Nonprofit Sistas

We are excited to invite Keva Brooks Napper to the mic. For a total of 18 years, Keva has been thriving through Lupus and desires to see others battling any invisible illness do the same. To this end, she founded Beautiful Butterflies Inc., a nonprofit foundation used to bring awareness and education on Lupus and other illnesses. She often says, “I can't eradicate illness but I can help eradicate the pain of it,” and shapes her endeavors with this in mind. Keva's academic repertoire includes a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education with a minor in English from North Carolina Central University. Throughout the years, she has received many awards for her service and brilliance as a community leader. Some of those honors include Teacher of the Year, Guilford County's Reader's Choice Best Writer, Women in Organizing — Sheroe Award, and ACHI Non-Profit Executive Director's Award.In this episode, we will discuss the following the lack of representation in Lupus community groups, Keva's discovery of having an invisible illness, and starting a nonprofit organization from your passions & not something emotionally driven.If you are a woman of color who is interested in learning more about the Nonprofit Sistas community or you're looking for a community to support you throughout your journey as a nonprofit leader, please visit our site at www.nonprofitsistas.com.Find me on Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn, and don't forget to follow the Nonprofit Sistas podcast.

We are excited to invite Anicia Manassa to the mic. Anicia has worked as a Sign Language Interpreter for over 8 years providing American Sign Language and English Interpretation to consumers on-site and virtually in multiple settings. It is Anicia's intention to maintain professionalism while providing Interpreting services to remove communication barriers for all individuals involved. Anicia is the founder of  Secure Interpreting Solutions (S.I.S). As the founder of S.I.S., her passion is empowering Interpreters of Color to achieve their goals confidently, despite limitations others have set for them. Anicia's ultimate goal is to educate others on how to create a more equitable field in Sign Language Interpreting by removing racial boundaries. Anicia is a wife and a mother of 3 exceptional children. In her spare time, she enjoys hanging out with loved ones and trying new experiences.In this episode, we will discuss the following reflecting on the representation of language interpreters, the feeling of being the only person of color in a niche area or industry, and what a perfect world could look like with communication and ASL.If you are a woman of color who is interested in learning more about the Nonprofit Sistas community or you're looking for a community to support you throughout your journey as a nonprofit leader, please visit our site at www.nonprofitsistas.com.Find me on Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn, and don't forget to follow the Nonprofit Sistas podcast.

We are excited to invite Ann-Marie Swatson to the mic. She is the founder of Painted Pink, a nonprofit organization that seeks to fill the gap between young women and breast health education.In 2011, Ann-Marie found two painful lumps in her breasts that resulted in two lumpectomies. Though her diagnosis came back negative for cancer, the feeling of helplessness never left her. Throughout her experience, Ann-Marie noticed a severe lack of resources available for young adults to advocate for themselves. Being planted in the reality of women's health and the disparities, Ann-Marie desired to create a platform that helped young women advocate for their health.Ann-Marie's personal experience with breast cancer inspired her to create a nonprofit organization that would advocate for women's health. After spending time researching breast cancer data for Georgians, she noticed some alarming statistics. Ann-Marie heard various stories about women and their experiences with breast cancer. Over time, she learned that women in their twenties and thirties with no family history of breast cancer, and who did not meet the standard criteria for breast cancer risk, were more commonplace than anticipated.Painted Pink gives voice to an underserved group of young breast cancer survivors that need resources from healthcare professionals and education on consciously making better lifestyle choices for their health in beauty, food, and exercise choices.In this episode, we will discuss the importance of breast health awareness and education, how someone's beauty products or routines can affect their health, and making the right decisions to ensure the longevity of the organization.If you are a woman of color who is interested in learning more about the Nonprofit Sistas community or you're looking for a community to support you throughout your journey as a nonprofit leader, please visit our site at www.nonprofitsistas.com.Find me on Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn, and don't forget to follow the Nonprofit Sistas podcast.

