Martha J. Ross-Rodgers's Biography

Martha J. Ross-Rodgers’ mother, Ida, exposed her to reading at an early age. One of her favorite memories, as a child, was walking home from the library with a cartful of books. As a child, Martha was quiet for she had a speech impediment. Sometimes – completing a sentence was so difficult that she chose instead not to speak. She immersed herself into books, specifically autobiographies/ biographies. She was fascinated by the lives of others and how they overcame obstacles to achieve their dreams. Reading provided her the opportunity to see beyond her present life, for through reading, she learned that your present life does not have to determine your future.

Now – she is a motivational speaker, novelist, publisher, and founder of “Toss Away Your Could Haves and Should Haves Day” and “What Will Your Legacy Be Month?” listed in Chase’s Calendar of Events. She is the internationally acclaimed author of two books, Awakenings and Woman to Woman. With articles in the Encyclopedia of the Culture Wars, Encyclopedia of Global Business, and Oxford Encyclopedia of African American History, she is also working on her doctorate in Educational Leadership with a Specialization in Educational Technology. Her reading textbook program, Awakenings: Integrated Language Arts & Social Studies was adopted by the Tennessee Department of Education.

She has been married over 30 years to her husband, Reginald. They have two daughters, Charizza, an attorney and Gina, an engineer. She reinforces to all who hear her message: "Don't let people or statistics determine the final outcome of your life. I didn't"