Ann Whitlock, 50

Systems Analyst by Trade, Mom & Entrepreneur by Choice, Lover of Bling Accessories

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Why did I choose now for this photoshoot? Well, it’s time for me to celebrate me! I went through a tough divorce in 2011 after 11 years of marriage. As a single mother, I raised my son, who is now attending Angelo State University. Life after the divorce was rough at times, but I survived.

After 11 years of being single, I unexpectedly found love again. I honestly didn’t think it would happen for me.

My mother, a retired Lt. Colonel in the United States Army, is the most influential person in my life. She put me through college and is my rock. I graduated from Tuskegee University in 1995 with a BS in Computer Science and worked for the state of Texas and the city of Austin for 20 years. Earlier this year, I made a career change to retail with HEB, and I love it. As one of the few women of color in my field at HEB, I’m patiently waiting to see what the future holds.

I’ve had the opportunity to travel, revisiting places with great memories. My current bucket list includes Hawaii, the Netherlands, Australia, Morocco, and various Caribbean islands.

If I could share wisdom with my younger self, it would be to listen to the adults who raised me. Perfect happiness, for me, is being at peace with all my decisions. Having overcome challenges, I’ve learned to use my pain as testimony and rely on God in all things.

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