Dr. Poole discovered the value of dedication early in life while growing up in a single-parent household in St. Petersburg, Florida. Determined to rise above the limitations of poverty and mediocrity, she committed herself to hard work and perseverance. This drive led her to earn an Associate of Arts degree from St. Petersburg College and enlist in the United States Army. Over the course of her distinguished military career, Dr. Poole received numerous awards and honors. In addition to her military accomplishments, she pursued higher education with equal determination, earning a Bachelor of Arts, a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Human Resource Management, and ultimately, a Doctorate in Executive Leadership.