“The greatest gift is not in what we accomplish, but in the lives we touch and the hope we give to others. For in lifting others, we rise together.”

Introduction

Make Better Sense

Change The Mindset

Improve The Outcome (More Impactful + Professional)

This powerful phrase, shared by Prof. Dr. Theresa Pringle , is more than just a motto. It is the essence of her journey—one that has taken her from the depths of personal hardship to the forefront of community leadership, advocacy, and transformative change. As a facilitator, advocate, trainer, and minister, Prof. Dr. Theresa has been unwavering in her commitment to creating a better world for those most in need. Yet, her story is not just about the work she does—it’s about the resilience, compassion, and hope that drives her to serve others and build systems that uplift the most vulnerable.

Prof. Dr. Theresa was shaped by her parents’ core values: integrity, faith, and a relentless work ethic. These values, instilled from an early age, laid the foundation for a life committed to service, even when faced with challenges that would have broken many. From the warmth and wisdom of her family home to the support of her adult children, Prof. Dr. Theresa learned early on that while life might not always be predictable, it is the choices we make that define our path. And no choice, however difficult, would ever sway her from her commitment to fighting for dignity, equality, and justice.


Prof. Dr. Theresa’s education and early experiences shaped her desire to understand the broader world. She attended Westfield Senior High School and then moved on to Union County College and Kean College of New Jersey. But it was her time studying abroad in Copenhagen, Denmark, and visiting England that ignited her awareness of the disparities between healthcare, rehabilitative incarceration, and social services systems across countries. These experiences weren’t just about gaining knowledge—they were about seeing the world through the lens of those who are marginalized. They inspired Prof. Dr. Theresa to pursue a career focused on dismantling systems that perpetuate inequality, particularly for the homeless and the underserved.

However, nothing would prepare her more profoundly for this path than her own experience with homelessness. As a mother trying to keep her two sons in a prep school, Prof. Dr. Theresa found herself thrust into the very system she would later dedicate her life to changing. Forced to navigate the chaotic landscape of homelessness, Prof. Dr. Theresa learned firsthand the harsh realities faced by those without a permanent address. She discovered that in a society where the working poor are often vilified, many people simply can’t escape a cycle of instability because the systems in place make it impossible for them to get back on their feet. “Make it make sense,” she often reflects. Prof. Dr. Theresa’s homelessness was the spark that set her on the mission to reshape how the world viewed homelessness—not as a moral failing but as a result of broken systems.

Through personal perseverance and sheer willpower, Prof. Dr. Theresa overcame the hurdles of homelessness. She not only rebuilt her life but transformed her painful experience into an opportunity to give others the tools and support they needed to overcome their own challenges. Prof. Dr. Theresa created and led initiatives that offered practical support for those facing homelessness, from after-school programs for youth to job readiness training for those living in shelters. She became a face of advocacy, speaking out about the systemic barriers to affordable housing and pushing for changes in local legislation that would make it easier for people to escape homelessness.

“The greatest strength is the ability to rise, even when the world seems intent on keeping you down. It’s not about how many times you fall; it’s about how many times you get back up.”

Phase 1: Foundations of Resilience – A Legacy of Love and Purpose

The story of Prof. Dr. Theresa Pringle begins with the love and guidance of her parents. Born on November 26, 1959, Prof. Dr. Theresa’s early life was shaped by their unwavering belief in the importance of hard work, integrity, and faith. From the very beginning, her family instilled values that would serve as a compass throughout her life—values that would guide her not only through personal triumphs but also through some of her greatest struggles.

Her father, a man of profound strength and determination, taught Prof. Dr. Theresa the importance of self-reliance and respect. He was a man who believed in leading by example, and Prof. Dr. Theresa took this lesson to heart. Watching him navigate the world with unwavering commitment to doing what was right, no matter the obstacles, became a silent but powerful force in her own life.

On the other hand, Prof. Dr. Theresa’s mother, brought warmth, nurturing, and a deep understanding of human nature into the family. She was a woman whose compassion and empathy for others knew no bounds. As a child, Prof. Dr. Theresa watched her mother extend kindness to everyone around her, teaching her that the value of a person was not defined by their circumstances but by their character. She also emphasized the importance of faith in guiding one’s journey. This spiritual foundation would go on to play a crucial role in Prof. Dr. Theresa’s own path—one rooted in service and helping others.

The Pringle household was a place of learning, not just in the traditional sense but in a deeper, more profound way. Prof. Dr. Theresa’s parents were not just providers; they were mentors. The lessons they imparted extended beyond textbooks. The lessons of resilience, humility, and empathy were woven into the fabric of everyday life, setting the stage for Prof. Dr. Theresa’s own commitment to making a difference.

“In every place I visited, I didn’t just see the world. I saw how far we have to go to make it just, equitable, and compassionate. The more I learned, the more I knew I had to act.”

Phase 2: Widening Horizons – A Path of Learning, Exploration, and Advocacy

As Prof. Dr. Theresa Pringle embarked on her educational journey, the lessons learned in her home and early life took root, driving her to seek a broader understanding of the world around her. Raised with a deep sense of purpose by her parents, she was guided by the belief that knowledge and education were powerful tools for creating lasting change. But it wasn’t just about academic achievement for Prof. Dr. Theresa; it was about using that knowledge to serve others, particularly those who needed it most. Her early education would lay the foundation for her advocacy work, leading her to explore issues that deeply resonated with her values, from healthcare and rehabilitative justice to social systems and housing inequalities.

After graduating from Westfield Senior High School in 1977, Prof. Dr. Theresa pursued higher education at Union County College for a brief period before continuing her studies at Kean College of New Jersey between 1984 and 1986. While her academic journey began in New Jersey, it was the experiences outside the classroom that truly expanded her perspective and would ignite the passion for social advocacy she would later become known for.

It was during her time at Kean College that Prof. Dr. Theresa started to see the world through a different lens. She wasn’t just studying for exams or earning grades; she was deeply curious about how societal structures worked—and how they often failed the most vulnerable among us. The awareness of these systemic flaws was sparked during her time studying abroad at the University of Copenhagen in Denmark, a pivotal moment that would shape the trajectory of her life.

The decision to study abroad was more than just a personal adventure for Prof. Dr. Theresa. It was an opportunity to immerse herself in cultures and systems vastly different from her own and to learn how different societies approached social justice and social systems. Copenhagen, and the broader European experience, would provide Prof. Dr. Theresa with firsthand exposure to how other nations treated their most marginalized populations, from the homeless to the elderly.

“The greatest lesson in life isn’t learning how to overcome challenges; it’s learning how to help others navigate their own.”

Phase 3: Turning Struggles Into Strengths – From Personal Hardship to Advocacy

In the heart of Prof. Dr. Theresa Pringle’s journey lies a defining chapter—one that could have broken many, yet instead propelled her into an unyielding path of service, advocacy, and leadership. This phase is not just about personal hardship; it is about transforming pain into purpose. The experience that would most shape Prof. Dr. Theresa’s life came when she faced homelessness—a profound struggle that would become the catalyst for her life’s work, compelling her to stand up and make sure others never had to face the same systemically entrenched barriers. Despite all of her hard work and commitment to her family, Prof. Dr. Theresa found herself in a difficult and often invisible place—the streets. In an incredibly vulnerable moment of her life, Prof. Dr. Theresa was homeless. This was not a matter of poor financial choices, as so often stigmatized, but a culmination of external pressures and systemic failures that made the simple act of survival a daily struggle. At the time, Prof. Dr. Theresa was a mother, determined to keep her two sons enrolled in a prestigious prep school in New Jersey, but as life’s hardships weighed down on her, that stability became more fragile. Facing homelessness with two young children by her side, Prof. Dr. Theresa quickly learned the stark realities of living without a permanent address. The world, which once felt predictable, was suddenly unpredictable and unforgiving. For her, this was not a mere shift in her personal circumstances—it was an awakening to the systemic failures that kept people like her trapped in a cycle of instability. The barriers to escaping homelessness were staggering: in a society that often criminalizes poverty, Prof. Dr. Theresa was denied basic human dignity because of a broken system that required people to be without resources before they could access help.

Note of Thanks

With profound gratitude and humility, Prof. Dr. Theresa Pringle extends her heartfelt thanks to everyone who has been part of her journey—both personally and professionally. This journey, marked by resilience, service, and advocacy, would not have been possible without the unwavering support, encouragement, and trust of her family, colleagues, mentors, and the countless individuals she has had the privilege to serve. First and foremost, she acknowledges her parents, whose early lessons in integrity, hard work, compassion, and faith provided the foundation for her life. Their guidance shaped her values and instilled a sense of purpose that has driven every step of her journey. To her children, whose strength, patience, and encouragement have been a constant source of inspiration, she expresses deepest gratitude for their understanding and love through both triumphs and challenges. Prof. Dr. Theresa also thanks the communities she has served, from children in after-school and summer enrichment programs to the homeless individuals and families who allowed her to walk alongside them, offering guidance, mentorship, and advocacy. Their trust, courage, and resilience have continually inspired her to do more, to advocate stronger, and to innovate solutions that make a lasting difference. She expresses sincere appreciation to her colleagues, collaborators, and mentors—including leaders, policymakers, and advocates—who have worked tirelessly alongside her to build programs, influence legislation, and amplify the voices of the marginalized. Their collective commitment to justice and equity has made it possible to create meaningful change in both local communities and at national levels. Finally, Prof. Dr. Theresa thanks every supporter, friend, and well-wisher who has believed in her vision, celebrated her milestones, and encouraged her during moments of doubt. Every handshake, every conversation, and every act of collaboration has contributed to a life devoted to service. With gratitude in her heart, Prof. Dr. Theresa Pringle dedicates this work to all who have guided, inspired, and supported her in transforming struggles into hope, and hope into lasting change. Thanks Prof. Dr. Theresa Pringle

Conclusion

IFEA Award

“Ms. Pringle has been awarded one of the 100 Successful Women in Business by the Global Trade Chamber of Commerce”
 

After helping individuals and communities become self-sufficient and resilient, “Ms. Theresa Pringle’s” unwavering commitment to service, her dedication to addressing social and economic disparities, and her business acumen have resulted in lasting impacts at the local, city, county, state, national, and international levels. Her work reflects a balanced sphere of influence—rooted in community service, while extending into broader global engagement. In recognition of her contributions, Ms. Theresa Pringle has been conferred several honorary distinctions, including the Honorary Doctorate of Humanitarianism from the Global International Association (GIA), the Honorary Doctorate in Philosophy of Social Work from Kennedy University, Paris, France, a Double Honorary Doctorate in Professional Business Development and Public Administration, the Honorary Professorship of Divinity in Global Leadership and Humanitarian Works from Kennedy University of Baptist in association with Aimlay International, and an Honorary Doctorate from Orange University, Orange County University, and Aimlay International.

Prof. Dr. Professor Theresa Pringle continues to be an impactful global changemaker.