We are excited to invite Kenisha Dennis to the mic. Since the age of 16, Kenisha has dedicated her efforts to helping Black girls see just how bright their futures have the potential to be. As a product of the magic that occurs when community leaders build programs that empower Black youth, Kenisha is establishing a world where every Black girl has access and exposure to free educational programming that ignites a desire to dream big.From her experiences as a first-generation Jamaican-American, growing up in Queens, NY, came a desire to explore solutions that dismantle socio-economic barriers faced by Black women and girls. That desire soon became the origin of Black Girls Can Incorporated.Since its inception, Black Girls Can Incorporated has redefined what access looks like for Black girls in America by providing an immersive, holistic curriculum that encourages high scholastic achievement, leadership development, and wellness. With its intentional programming, Black Girls Can Incorporated is equalizing the playing field– creating a safe space for Black girls to be seen, heard, and recognized. By day, Kenisha works as a results-driven marketing leader and brand storyteller at Meta. She holds over 10 years of experience developing strategies that optimize and drive business objectives and revenue. Kenisha obtained a Master's degree in Public Relations and Integrated Marketing from Georgetown University and a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from the University of Bridgeport.In this episode, we will discuss how working in the STEM space has boosted her organization's work, getting organized and creating a strategic plan to establish a succession plan, and the tough experiences that caused setbacks and what lessons were learned.If you are a woman of color who is interested in learning more about the Nonprofit Sistas community or you're looking for a community to support you throughout your journey as a nonprofit leader, please visit our site at www.nonprofitsistas.com.Find me on Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn, and don't forget to follow the Nonprofit Sistas podcast.

We are excited to invite Briana Daniel to the mic. Autumn of 2013, while out on a jog, Briana Daniel ran face to face with the harsh reality of the issue of homelessness in Orlando. At the age of 21 years old, Briana had the desire to help but knew little about the homeless populations, the problems that they had, and how to best get involved. She decided to spend more than a month living on the streets to find out which needs were not being addressed. Briana slept outside, spoke with the homeless about their lives, and learned what was needed most. She came away from the experience realizing that one simple thing most homeless people craved was the dignity that came along with cleanliness. Briana founded Street Team Movement Inc. to provide hygiene services to those experiencing homelessness. Street Team Movement Inc. provides laundry services to the homeless, and hygiene items are distributed through their Hygiene Vending Machines. The machines are accessible for free to the homeless through the Hope Card which is a special access card allowing the homeless a limited number of transactions per week. To date, Street Team Movement has washed almost 20,000 loads of laundry, given over 500 haircuts, assisted in providing 277 showers, and given out over 1 million hygiene items. Since launching the Hygiene Vending Machines, in 2020, Street Team washes 87 loads of laundry per week (at one location) and has given out almost 5,200 hygiene items.In this episode, we will discuss listening to your target audience before taking action, the motivation behind Briana's attempt to do more to help those who are homeless, and how volunteers' involvement has an impact on their lives as well as the organization.If you are a woman of color who is interested in learning more about the Nonprofit Sistas community or you're looking for a community to support you throughout your journey as a nonprofit leader, please visit our site at www.nonprofitsistas.com.Find me on Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn, and don't forget to follow the Nonprofit Sistas podcast.

We are excited to invite Ambee Stephens to the mic. Ambee is the Founder and CEO of EmpowHERment, a women's community center committed to helping women rise through support services, support groups, and empowerment workshops. Ambee is passionate about the mission of EmpowHERment, which is…"Wanting to be empowered and around like-minded women is reason enough". Through EmpowHERment, she hopes to build a relationship with women that will serve as raw, long-lasting relationships with transparency and resilience at the core. Ambee holds two bachelor's degrees in community leadership and paralegal studies, a Master of Nonprofit Management from the University of Central Florida (UCF), and has recently obtained her fundraising certificate from UCF. Currently, she is attending UCF in pursuit of obtaining her Ph.D. in Sociology, which she hopes to use to educate women on starting a nonprofit while maintaining a work/life balance. In 2020, during a worldwide pandemic, Stephens managed to open a community center committed to helping women in Tampa Bay.If you don't remember anything else, take this quote from Ambee when you need it…"In a world full of paper chasers, be a purpose chaser. If you chase your purpose, the paper will follow".In this episode, we will discuss the misconceptions others have about individuals supporting women, a valuable lesson learned as a nonprofit leader managing staff members, and learning to be open to receiving help while navigating transitions in life.If you are a woman of color who is interested in learning more about the Nonprofit Sistas community or you're looking for a community to support you throughout your journey as a nonprofit leader, please visit our site at www.nonprofitsistas.com.Find me on Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn, and don't forget to follow the Nonprofit Sistas podcast.

