Pamala Brown-Grinion, EdD, a lauded and effective specialized trainer in professional development, is the founder, president, and chief executive officer of Totally You-nique Educational Consultants LLC in Rochester, New York, where she has spent nearly three decades teaching etiquette and personal development, helping people to grow into the best versions of themselves. Her clientele is primarily comprised of individuals who have been through traumatic or difficult experiences, and she seeks to connect with them through her work and with genuine interaction.
In recognition of her expertise and achievements, Dr. Pamala, as she likes to be called, was selected by the Train the Trainer Certification Program to be a featured presenter at the British School of Excellence in London, England. She credits her accomplishments so far to her unwavering commitment grounded in her life experiences. Through her personal triumphs in overcoming adversity, Dr. Pamala hopes to serve as an inspiration to others in similar situations.
Emerging from humble beginnings, Dr. Pamala understands firsthand the challenges women of color face in today’s world. As a devoted advocate for underrepresented groups, she has made it her crusade to ensure others have the support they need to succeed. She has dedicated herself to working tirelessly as a champion for Black and Brown women and girls and strives to build a more equitable world for all people. Through her remarkable professional endeavors and service to her community, Dr. Pamala is proud of the impact she has had in Rochester and beyond. Among her civic contributions, she spearheaded an initiative, called Project Butterfly, which supported challenged high school girls who were on the brink of failing their classes and not graduating from high school. For four years, she gave time and resources to help these girls recover their academic trajectories and prepare for college. This success is a testament to her love of empowering young women and making a real difference in their lives. In addition, Dr. Pamala financed an etiquette school through which she helped many girls turn their lives around. In setting up and developing programming for the school, she was extremely grateful for the help of her friends and collaborators.
Setting a solid educational foundation for herself, Dr. Pamala graduated from American Intercontinental University with an Associate of Science in business administration in 2005. At Roberts Wesleyan University, she earned a Bachelor of Science in organizational management in 2009. Remaining dedicated to her higher education, she completed a Master of Science in strategic leadership in 2010. She immediately began pursuing a doctorate, and, after more than a decade, she graduated from St. John Fisher College with a Doctor of Education in executive leadership in 2023. Alongside her degrees, she holds numerous professional credentials and certifications in her field. From the British School of Excellence, Dr. Pamala earned an international certification in etiquette, manners, and life skills. She also obtained certification in leadership coaching from the Leadership Learning Collaborative in partnership with the University of Rochester Warner Graduate School. Moreover, at the University of South Florida, she earned a workplace diversity, equity, and inclusion (known as DEI) certificate, a certificate in soft skills training from Roberts Wesleyan College, and a train-the-trainer certification in trauma-informed care from New York State Trauma-Informed Network and Resource Center. In addition, Dr. Pamala has been certified in elevated listening by USA Global TV and Radio. She is a certified interior decorator and a New York State licensed life insurance agent.
Active in and passionate about her community, Dr. Pamala is a member of the New York State Association for the Education of Young Children and devotes time to the Rochester, New York Chapter of The Links, Incorporated. She looks forward to expanding the Totally You-nique Institute of Excellence, a school which supports youth with workforce development, etiquette, and social skills training. Adjacent to working and serving others, Dr. Pamala cherishes time with her family and friends, enjoys ballroom dancing, living a Christian lifestyle, listening to classical music, and going to the movies.