Nathalie Coward

Biography - 
Intentional about joy and savoring every moment are two of Nathalie’s core values.  A proud graduate of the Eagle class of 2006, the Spelman alumna and native New Yorker, has strived to make “life beyond the gates” worthy of her illustrious alma mater- no matter the obstacle. The journey she never imagined taking, began the day she exited the arch and said, “yes” to Morehouse Man,Brandon Coward C’06 on May 14, 2006. However, her dream of happily ever after, ended tragically in a fatal car accident after only 14 months of marriage. Her grief forced her to take risks and rediscover life. The former Gilman International Scholar and Bonner scholar took an unconventional path towards a career in education- serving both in the classroom and non-profit sector. She moved to Poitiers, France in 2013 as an educational consultant, while earning a B1 degree in French. Today, she is an author and aspiring life coach. Her story is told in Deep Waters: Trusting God When Your Feet Can’t Touch Bottom, a motivational book for anyone experiencing a painful life interruption. Dedicated to service, she is a high school mentor and volunteers with the International Refugee Committee in Atlanta.

Convocation Speaker Interest - 
When we entered as young women with a choice to change the world, many of us never imagined the obstacles we would encounter as we attempted to do just that. Painful life interruptions and delayed dreams have threatened to discourage and distract us from our purpose as true blue originals…yet we still soar. My personal tragedy almost ended my will to fly…yet I still soared. My triumph is one that I am positive will encourage my fellow sisters to continue their ascent to reaching the heights of their best selves both now and beyond.