Often times while growing up, our path is laid before us by people in our life and we don’t realize it in those moments. This may very well have been the case with this month’s featured member, Felicia Houston. This 10+ year member has served in many capacities in PWN including mentor committee, membership committee, and president.  In addition to her official credentials of BA, MA, LCPC, and CWA, she is an active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority (Joliet Area/South Suburban Chapter). Professionally she is titled licensed mental health consultant, speaker, and facilitator and is currently with Advocate Aurora Health as a patient advocate. I should also mention during the pandemic she published a beautiful adult color book entitled, Stress Less. Live More. (If you don’t have one, I recommend getting it!)

Family has always been an important part of her life. “My Mother and my grandmother were huge influences on me. As a matter of fact, my grandmother constantly “voluntold me I was going to do something”, she laughed, “Looking back it really did prepare me for adulthood”. Felicia was the oldest of 5 children so perhaps they felt as though they were setting the bar with her? She was the first in her family to attend and graduate from college as well. After graduating from Lake Forest Academy, Houston enrolled with a double major in International Business and Spanish at Bradley University. Looking at her degrees and professional life now, I had to ask why the change? She simply stated, “After those first few classes it set my eyelashes on fire and I quickly changed my major to psychology.” 

After graduating with her BA in Psychology she worked in the field for 1 semester and realized she needed more so she returned to school to work on her master’s degree. She worked a full-time job, a part time job, and did school full time. She graduated with her MA in Human Development and Family Studies – is it any wonder this girl can multi-task so well today? I inquired if that was when she joined the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority? “No, I joined the alumnae association after being out of school for a while. It’s a wonderful way to stay involved, do great things in the community and to mentor the younger girls”, stated Houston. In addition to her work in the mental health field, the sorority life is a big part of her heart and who she is today.

When asked where her “fire” comes from the response was quick, “Satisfaction from doing what I do and knowing I’m impacting lives. When I can help someone change something in themselves to be more and to do more than before, to better their life then it just doesn’t get better for me.”  And what gets her up in the morning? “Running”, was Houston’s reply. “I joined Black Girls Run about 8 years ago, after being motivated to better health. I watched my grandfather struggle, and I knew I wanted better health and to do that I needed to make some lifestyle changes, so I started running.” Running wasn’t completely new to her. During Felicia’s High School years she ran track and was also in cheer and poms. “I love my community of runners”, she stated,” We say it’s a ‘Party on the Pavement’ every time we get out there. We challenge each other to higher things. I have a goal of running in all 50 states!” So far she’s made it to 12 but this writer has no doubt that all 50 will see her feet!

When asked what is the most rewarding part of her career she stated, “It crosses all industries. I mean it’s not limited to just health care or education, but I can impact lives everywhere. I love being able to give people resources to be better and to do better for themselves.” On the flip side of that, what is the worst part? “I see people who need help and I can give them the knowledge and the resources, but they just don’t want to put in the work and I see them deteriorate and I can’t do anything. I can show them how to change, but I can’t make them change and that’s sad for me,” she replied.

Being a busy woman, a leader in her field, and an entrepreneur herself, when asked what advice she would give to other women in business, she was a veritable wealth of great knowledge. “All money is not good money,” says Houston, “Be mindful of the decision you make and who you do business with. Set boundaries in your business life and always remember that NO is a complete sentence!  She added, “make self-care a priority. It isn’t something extra you should do – it’s a necessity! I watched my parents keep balance in their lives. I watched my grandmother keep balance in her life, keep that balance for yourself.”

When prompted to say how she’d like to be known and remembered, she responded in a very heart-felt way, “That I transformed lives as I lead by example. I lived my life to the fullest and I inspired others to do the same. None of us know how long we’re here so don’t waste it.” We see a strong, powerful, successful woman, so what is something no one knows about Felicia Houston? “I am terrified of public speaking! My stomach flips, I sweat, I doubt myself every single time I get up in front of a group. But I go back to what my grandmother told me when I was a little girl, “Do it scared, but do it!”

When asked what words of wisdom she had specifically for PWN members she didn’t hesitate to respond, “You get out what you put in!” It’s not a magical experience. You need to support the fellow members through buying their products, using their services, and helping to promote them and their events. Show up and be present. Work on building relationships with these incredible women and always, always think about what you can GIVE!”

Over the years Felicia has been honored with many awards and commendations but most recently she has been named to the list of 2023 Chicago Defender Women of Excellence. She is married to her wonderful husband, Chris, and they have 2 children, a 16-year-old son and a 13-year-old daughter (known affectionately as Mini-me). If you’d like to invite her to speak at your organization, get a copy of her coloring book, or simply connect with Felcia you can reach out through her website https://www.feliciamariehouston.com or through Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/felicia.houston.779