Teresa Metcalf Beasley

Member, Chair of Public Finance & Public Law; Chair, Civic Engagement & Community Relations, McDonald Hopkins LLC

Education: Juris doctor, Cleveland State University Law School; bachelor’s degree in communications, University of Alabama 

What I Look for in a Leader: I look for a leader who is principled, courageous and consistent — someone who does the right thing even when it is difficult and who understands that leadership is ultimately about service. 

Favorite Quote: My favorite quote is “And Still I Rise” by Dr. Maya Angelou. As a Black female attorney, I understand that progress is often made in the face of barriers, bias and rooms where people like me were not always expected to belong. Yet, those words remind me that I stand on the strength of those who came before me, and that my work carries forward a legacy of perseverance, excellence and service.

What Motivates Me Right Now: The opportunity to create lasting impact — through my work, my example and my service

An Important Lesson I Learned: It is easy to take credit when things go well, but true character is revealed in the moments when we must own a decision, acknowledge a mistake or take responsibility for the outcome.