Creations by Dr. Bates embodies the universe that influenced me, nurturing the unique gifts I bring to the world. Throughout my life, I have embraced the beauty in every facet of existence, even in the darkest corners. My creations represent products and experiences that highlight the positive contributions people make to society. While each design can be replicated, every gift is uniquely tailored to preserve cherished memories. No two pieces are alike because each design is crafted with your desire for lasting and meaningful memories in mind. My creations offer an opportunity to preserve family stories, celebrate successes shaping the future, and allow people to live fully in the present.

Since high school, I have been a leader, mentor, innovator, and creator. My passion for leadership in education unveiled my creative talents. As Vice-President of the Centennial High School African American Club, I began my creative journey. The lessons I learned from my Black teachers taught me that creation is an art that requires a connection with one's community. These lessons trained me to utilize available resources and expand my world. Growing up, attending college, and working in small towns with limited resources for 30 years, I served in various leadership roles, discovering new resources and creating opportunities for young people across all educational levels.

I hold a bachelor's and a master's degree in Sports Management from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and I earned a doctorate in Cultural, Pedagogical, and Interpretive Kinesiology. My research focused on race and racism in sports, emphasizing Black male student-athlete identity development and social mobility. These research experiences sparked my creative endeavors, allowing me to present at over 20 conferences, speak at more than 10 campus lectures, and co-author a publication on the Champaign-Urbana “First String” baseball program. Additionally, I collaborated with a mentor to design the logo and website for the Student-Athletes Human Rights Project.

My membership in Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, provided the greatest gift of leadership. This experience pushed me to explore skills I hadn't utilized before. My sorority sisters inspired me to harness these talents, leading me to design flyers, newsletters, videos, and scrapbooking projects for my community, paving the way for Creations. I am honored to share my gifts with my hometown and the City of Chicago. My creations are now ready for the world!

Creations by Dr. Bates recognizes that resources come in various forms and aims to provide the economic, academic, and human resources needed for people to thrive. My lifelong goal is to give back to the community that invested in my success. I am who I am because of the support I received, and I am committed to continuing this legacy through Creations. By bringing people together, I help create lasting memories for family and friends, and preserve the legacy they leave behind through CREATIONS!