Resilient by Design

Grit to Withstand, Born to Lead

A memoir by Lorri Spells Dotson

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ABOUT THE BOOK

A powerful true story of survival, strength, and legacy-_from the cotton fields of Mississippi to the streets of Chicago.

In this deeply moving memoir, Lorri Spells Dotson shares her family's multigenerational journey of resilience and transformation. Resilient by Design chronicles the lives of sharecroppers in the harsh Mississippi Delta, the courage to confront injustice, and the pursuit of a better life in the urban North during the Great Migration.

Told through rich storytelling and firsthand family accounts, this book explores how faith, grit, and unity empowered one family to overcome poverty, racism, and generational hardship. At its core, this is a story of leadership born through adversity, and how legacy is built not by circumstance, but by choice and conviction.

Whether you're drawn to African American history, inspirational life stories, or tales of overcoming the odds, Resilient by Design offers a deeply personal and universally inspiring message: you are not defined by where you come from, but by the strength you carry forward.

Book cover titled 'Resilient by Design' with an illustration of a woman with long, curly hair and glasses, standing against a cityscape and sunset background.
A professional woman with long, curly brown hair sitting on a black stool against a plain light gray background. She is wearing a black outfit accessorized with pearl jewelry and has a confident smile.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Lorri S. Dotson is the founder and CEO of VIGCE LLC (dba VISION Group Cleaning) and Fleetwood Cleaning Services of GA Inc.

With over 20 years of experience in business leadership and commercial cleaning, Lorri is passionate about building strong teams, providing opportunities for others, and delivering excellence in service.

A proud Chicago native, Lorri was raised in a family of entrepreneurs, instilling in her the values of hard work, integrity, and resilience. She holds a master's degree in public administration with an emphasis in Economics and Nonprofit Management, alongside certifications including Life Skills Coaching.

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WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN THE BOOK.

  • THEMES

    - Resilience and determination: See how one family perseveres through adversity and hardship.

    - Faith and spirituality: Explore the role of faith and spirituality in overcoming challenges.

    - Grit and unity: Learn how the family's unity and determination help them build a better life.

    - Legacy and leadership: Understand how the family's experiences shape their leadership and legacy.

  • PERSONAL STORIES

    - Firsthand accounts: Read personal stories and accounts from the author's family history.

    - Family dynamics: Witness the relationships and dynamics within the family.

    - Personal growth and transformation: Follow the journey of individual family members as they grow and transform.

  • INSPIRATIONAL TAKEAWAYS

    - Overcoming adversity: Learn how the family overcomes seemingly insurmountable challenges.

    - Building legacy: Understand how the family's choices and convictions shape their legacy.

    - Hope and resilience: Find inspiration in the family's story and its message of hope and resilience.

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Featured in Rolling Out

Lorri S. Dotson on entrepreneurship, resilience, and family legacy.

Read the Interview

REVIEWS

  • I was deeply moved by the story of resilience and transformation in this book. The way the author chronicles the journey of one family through adversity and hardship is both poignant and inspiring.

    Clay

  • Her storytelling is rich, and the firsthand family accounts add a depth of authenticity that's hard to put down. This book is a testament to the power of faith, grit, and unity in overcoming poverty, racism, and generational hardship.

    Jamie

  • Resilient by Design is a compelling and well-researched historical account of the Great Migration and its impact on one family. The author's use of firsthand accounts and rich storytelling brings the narrative to life in a way that's both engaging and informative.

    Lindsey

  • This book is a testament to the human spirit's capacity for resilience and transformation. The story of one family's journey from sharecropping to the urban North is both heartbreaking and uplifting, and the themes of faith, grit, and unity

    Keith

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