We are excited to invite Thana Hickman-Simmons to the mic. Thana is a former teen mother and the Founder/CEO of Viola's House. The inspiration for Viola's House is very interesting, because Thana was once a young teen mother, just like some of the mothers that Viola's House serves every day. She was fortunate enough to have support around her that made it easier for her to raise her children, but she knew not all young mothers share this same supportive experience when faced with early motherhood. When she began reaching out to the community to support these mothers, she began what is now known as Viola's House and the Viola's House Baby Benefit Boutique.  Viola's House is a Maternity Home for teen mothers who are homeless and facing an unplanned pregnancy. Thana is also the founder of the Baby Benefit Boutique. The BBB currently has over 5,000 visits a month from mothers in the community that take pregnancy and parenting classes. Mothers receive vouchers to shop in the beautiful boutique in return for taking classes. Thana has found her greatest joy in serving homeless teen mothers as they transition from homelessness to self-sufficiency. In this episode, we will discuss how a supportive community can have a positive impact on mothers, the effects of generational trauma that may cause young women to experience sexual trauma and/or unplanned pregnancies, and the challenges of Black-led organizations in regard to gaining the funding needed to operate.If you are a woman of color who is interested in learning more about the Nonprofit Sistas community or you're looking for a community to support you throughout your journey as a nonprofit leader, please visit our site at www.nonprofitsistas.com.Find me on Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn, and don't forget to follow the Nonprofit Sistas podcast.

We are excited to invite Margaret Cowan to the mic. Margaret is the Founder of I Am My Sister's Keeper (IAMSK). She is the single mother of three amazing young ladies. Margaret completed her Associate's degree in 2020 and just (literally) completed her Bachelor's in Sociology with a minor in Nonprofit Management at the University of Memphis. Margaret recognizes the importance of community in the life of a single mom. Her mission is to create a village in which single moms live and support each other. It is her desire to use her God-given gifts and abilities, along with her lifelong lessons, to own a neighborhood full of homes occupied by single moms. In order to obtain a paid position and prepare for a successful future for IAMSK, Margaret has completed a variety of training events and classes. She is most proud of her completion of the Executive Director Bootcamp led by Momentum Nonprofit Partners and "Before You Ask" by the Assisi Foundation. Margaret enjoys reading, cooking, and spending time with her family and friends. She understands people, never meets a stranger, and is always willing to lend a helping hand.In this episode, we will discuss learning how to be vulnerable and willing to accept help as a nonprofit founder, helping people to unlearn common misconceptions about single mothers, and the importance of not gatekeeping in the Black community.If you are a woman of color who is interested in learning more about the Nonprofit Sistas community or you're looking for a community to support you throughout your journey as a nonprofit leader, please visit our site at www.nonprofitsistas.com.Find me on Instagram and LinkedIn, and don't forget to follow the Nonprofit Sistas podcast.

We are excited to invite Dr. Jimmeka Anderson & Sierra Davis to the mic. Jimmeka is the Founder & CEO and Sierra is the Co-Founder, Finance & Operations Director of the Black Girls Film Camp. The mission of the Black Girls Film Camp is to create a space for Black girls to learn, collaborate, embrace their most authentic selves, construct their own narratives centering on Black girlhood, and share their stories through film.Black Girls Film Camp provides a FREE, national, and virtual 12-week experience (held once a year) where high school Black girls across the country pitch a story idea, and a final ten are selected to have their short film project produced by the program. Over 200 Black girls across the country applied for the 2022 camp and 10 finalists were chosen to direct and develop their own short films. The camp is an incubator for the 10 girls and each of their films.In this episode, we will discuss the background of Jimmeka and Sierra's friendship & their ability to work together as a team, one thing that many people don't know about Jimmeka and Sierra's involvement in the film community, and how to navigate success and establish strategies to maintain the capacity of the organization.If you are a woman of color who is interested in learning more about the Nonprofit Sistas community or you're looking for a community to support you throughout your journey as a nonprofit leader, please visit our site at www.nonprofitsistas.com.Find me on Instagram and LinkedIn, and don't forget to follow the Nonprofit Sistas podcast.

We are excited to invite Tameka Kee to the mic. Tameka is the Founder & CEO of The Power of Girls. The Power of Girls is a nonprofit organization based in Atlanta whose mission is to serve, inspire and empower young girls to develop into confident, well-rounded global leaders through mentorship, team building, and cultural experiences. Each year, Tameka and her team select a class of The Power of Girls to participate in our year-long “Power House” curriculum that focuses on developing confidence, leadership skills, and self-awareness. The programming ends with an international trip. Upon completion of the program, the Power of Girls participants become part of our active alumni group.Tameka has over 20 years of experience in fundraising management, community development, experiential marketing, and partnership activation. In addition to her role with the Power of Girls, Tameka is the Director of Account Relationships for Boys & Girls Clubs of America, she fundraises and manages a yearly fundraising budget of over $5M. She is responsible for developing and implementing long-term corporate philanthropic business strategies and local Club fundraising strategies as a senior leader for the Corporate Partnerships team. Also, Tameka has held community relations positions with the Atlanta Falcons (NFL) and Atlanta Dream (WNBA), where she developed programming focused on health and wellness, youth mentoring, and women's initiatives.  A graduate of Old Dominion University, Tameka earned her Bachelor of Science in business administration and marketing. She is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Tameka is an avid hiker and loves yoga!In this episode, we will discuss the challenges she faced learning to rely on her team and allowing herself to receive help from others, the ups and downs of raising money and gathering the funds needed to further her impact, and the power of community relationships & networking had on the Power of Girls' annual summit.If you are a woman of color who is interested in learning more about the Nonprofit Sistas community or you're looking for a community to support you throughout your journey as a nonprofit leader, please visit our site at www.nonprofitsistas.com.Find me on Instagram and LinkedIn, and don't forget to follow the Nonprofit Sistas podcast.

We are excited to invite Dameyonna Willis to the mic. Dameyonna is the Founder of Queen IAM, a girl empowerment organization founded in 2016 in Cleveland, Ohio. Dameyonna was awarded the Young Adult Philanthropist Honoree from Cleveland Soul of Philanthropy and has a Live Exhibit of her contributions to the community in the main branch of the Cleveland Public Library.The mission of Queen IAM is to empower, enrich and educate young ladies everywhere. Queen IAM was created to promote and encourage self-love, self-respect, and self-understanding. The organization aims to provide mentorship, workshops, and events designed to inspire individual growth among young girls. Queen IAM's goal is to encourage young queens to know their self-worth, so they will grow into strong, confident, and beautiful womenDameyonna started the organization by providing programs and workshops in the different communities in libraries and rec centers all over Cleveland. These actions pushed Dameyonna to travel to various schools and youth organizations to interact and engage with young girls. Building long-lasting relationships while teaching young queens the importance of their crown is one of the key pillars behind the mission of Queen IAM. The Queen IAM has worked to create safe spaces for many girls to bond and create sisterhood. Dameyonna and her team work extremely hard to expose young queens to opportunities to grow socially and emotionally.In this episode, we will discuss why your passions will help you to push yourself forward despite the challenges you face, the importance of expanding your team beyond programs & workshops, and the challenges of serving as a nonprofit leader in the local educational system.If you are a woman of color who is interested in learning more about the Nonprofit Sistas community or you're looking for a community to support you throughout your journey as a nonprofit leader, please visit our site at www.nonprofitsistas.com.Find me on Instagram and LinkedIn, and don't forget to follow the Nonprofit Sistas podcast.

