs 22:6 life – “Train up a child in the way he should go: And when he is old, he will not depart from it.” And let’s not forget Proverbs 9:9 – “Instruct the wise, and they will be even wiser. Teach the righteous, and they will learn even more.” Her goal is to make sure everyone who experiences her teaching walks away with practical knowledge they can immediately use. And if she does it correctly, they have fun too.
Dr. Chantrise is the proud wife of Rev. Dr. CJ Holliman, Pastor of St. Philip AME Church in Savannah, GA, the proud mom and bonus mom of five, the YaYa of two, and the Doggie Grandma of three. She is also a member of the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) and the Savannah Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated.