The P-A-I-D Educator audiobook launched last week! It's both an honor and a pleasure to introduce the narrator, Mrs. Sharon Whittaker Braxton! After reviewing nearly 40 auditions, it was divinely clear which voice and tone best expressed my personality and humor.
Versatility and passion are two characteristics that best describe her. With a multi-faceted background in law, media journalism, and the arts, Sharon Braxton has a unique style that is captivating and appealing. I recently had the opportunity to interview Sharon on The P-A-I-D Educator Podcast. Listen and learn about the blessings and validations that emerged from this publication!
The native Louisianan grew up in the small, southern community of Grambling and completed her high school education at Alma J. Brown Laboratory School earning the honor of Salutatorian. She later graduated summa cum laude and first in her class from Grambling State University in Grambling, Louisiana with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science. During her tenure at the university, she received numerous academic awards. Sharon also earned the honor and privilege of serving as Miss Grambling State University. As queen, she traveled as an ambassador and spokesperson for the university, and she was featured in Ebony Magazine. After graduating from college, she entered Thurgood Marshall School of Law in Houston, Texas, where she competed on the Moot Court Team, served on Law Review, and published the lead Comment in the school’s Law Review journal. After graduating with honors from law school, Sharon was licensed by the State Bar of Texas and began her legal career as an attorney for Senator Kent Caperton of the Texas Legislature followed by a clerkship for Justice Oscar Mauzy of the Texas Supreme Court both in Austin, Texas. Later, she had a successful career as a business litigation attorney for a large, prominent Dallas law firm.
Sharon easily transitioned from law to journalism. She became an award-winning journalist with KRLD News Radio in Dallas, TX. As a Special Projects Reporter, Sharon developed, wrote, produced, and voiced features covering the fields of entertainment, lifestyles, health, politics, religion and education. She received Second Place honors at the Griot Awards sponsored by the Dallas-Fort Worth Association of Black Communicators for her three-part series entitled, “The Sonya Newell Story”, which depicted the life and struggles of a thirty-two year old single mom who was in desperate need of a kidney transplant. She was also a Katie Awards Finalist for her ground-breaking forty-five minute documentary she wrote, produced, and anchored entitled, “The Lady Is A Cop”, which depicted the personal and professional challenges faced by female police officers.
Sharon utilized her experiences in law and journalism as co-host of the syndicated radio talk show “I Write the Songs”…an on-the-air seminar designed to help people acquire and polish effective songwriting skills. Sharon, along with host and songwriter, Mary Dawson, wrote, produced, and anchored the weekly program which featured instructional segments on the creative and business aspects of songwriting and the music industry. This captivating and unique program showcased interviews with famous songwriters like Richard Carpenter, Paul Williams, Michael McDonald, and Willie Nelson, as well as undiscovered talent deserving wider recognition.
Sharon has also worked as an actress, dancer/choreographer, drama director, and public relations director, and she has musical training in clarinet. She had the privilege of choreographing the musicals “The Wiz” and “Dreamgirls” as well as a Motown Revue for high school students at American Heritage Academy in Carrollton, TX. Sharon has appeared in commercial print ads for clients such as Verizon Wireless and Tostitos, and she has worked as a voice-over talent for various corporate projects and the State of Texas. Sharon co-hosted the “proof of concept” for an inspirational television show called “Spirit-N-Style” for KMBX (Channel 29) in Dallas, TX. In association with Legacy Film Development Inc., she also served as co-host, writer, and associate producer of the one-hour, weekly podcast “Makeup Lessons for Life.” The faith-based program consisted of over 52 episodes featuring guests from all walks of life who shared their amazing, uplifting stories of resilience and triumph in the face of adversity. Each interview explored a holistic approach to redemption, including the body, mind, soul and spirit with the goal of inspiring the listener to believe that they too could overcome obstacles and thrive in life. In addition to pursuing various media projects, Sharon is currently working as an audiobook narrator.
The mother of two is married to international recording artist and jazz saxophonist, Tom Braxton, and enjoys touring with him, attending concerts, and assisting him with management, legal advice, and in the studio. Sharon, Thomas and their two adult sons reside in the Dallas area.
Learn more about Sharon on ACX and the Makeup Lessons For Life podcast.
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