In today's episode, we are excited to invite Jasmine Davenport (formerly Sanders) to the mic. Jasmine is a 2022 recipient of the JFK New Frontier award, a climate scientist, strategist, advocate, and native of Monroe, Louisiana. In addition to all of the above, Jasmine is the Executive Director of Our Climate, a climate change advocacy organization energized by its youth grassroots movement. Within less than two years of leading the organization, she has doubled the organizational budget. This achievement happened due to the support of dedicated staff members. Jasmine has a great team working with her to advocate to funders on the importance of general operating support, as well as networking with new funders and communicating their exponential impact. And the impact she has made is tremendous! Take this for example…Jasmine and her team at Our Climate crafted a strategic campaign to ensure that they reached their end-of-year fundraising goal of $10,000. They ended up raising more than $30,000! Let's not forget about the "Frontline Climate Warriors" docu-short series that reached over 1.3 million people.Prior to taking on her role at Our Climate, Jasmine managed the strategic initiatives and special projects for HIAS, wrote legislative briefs for the U.S. House of Representatives Science, Space and Technology Committee, and worked for Terpstra Associates, a DC lobbying firm where she advocated on Capitol Hill for agricultural and environmental issues. She earned a graduate degree from the University of Essex with an MSc in Tropical Marine Biology while specializing in climate change. Her graduate thesis provides details on the Shifts in the Genetic Composition of three DMS-consuming cnidarians. Mrs. Davenport (formerly Sanders) is a graduate of the University of South Alabama with a BS in Biology and a minor in Spanish. She currently resides in the Washington, DC area with her family.In this episode, we will discuss how embracing change can have an impact on your achievements, the importance of raising awareness of the intersecting effects of climate change and the communities of color, and how to utilize positivity to uplift others to help make a global impact.If you are a woman of color who is interested in learning more about the Nonprofit Sistas community or you're looking for a community to support you throughout your journey as a nonprofit leader, please visit our site at www.nonprofitsistas.com.Find me on Instagram and LinkedIn, and don't forget to follow the Nonprofit Sistas podcast.

We are excited to invite Dozie Oheri to the mic in today's episode! Dozie is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Choose to Do, Inc. She started Choose to DO, Inc. due to a few things that transpired in her life. One of those reasons included Dozie's frustrations with the lack of care that she witnessed working and volunteering in the nonprofit industry. Her frustration turned into a passion that pushed Dozie to create her own nonprofit in order to build healthier relationships between nonprofits and the communities they served.Born into an immigrant household, Dozie was the only girl out of 4 boys. This dynamic brought on a lot of emotional challenges that caused her to struggle with self-worth well into her young adulthood. By the time Dozie went to college, she had experienced depression and didn't realize it. At some point in her young adulthood, Dozie recognized that she needed help and decided to see a therapist. This decision allowed her to start the journey of working on her self-esteem. Over the years, Dozie's work with children has allowed her to see the impacts of life children experience no matter their economic background and racial demographic. Through Choose to DO, Inc., Dozie and her team have been able to teach a number of interactive classes, provide 400+ youth with mental health resources, and partner with a number of locations within their community. Our mission is to build confidence and esteem for black youth 12-17 years old to embrace healthy mental development by introducing them to apply skills and resources that foster socio-emotional well-being. Choose to DO, Inc. believes that changing a child's mindset changes their outcomes! This vision is what pushed Dozie and her team at Choose to DO, Inc. to continue their work for the next generation.In this episode, we will discuss the importance of taking care of your mental well-being as a nonprofit leader, the trials & tribulations of stating the identity of your target audience, and the importance of having a community go “deeper” in nonprofit discussions.If you are a woman of color who is interested in learning more about the Nonprofit Sistas community or you're looking for a community to support you throughout your journey as a nonprofit leader, please visit our site at www.nonprofitsistas.com.Find me on Instagram and LinkedIn, and don't forget to follow the Nonprofit Sistas podcast.

In today's episode, we are excited to invite Neiasha Russell to the mic! Neiasha is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Harriett's Daughters, an organization that supports, inspires, and empowers girls who have lost their mother to cancer or whose mother is dying from cancer.Neiasha is a former school counselor with 15+ years of experience in elementary, middle, and high school counseling, coordinating programs, liaising with community services, and disseminating information. She's an experienced relationship manager, highly skilled in collaborating with universities, non-profit organizations, government agencies, and corporations. She's also worked as a teen program facilitator, workshop instructor, program director, and community development coordinator. ​She has a Masters of Education (M.A.Ed.) in School Counseling from Grand Valley State University, a B.A. in Psychology with an emphasis in Learning Behavior Disorders from Hampton University, and is certified through, The American Institute of Health Care Professionals in Grief Counseling. She is currently a mentor and volunteers through the American Red Cross, Citizen Emergency Response Team (CERT), and other community-based organizations.Whether she's designing a new program, improving an existing initiative, or working with a team to reach a shared goal, her approach to getting the job done centers on resourcefulness. She produces quality, maximizes effort, and boosts impact because she uses resources that other people don't think to use. She gathers information in unconventional ways, brainstorms new ways to solve old problems, and works tirelessly to produce something she's proud of. ​She has been described as a “woman of integrity” who's “committed to excellence,” and as someone who's “focused,” and “resilient.” She likes to think that she's fun to work with and she does well in positions where she can make a real and lasting difference in the lives of people around her.She feels like she's at the apex of her purpose and profession as founder & CEO of Harriett's Daughters.In this episode, we will discuss how the death of her mom influenced her to help girls deal with grief, making the transition from a school counselor to a nonprofit Founder & CEO, and the growing pains of starting a nonprofit organization as a Black female nonprofit leader.If you are a woman of color who is interested in learning more about the Nonprofit Sistas community or you're looking for a community to support you throughout your journey as a nonprofit leader, please visit our site at www.nonprofitsistas.com.Find me on Instagram and LinkedIn, and don't forget to follow the Nonprofit Sistas podcast.

In today's episode, we are excited to invite Crystal Clark-Chatman to the mic! Crystal is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Beautiful Spirited Women.As a young girl, Crystal suffered from low self–esteem, and depression. She thought everybody was supposed to be my friend. Throughout her life, Crystal tried to find easy ways out, instead of believing in God and how He saw her. She would make poor decisions, but somewhere down that road, Crystal found her true identity and purpose. Out of this enlightenment, The Beautiful Spirited Women Girls Mentoring Program was created. Crystal attributes the formation of this organization to God. He gave her a gift and a vision to fulfill an assignment to be a restoration to girls and women in the community. L'Oreal Paris Women of Worth, Daily Point of Light, & State of Tennessee Governor's Honoree Crystal Clark-Chatman, is the beautiful wife of Troy and a mother of 3 beautiful children who mean the world to her. Crystal is also a part of her illustrious sisterhood of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc for 19 years and she enjoys reading, bowling, journaling, and traveling with her family in her spare time.As the Founder of Beautiful Spirited Women, Crystal fights daily to lead an impactful organization into results. Beautiful Spirited Women was founded in November 2010. She was chosen as one of the Top Super Women in Business through Memphis Business Journal & Change Maker through Leadership Memphis to represent women & girls that are making a difference in their community. She is also the President of her own chapter through Royal Neighbors of America and a Digital Mentor of Peace First. Crystal is also a graduate of Lane College (Business Management) and the University of Phoenix (Master of Business Administration). Crystal is passionate about assisting and teaching others to go to the next level.Crystal and her team are working with over 1,000 youth a year. They are making major impacts on teenage pregnancy, as well as being an advocate against violence against youth. Beautiful Spirited Women has hosted over 350 free workshops and 450 community service projects. At this point, the organization has not experienced an incident of teenage pregnancy. Also, Beautiful Spirited Women has fed and clothed over 200 people per year during the holidays as well as provided over 200 seniors with perishable items through Blessing Boxes. With over 2400+ community service hours, Beautiful Spirited Women & Crystal was chosen as MVP/Leader of the Year in Non-Profit through the Memphis Grizzlies Foundation and several other accolades such as the City of Memphis Proclamation, and Best Non-Profit at the Stone Awards. Beautiful Spirited Women works with girls on a consistent basis from ages 4-19 years old and women in lower-income areas. In this episode, we will discuss how Crystal's spiritual walk with God led her to start a mentoring program, the struggles with developing a supportive team and having a positive tribe, and the realities of leading a nonprofit organization without a salary.If you are a woman of color who is interested in learning more about the Nonprofit Sistas community or you're looking for a community to support you throughout your journey as a nonprofit leader, please visit our site at www.nonprofitsistas.com.Find me on Instagram and LinkedIn, and don't forget to follow the Nonprofit Sistas podcast.

In today's episode, we are excited to invite Erika McCall to the mic! Erika is the founder and Executive Director of the Go For Yours Foundation. On a very cold day in December of 2010, Erika walked away from her full-time job to put handwritten quotes scribbled in her journal to life. At that moment, she never imagined her life taking a drastic turn. She was just yearning to discover something different and out of the ordinary. She grew up thinking success came from having a nice salary, benefits, and an office to match.​Her vision for success came crashing down while on the plane heading back to Chicago after bringing in 2010 in Atlanta. She was writing inspirational quotes in my journal, one of them being "go for yours."After earning a master's degree and working a full-time job, she discovered that her path was meant to go in a nonconventional direction. She is the former Executive Director of Hollywood Actor/author Hill Harper's Manifest Your Destiny Foundation and has helped multiple celebrities and leaders with their nonprofit endeavors.Erika's debut publication, Go For Yours, has sold hundreds of thousands of copies and has been implemented in youth empowerment programs across the country. Writing Go For Yours challenged her to be a living example of the messages in her book. After meeting a young lady with aspirations to compete in the Olympics for swimming but couldn't afford elite private swimming lessons, Erika knew she had to do more than encourage students to follow their dreams. She was determined to become a resource. Meeting so many talented youth lacking resources for success led to her creating the Go For Yours Foundation.Honored by the Urban League's Los Angeles Young Professionals in 2016, Erika was named one of the top nine people under 40 emerging in the field of business, academia, community enrichment, or creativity. She received the Michelle Obama Alumni Award at the Brown Girls Rock Awards from her alma mater, Northern Illinois University, where she received her master's degree in Adult and Higher Education. One of her most notable achievements was a letter from First Lady Michelle Obama complimenting Go For Yours noting, "people can draw inspiration from the stories of courage, strength, and perseverance."Through the organization, Erika and her team serve students between 13 to 21. It is their goal is to close the opportunity gap in the United States.One of the things Erika is most proud of is providing funding for a student who ended up being the first African-American who graduated from Florence Academy of Art in Italy. We transform the lives of young people through our Dream Experience, a one-week fellowship for the next generation of leaders.In this episode, we will discuss how Erika navigated prejudices and bias in the nonprofit space as a Black female nonprofit leader, the importance of establishing a brand for marketing your organization, and the vital part fundraising and donor engagement play in nonprofit organizations.You can learn more about the Go For Yours Foundation by visiting their website or visiting them on  Facebook or Instagram.If you are a woman of color who is interested in learning more about the Nonprofit Sistas community or you're looking for a community to support you throughout your journey as a nonprofit leader, please visit our site at www.nonprofitsistas.com.Find me on Instagram and LinkedIn, and don't forget to follow the Nonprofit Sistas podcast.

