Creating an inclusive world, one t-shirt at a time!
Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) have become common parlance in recent times, moreso after being adopted by corporate America. However, the fight for inclusion and equality is centuries old. A lone soldier on this path is US-based Dr. Andrea M. Peters, who has dedicated her life to supporting others through service.
A bonafide military ‘brat’, Andrea’s father served the United States Army as an Infantryman with valor and courage, while her mother was a federal worker who was selfless, smart, and hugely talented in the vocal arts. Andrea herself attended the United States Military Academy for undergrad and earned two more degrees prior to her doctorate from the University of Miami.
Throughout her journey, she was deeply affected by the colorism and hate she saw around her and her daughter experienced first-hand… When this hate began to deeply affect her daughter, Dr. Peters knew it was time to act. She established Xpresso Unicorn, LLC, an official clothing brand, movement, and prospective taking shape in the United States. This organization has a bright future that continues to build community through knowledge sharing.
“My daughter is my inspiration and my mother’s memory gives me strength. Both beautiful women were mistreated as girls and I vow to help make America a better place so that only one of them must live with mistreatment as a woman. My goal is to make Xpresso Unicorn a household name through our clothing line, philanthropy, and podcast titled Humanity Over Hues.”
The concept of Xpresso Unicorn or in layman’s terms, Express Your Uniqueness, came out of struggle and frustration but remains relevant and active because of love; love of people and our ability to choose. As long as there is choice, there is hope. Andrea seeks to change the world one t-shirt and perspective at a time not because we must do it, but because we believe in the better nature of humanity.
During the same period, Andrea also created Culturally and Racially Intelligent Literacy (CRIL). It was originally designed for a body of university instructors to help immerse them into the complexity of culture and true American History after the murder of George Floyd in 2020. Now it sits as a repository for anyone who wants to learn more about America’s warts, but especially to understand the struggle of others. The site has an intersection of ethnicities and industries and seeks to encourage empathetic curiosity that drives people to learn more to ultimately alter their uninformed perspectives and behaviors.
A beacon of multitasking women worldwide, what comes as a surprise to many is that Andrea continues to serve in the military as a Battalion Commander in the 2-315th Brigade Engineer Battalion. Her distinguished career has seen her posted in Baghdad (Iraq) and South Korea in the past. She is also a former USMA assistant professor, published poetess, entrepreneur, philanthropist, mentor and coach.
Regardless of her busy schedule, she takes out time for her philanthropic endeavours through American Red Cross, Habitat for Humanity, All Things Are Possible (ATAP) Foundation, Opera Tutti (France), and others.
The following are a few of her awards and accolades:
● Induction into Alpha Lambda Delta Honor society, Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society, Omicron Delta Kappa Leadership Honor Society
● Inductee as a Distinguished Faculty Member
● Recognition by the Secretary of the Army and the Army G1 for leading the changes in the Army 670-1 changes for women
● 2022 BEYA Modern Day Technology Leader
● USMA DEI Junior Faculty Award Recipient
● West Point Women Board Member for two terms
● 2024 Marquis Who’s Who: in America, Professional Women, and Humanitarian
● Mentor and coach of over 75 middle school, college, and adult learners
● Keynote speaker at Joint Base McGuire Dix Lakehurst Month of the Military Child observance
● Keynote Speaker on leadership and resilience at some of the most prestigious and impactful organizations all over the world from US and Scotland to Kampala and India.
Andrea’s strength is her innovation, human centered creativity, and energy. She has book clubs, mentorship groups, and support travel groups occurring throughout the year, helping to build understanding between people and communities.
How does she do it all, we ask her in wonder. “I do not balance; I prioritize based on what is important at that time. Life is full of choices and we can choose to wait for the perfect time or figure out how we keep the Waterford crystal balls from dropping, minimizing the wooden balls from hitting the ground, and letting the plastic balls bounce when required.” Life choices are what make us human and keep life so interesting.
As a visionary leader, Andrea seeks to provide inspiration and transformational leadership in each organization she leads. Thus, she understands that until people can see, feel, and realize the best in themselves, transformation slows. She is disciplined and process oriented with a direct approach when there is conflict, as most tings do not get better with time, but can be mitigated, if addressed.
“Time waits for no man or woman. You must decide, plan, execute, and repeat (D’per) in this life or it will pass you by. God made us uniquely and beautifully different for a reason. Show up as your authentic self and do your part in making the world better in your own special way. When you do not, you leave a void and the world ‘wanting and needing…’.”
