Keep Getting Up

About the Book

Keep Getting Up is the first book of its kind to be written by a black woman career public servant. It’s about her 40-year journey finding her identity and meaning for her life as a youngster and as an adult, and then finding her place on the world stage as an ambitious and talented professional.

In her sheltered environment her parents, her school teachers, and the community in which she grew up in Kansas failed to prepare her for the truth of the Black Experience in America. When she stepped out onto the world stage at age 17 ready to make her mark on the world, she crashed into the wall of racial discrimination that shattered her belief system and rocked her self-confidence. A few years later in seeking employment, she discovered institutional racism that circumscribed what she could do, when and how she could do it.

These new realities were almost life-threatening. A setback for sure, but for only a period long enough for her to educate herself about what life in America was all about for Blacks, and the time it took to develop carefully crafted strategies to overthrow all racial barriers placed in her path. She triumphed over all obstacles to her success along her journey and rose to the top ranks in public service. This book is a must read, particularly for those who are concerned about social justice for all in America.

About the Author

Dr. Ann Stanford’s multiple identities are: internationalist, public servant, academician and diplomat. Her dream at age 12 was to become an internationalist, which she accomplished midway through her public service career. As a diplomat, she served as First Secretary-Consul, American Embassy in Nairobi, Kenya responsible for the management of the embassy; and as Consul General, head of the American Consulate General in Lyon, France. Her other federal government positions have been in three states and the District of Columbia; and she has received numerous honors and awards for her outstanding achievements. Dr. Stanford’s commitment to improving working conditions for people of color, and women, occurred early in her career when she first discovered institutional racism and sexism. This discovery set her on a course of becoming an effective agent for change. She says “I particularly enjoy working with organization leaders who create workplaces in which employees thrive, not just tolerate, and are highly productive.” As a Visiting Fellow with The Woodrow Wilson National Fellowship Foundation, Princeton, New Jersey, Dr. Stanford visited colleges and universities to conduct programs on public policy and international affairs. She also established, and served as its first Executive Director, the Institute of International Public Policy in Fairfax, VA, which is a creation of the US Congress to train students of color for international careers. As an independent consultant/trainer, Dr. Stanford prepares professionals for international service. She holds a doctorate degree in International Relations, and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration.