Written By JR Robinson

For Schanaque Watson, this wasn't a hypothetical question; it was a Tuesday. In a raw and revealing conversation on Erica Sugarman Unfiltered, Watson opened up about a journey that took her from sleeping in parking lots to teaching communities how to secure millions in funding. She is not just a survivor; she is a "statue of resilience."

Watson’s story is a masterclass in navigating the razor's edge of survival mode while refusing to let go of ambition. It is a story of grit, grace, and the relentless pursuit of education against all odds.

The Foundation and The Fall

Watson’s life began with instability, born to teenage parents, but she found a fortress in her grandparents. They provided a middle-class haven of piano lessons, Girl Scouts, and civic engagement. However, the rebellious nature of adolescence led her to move to South Memphis with her mother, a decision that introduced her to a "whole different world."

The shift was jarring—moving from her own bedroom to sharing space with three siblings—but it forged her work ethic. At 14, she earned her first paycheck at the Boys and Girls Club. That $30 check was transformative.

"I'm the richest person in the neighborhood. The candy lady got all my money... getting your first paycheck, I think that's where it really shaped my life." — Schanaque Watson

However, life continued to test her. The day before her high school graduation, her family was evicted. She walked across the stage to receive her diploma knowing she had no home to return to.

Surviving the "No-Man's Land"

The true test of Watson's spirit came during graduate school. Following the tragic death of her grandmother—her biggest cheerleader—Watson’s world collapsed. She found herself homeless for the second time, but this time, she was alone.

She lived out of motels like the Starlight Inn and the Super 8. When the money ran out, she drove her car around Memphis all night, sleeping in shifts to stay safe, fueled by cheap snacks and sheer determination.

Most would have quit. Watson didn't just survive; she thrived academically.

"I realized this was a temporary situation. Education was the only thing that was going to pave my way... I buried my grandma while working on my master's."

The Pivot: Get Paid to Read

Emerging from homelessness, Watson didn't just look for a job; she looked for a solution to a systemic problem. While working in corrections, she realized the power of grant funding. This led to her discovery of Grant Reviewing—a lucrative but often overlooked field.

She coined the phrase "Get Paid to Read."

Watson discovered that organizations pay professionals between $100 and $350+ just to review a single grant application. However, she noticed a glaring disparity: the people deciding who got the money didn't look like the people needing the money.

Why Representation in Funding Matters

Watson noted that less than 10% of grant reviewers are Black. This lack of representation has tangible consequences:

• Cultural Disconnect: Reviewers often deduct points for minor punctuation errors rather than focusing on the impact of the program.

• Bias: valid programs in underserved communities are often scrutinized more harshly by reviewers who do not understand the demographic.

By becoming a reviewer, Watson argues, you not only create a new income stream but also ensure equitable funding for Black and Brown communities.

"Not Another Fish Fry": The Urgent Case for Estate Planning

Watson’s advocacy extends beyond grants to the personal protection of assets. After nearly being denied access to her grandfather in the hospital, she realized the critical importance of having your affairs in order before a crisis strikes.

She advocates for Estate Planning with the mantra: "Not another fish fry."

Too often, families are left fundraising for funerals or losing assets because of a lack of paperwork. Watson urges the community to prioritize:

• Advanced Healthcare Directives: So hospitals cannot make decisions for your loved ones.

• Wills and Life Insurance: To prevent financial ruin after a death.

• Social Security Audits: Ensuring spouses receive the benefits they are entitled to.

The Gift of Resilience

Schanaque Watson’s journey from the eviction notice to the boardroom is a testament to the power of perspective. She views every "No" not as a rejection, but as a redirection.

Her message to Memphis and beyond is clear: Trust yourself. The tests you are going through are either pass or fail, and if you are still standing, you have the opportunity to pass.

"You can say what you want about Memphis, Tennessee while I'm in Memphis. But if I'm out of the country, I'm the first one to defend Memphis."