Meet Ayesha Cotton | Attorney, Consultant, and Realtor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ayesha Cotton and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ayesha, is there a quote or affirmation that’s meaningful to you?
My favorite quote is by Michelle Obama. It states, “When you’ve worked hard, and done well, and walked through that doorway of opportunity, you do not slam it shut behind you, you reach back and you give other folks the same chances that helped you succeed.”

I use this quote as a call to action. As a first generation college graduate and attorney my journey was filled with individuals who reached back to help me walk through doorways and navigate unfamiliar territories . I want to ensure that as I grow I continue my journey with that heart of service to others, and make sure I reach back.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am a multifaceted professional. My primary career is an attorney. I serve as the Managing Attorney of the I Promise Project where I am embedded in the I Promise School. There I provide legal services for families within the I Promise School and the greater LeBron James Family Foundation’s I Promise Network. In addition, I have my own consulting firm Astute Catalyst Consulting. In my consulting role I assist a range of clients from individuals to organizations in a varied of areas from strategic planning to professional development. I am also a licensed real estate agent. Where I am able to assist clients with buying, selling or investing in real estate. While each endeavor is different they are all rooted in the common goal of helping others and providing information that may not be easily accessible or commonly understood.

I have my Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Howard University, a Master of Education from Harvard Graduate School of Education, and my Juris Doctorate from The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law.

The road was far from easy but with the support of my family and friends and passion to help my community I was able to persevere and keep going. As an African American woman from inner city Columbus, Ohio I encountered many barriers systemic and personal. I experienced first hand the intricacies of systems that were not designed for my success and the personal imposter syndrome questioning if I belonged. What kept me going was that I decided the reward of helping others and making a difference was greater than the challenges I was facing. If I gave up then I proved them right that I did not belong but I knew the field I was in needed more people like me that had a heart and passion to service others with compassion.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
House Three Thirty is definitely one of the places I would recommend someone to visit. With a Starbucks, Sweet Shop, Secret Pizza, and one of a kind LeBron James Museum, and a cozy vibe its a go to spot.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My family and friends always rally behind me and provide me with the a support system that truly keeps me going. I am so grateful for my village and love them so much.

Website: https://ayeshacotton.howardhanna.com/

Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/ayesha-cotton-68261ab6