The Urban Connection: Fiona Harewood & Carrick Felix

Have you ever considered going back to school but thought it would be too hard? Or that you were too old? Fiona Harewood had those same fears and conquered them. Then, Carrick Felix discusses how he found a new purpose when his NBA career ended.

Fiona Harewood

Fiona Harewood always wanted to be an author, but never really thought it possible until she started working as a part-time housekeeper for Karen E. Quinones Miller, bestselling author of “Satin Doll”, and other titles. One day while washing dishes, she told Miller of her dream. “Put together what you have, and I’ll critique it and let you know,” Miller told her.



Harewood didn’t need to hear anything else. Miller was pleased with what she saw. Harewood joined Miller’s writers’ group, Evening Star, in April 2002.



Prior to embarking on her dream career, Harewood was educated in Guyana, South America, where she grew up. Before migrating to the United States in February 2001, she lived in Barbados, West Indies for thirteen years and worked in the airline industry.



Harewood has since finished a Bachelor of Science degree in Paralegal Studies and a Master’s in Public Policy at Drexel University. While working on her bachelor’s degree, Harewood authored a piece of work titled, “Men You Have a Place in the Paralegal Field, Too.” This article was published in the Philadelphia Forum. Harewood had media exposures both locally in the United States and overseas, being interviewed by Birdsong Podcast and Breakthrough Success Podcast; also appearing on National Communications Network (NCN) and Channel 9 News, Guyana, South America.



After completing her bachelor’s degree, Harewood decided to encourage people who have dropped out of school to return to academia so they, too, could achieve the personal satisfaction that a full education can bring. This triggered the writing of her book – “I Did It, You Can, Too!”



Her hope is twofold: 1) that dropouts who read her book will consider returning to academia and build a better future for themselves, their families and their communities; 2) that demotivated students would also find encouragement from “I Did It, You Can, Too!” believe in themselves and know that dropping out is not an option.



Harewood also conducts motivational workshops and seminars in this regard. She lives in Philadelphia with her family and works as a Staff Assistant with the Federal Government. Harewood is currently finishing her third book.

Fiona\'s Website

Carrick Felix

As a former professional athlete, President and CEO, and now motivational speaker, Carrick Felix is a man of unquestionable character and spirit. He is renowned for his achievements on the court and for his track record off the court. The Phoenix, Arizona, native started his academic and basketball career at Millennium High School where his team won the 2008 4A Region State Championship in Arizona under head Coach Mike Lopez. Felix later earned 1st Team All-Region and 1st Team All-State Honors, and was a nominee for the title of a McDonald’s All-American. He then continued onto The College of Southern Idaho where he earned his Associates in Liberal Arts, made the Dean’s List for the 2009-2010 school year, was First Team All-Conference and became Junior College All-American. He became the first junior college player to sign as a recruit for basketball by Duke University, but decided on attending Arizona State University to continue his education and basketball career.

After Attending Arizona State University in 2010- 2013, Felix went on to earn his Bachelor’s Degree as well as a Master’s Degree in Communications, graduating with a 3.85 GPA. Carrick was also a member of the men’s basketball team where he received honors such as: Scholar Athlete of the Year in the PAC-12, PAC-12 Player of the Week four different times, ESPN Player of the Month, as well as being on the Dean’s List. During the 2013 season, Carrick was drafted to the NBA when he was selected 33rd overall to the Cleveland Cavaliers. He was later traded to the Utah Jazz and eventually made his way to Santa Cruz to be apart of the Warriors basketball organization where he suffered what most would say is a career ending injury. For 3 years he fought his way through tremendous adversity. In 2015-2016, he was able to step back on the court with the Brooklyn Nets organization where he played with the affiliate team, The Long Island Nets, and eventually found his way back into the NBA in 2017 with the Washington Wizards.

Learn More About Carrick