Today we’d like to introduce you to Naquittia Noah.
Hi Naquittia, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
As a teenager, I worked in the summers, and seasonal at the St. Louis County Board of Elections as a temporary employee. I also worked as a poll worker. I learned early in life the importance of voting. My mother retired as a St. Louis County Board of Elections’ employee. Before I was old enough to vote, I was being taught that there’s so much power in the vote. In my opinion, our vote, is the most impactful, positive action, right and choice American’s have. I learned early that voting is a privilege and not a right.
In 2008 until 2017, I was afforded another opportunity to work for St. Louis County Government at the St. Louis County Courts in the Clerk’s Office. While I worked for the Clerk’s Office, I learned a lot about people and how to provide service in a manner where people weren’t left feeling let down behind by the system. The Clerk’s Office services every population, demographic and class of people. As an Office Services Representative, I would encounter different people with similar concerns, however every individual’s situation was unique in their eyes. I really tried to service the public and staff with empathy and sufficiency.
My son who is my only child was a fourth grader in 2008. I also began working towards my Associate Degree (Business Administration) at St. Louis Community College in 2008. In 2014, I was fortunate to graduate from Florissant Valley Community College and transfer to Harris Stowe State University. I completed by Bachelor Degree in (Urban Affairs) in 2019, at the same time my son had just completed his freshman year in college.
While attending Harris Stowe, I met adjunct Professor Shirley (Emerson) Gates. Mrs. (Emerson) Gates is a patient educator. At that time she understood that I was a single mom, working two jobs and trying to complete a degree.
In 2018, I purchased a home in Ferguson. Due to Urban Affairs being the emphasis of the degree, I felt that is was time for direct civic involvement which lead me to my first Ferguson council meeting. While at a council meeting, I ran into Mrs. (Emerson) Gates. Mrs. (Emerson) Gates introduced me to then Councilwoman Ella Jones. In the summer of 2018, I supported Councilwoman Jones’ back to school book bag and school supply giveaway by getting local barbers from Kinloch and Ferguson to volunteer time by providing free haircuts at the event. Soon after, Councilwoman Jones encouraged me to apply to become a member on the Ferguson Park & Recreation Board. I was approved by the council to serve on the board and in 2019, I also completed my college internship at the Ferguson Community Center.
After graduating in 2019, I continued to volunteer for Councilwoman Jones’ as she ran for Mayor of Ferguson. I was afforded the opportunity to learn my community. The campaign was solely a grass roots effort. I knocked doors, talked to residents and explained why Councilwoman Jones was the best candidate for Mayor of Ferguson. We also registered voters, dropped campaign literature and continued to educate, engage and listen to our community.
In 2021, it was my turn to run for office to represent the residents of Ward 3 Ferguson. Fortunately, the residents have allowed me the opportunity to serve my community twice as I’m currently serving within my second tenure. I continue to represent the residents of Ward 3 by working with the mayor, council and city staff towards the revitalization and progression of the city of Ferguson.
I also utilize social media, and email to inform, share and communicate Ferguson information and news to residents. Engagement and representation also means leading and attending neighborhood meetings, attending council meetings and just recently I mailed out a town talk newsletter to ward 3 residents.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
No, it has not been a smooth road. The road has been packed with holes, bumps, slopes and very high inclines.
My life has been full of adversity. I’ve had some very hard days and I have grown to appreciate adversity which has supported the woman that I am today. Many struggles that I have encountered have not always been from exterior forces.
For example, when I was younger, I was afraid of rejection. I would try to force situations and outcomes. At some point, I believed that rejection meant that I wasn’t good enough. I now accept rejection as protection. Looking back, rejection allowed protection from situations that weren’t aligned with what was best for my life path and purpose.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
At this time, I work with the senior community for a primary care provider. I also serve my community as public servant in the city of Ferguson.
What sets me apart from others is my ability to be relatable to those that I service. I like bringing positive resolutions to people. The people that I represent and serve don’t have unrealistic expectations. The foundation to providing outstanding service is ensuring that people feel heard and not disregarded due to who they are, where they come from and their current position in life. I explain to people, I’m not only in the community but I am the community.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
The most important lesson that I’ve learned along my journey is that self-love is the best love. Working with the senior population has taught me that life is really short and not to waste any more time feeling sorry for myself or to waste time regretting poor past choices. I have learned from the past but when the opportunity arises take the risk. Lastly, time is not only a gift but a valuable commodity and every day is a blessing. The presence is a gift.
Pricing:
- Council liaison for the Ferguson Human Rights Commission
- Council liaison for the Ferguson Special Business District
- Support Ferguson Businesses/Shop Local
- Council liaison for the Ferguson W. Florissant Advisory Board
- Trademark owner for the phrase: barbeque sauce in my veins
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/committeetoelectnaquittianoah
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/naquittia.noah
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/barbequesauceinmyveins
