D.S. Grant will stimulate and motivate an audience. With her life experiences and insight into situations, she will move you to action. She is not afraid to encourage independent thought and private examination of thought processes, motives and actions.
With humour, varied tones and styles which fit in with the audience before her, one cannot fail to be impressed while learning much. She has been described as “A breadth of Fresh Air”; “A powerful speaker”, “Inspirational”. “A woman with a story that’s worth telling”
Early Life & Education
Ms Grant was born in London, England. She was always studious. She was sent to Antigua in the Caribbean to stay with her grandparents for 6 years. This helped to provide an appreciation of back home life and instilled her love for Caribbean Cuisine. She returned to England permanently at age 11.
As a child she dreamed of becoming a nurse – but then changed to a desire to teach when she realised she could not bear to see people in pain.
In London, Dawn went to a North London local comprehensive – the one with the worse reputation. But she still left with 13 O’Levels (equiv GCSEs) at grades A to C, 4 A’Levels and all the typing exams she could possibly take – not even knowing then that computers would dominate the world.
Higher Education beckoned, and she went to Leicester University to study Mathematics, and took a Post Graduate Certificate in Education after the BSc Hons degree was achieved.
Career & Business
Ms Grant has taught in Secondary schools in East London and North London. She taught Mathematics and Information Technology. She later acquired middle management status as Head of IT in a large North London School for 10 years.
Business soon beckoned full-time and Dawn left teaching to become a web designer, author and entrepreneur. There were various business dreams that needed to be fulfilled.
Below follows the range of her Jobs and Experiences over the years.
- Teacher
- Head of Department / ICT Coordinator
- Web Designer
- Restaurant Owner
- Take Away Owner
- Business Consultant
- Author
- TV Executive
- Food Manufacturer of Frozen Ready Meals
- Owner of a Publishing Business
- Founder of a Business Association
- Conference Organiser
- Event Management
- Catering
- Fashion Designer
For 18 months, Dawn supplied Asda Stores (UK) with frozen Meals. She therefore has the inside knowledge on the process to upscale and supply supermarkets.
A number of years ago, Ms Grant co-owned a restaurant/take away establishment. This lasted for 2 years, and proved valuable experience for the later business advice. Ms Grant is able to provide business advice and support from experience and not theory.
She understands business difficulties, and business success, and any issues in between. She is able to communicate effectively, and hold an audience’s attention for the duration of her allotted time.
Ms Grant’s clients have included: Business Link for London, London Development Agency, Mayor of London, One London and Learning and Skills centre, MP’s, Houses of Parliament, Various schools, Chamber of Commerce and more…
Writing & Publishing
The publishing business – Upwards Publishing was formed in 2002, and two educational books were published.
Since 2012, about 20 ebooks / books have been published.
The titles are all available on the Amazon
Tough Times
Ms Grant’s life has not been a bed or roses. Or should we say it has been a bed of roses with plenty of long sharp thorns. She has endured trauma, abuse, homelessness, debt, relationship drama, divorce, times of poverty and hopelessness. For much of her life she lacked strong family support and has got through with strong friendships and her faith. She believes you should not sugar coat a life story as if it has all been alright or glowing – because it hasn’t.
She is here by the grace and favour of God. Some people use drink or drugs to dull the pain. She has never resorted to these. Instead, Ms Grant uses prayer and a busy purposeful life. If she can help somebody today – it is a job well done. If she can encourage and empower somebody or some people – it’s an amazing feeling and keeps her positive and upbeat. Altruism is Powerful.
Ms Grant experienced racism in the workplace – and occasionally experiences it going about her everyday life or on Social Media. But this has not prevented her aspiring and rising beyond expectations. If one door is blocked, she goes to another door, or builds a new door.
TV Management work & Video Production
For one year, Ms Grant worked with a satellite TV station – as an executive and company secretary, involved in administration, scheduling, and programme planning. It was good experience for understanding what happens behind the scenes of a small Television station showing on the Sky digital platform.
Dawn set up the Black Economics TV Channel on Youtube and is now in the process of growing this service. The channel showcases speakers, trailblazers and entrepreneurs from the black community. There are about 100 videos of interviews, speeches and event recordings. Find the channel here…
Digital Real Estate
In addition there are millions of people who have benefited from several comprehensive websites which were founded by her, and various websites created for clients, over the years since 2001. Her Tech business is called Upwards Tech and Marketing Solutions and can be found at www.upwardspublishing.co.uk
Ms Grant has won several awards, including the web award for integrity, best business, and best online business directory.
She owns several all around different themes. She has continued to do public speaking to share the wealth of knowledge that she has acquired. She is an expert at gaining traffic for websites.
Speaking / Training
Ms Grant speaks at business events, in hotels and conference centres; at church events, cultural events, community centres as well as schools and colleges. Presentations are professional, and the content is unique, informative and with as much depth as you require, or as light-hearted as you request. Her speaking style and unique content has been described as “A breadth of Fresh Air”
Personal Life
Ms Grant was married for 18 years to Anthony Grant. They divorced. (But 18 years is a good innings)
They both lived to tell the tale, and are better for the experience. Nothing happens by accident.
She has two daughters – one of whom is an Accountant, and the other a Trainee Lawyer. They both have their side-hustles. The first is selling hair & beauty products, and the other is a fashion model.
Ms Grant’s hobbies are Reading, Jewellery Making and Fabric Design.