About Us

Founder, Dr Estenia Goodridge knows how to bring the culture to etiquette.

Founder of The Cultural Presence, LLC and Chief Etiquette Officer of Miss Black USA Pageant, Dr. Estenia Goodridge serves as the driving force behind the synergy of culture and etiquette.

From her earliest days, Dr. Goodridge's affinity for etiquette has been unwavering. Nurtured by her mother's introduction to the elegance of Jane Austen and the enchantment of Regency era films, she embarked on a journey of understanding the intricacies of grace and mannerisms.

From her upbringing in Bronx, NY, to the vibrant streets of Baltimore, MD, Dr. Goodridge's journey was guided by a household where social and dining etiquette held paramount importance. Guided by her debutante-trained mother, she imbibed not only the rituals of proper behavior but also the core values of treating others with respect and nurturing self-worth.

In a world where the compass of morality and the courtesies of etiquette can sometimes waver, Dr. Goodridge's life is a testament to the timeless teachings of social graces and cultural decorum. These lessons have become integral to her identity, especially in a society where civility sometimes takes a backseat.

The Cultural Presence, LLC stands as a testament to Dr. Goodridge's commitment to instilling positive values and fostering cultural ideals in the community. The Cultural Presence’s mission is two-fold: firstly, to fortify social skills in tandem with technical skills - a fusion highly valued in today's job market. Secondly, to reinvent etiquette, making it universally relevant across diverse cultures.

Dr. Goodridge honed her expertise at the Etiquette Institute of Washington under the tutelage of Ms. Crystal L. Bailey. A proud graduate of Morgan State University, she holds a triumvirate of degrees - a B.S., M.S., and a Doctorate in Urban Educational Leadership, epitomizing her status as a distinguished Morgan Bear.

Dr. Goodridge is committed to having everyone embrace a world where etiquette bridge gaps, transcends boundaries, cultures flourish, and redefines the art of treating both others and oneself with enduring grace.