In today's episode, we are excited to invite Jania Massey to the mic! As a nonprofit leader, she is known to be transparent, vulnerable, and thoughtful. Jania leverages the importance of a work culture that reflects love and compassion while serving her clients and her community. Also, from time to time, you will catch Jania dancing and laughing, as well as bringing joy and excitement into the lives of others.​Jania Massey is a social change advocate, who desires to share the important building blocks with nonprofits - one community at a time. Raised in Charlotte, NC, she obtained a Bachelor's in Biology, a minor in Chemistry and Psychology, as well as a Master's in Healthcare Administration.As an Organizational Strategist, Jania is passionate about service and social change, which is the reason why she founded JSM Consulting Now. It is a professional nonprofit consulting firm that focuses on helping organizations to implement strategic partnerships, community awareness, and sustainable development. Jania's client list includes organizations specializing in financial education, community engagement, and US or International development.In addition to her entrepreneurial ventures, Jania founded the Stiletto Boss University. An organization that focuses on teaching female youth how to start and sustain their own businesses. Under her leadership, she has been able to expand the reach of the organization into multiple chapters and schools within Charlotte metropolitan area. In 2015, Jania was honored as a 40 under 40 honoree at Winston Salem State University, and in 2016, she was named one of the Seven to Watch in 2017 by the Charlotte Observer. In 2019, Jania received the Trailblazer Award from her alma mater, West Charlotte High School, and in 2019, she received the Candace Award for Economic Empowerment from 100 Black Women - Charlotte Chapter. In addition to the following, Jania is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.In this episode of the Nonprofit Sistas podcast, you will learn how Jania used the power of research to ensure that her organization, Stiletto Boss University, could make an impact on its target audience, increase and sustain her organization's funding, as well as learn the importance of having an operational plan in place to function smoothly as an organization.You can learn more about the Stiletto Boss University by visiting their website or visiting them on Facebook, LinkedIn, or Instagram.If you are a woman of color who is interested in learning more about the Nonprofit Sistas community or you're looking for a community to support you throughout your journey as a nonprofit leader, please visit our site at www.nonprofitsistas.com.Find me on Instagram and LinkedIn, and don't forget to follow the Nonprofit Sistas podcast, rate, and leave us a quick review wherever you're listening.

In today's episode, we are excited to invite Asha Boston to the mic! Born prematurely, at one pound and two ounces, Asha Boston knows a thing or two about fighting for the things you want in life-- including life itself. ​Her work resume includes companies like AMC, BET, and most recently Media Information Services. Asha has a passion for storytelling and has done so via platforms like Her Agenda, Teen Diaries, Vogue, Madame Noire, VIBE, NBA.com, Carib News, and several others. Asha currently serves as the President and CEO of Passion Fruit Vineyard Productions where she oversees all pre, post, and current production services for documentaries, The Dinner Table Doc and A Time Before Kale.In 2014, Asha founded the Dinner Table Doc after producing the Dinner Table Documentary. Her New York City-based non-profit organization worked diligently to partner with schools and community organizations to provide college and career readiness workshops and programming. The Dinner Table Doc serves middle school and high school-aged women of color between the ages of 10-18 years old, as well as incoming college freshmen. Through various events and workshops, the organization has been able to serve over 400 girls in the Brooklyn, New York area, and beyond.In her role as the founder and Executive Director, Asha and her team strives to provide resources and a network for girls to expand their leadership and goal-setting skills, foster healthy conversations for girls to touch on self-identity and self-confidence, and promote healthy eating habits and communication skills.In this episode of the Nonprofit Sistas podcast, you will learn how Asha started her organization by producing a documentary prior to graduating from school, as well as how she managed to increase her organization's financial budget after being the Executive Director for nearly 6 years.Connect with Asha on Instagram or LinkedIn. You can learn more about The Dinner Table Doc. by visiting their website or visiting on them Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, or Instagram. If you are a woman of color who is interested in learning more about the Nonprofit Sistas community or you're looking for a community to support you throughout your journey as a nonprofit leader, please visit our site at www.nonprofitsistas.com.Find me on Instagram and LinkedIn, and don't forget to follow the Nonprofit Sistas podcast, rate, and leave us a quick review wherever you're listening.

In today's episode, we are excited to invite Brandie Leach to the mic! Brandie is a social worker, domestic and sexual violence advocate, Army veteran, and currently the Assistant Director of the Sexual Violence Advocacy and Support Center at Bridgewater State University in Massachusetts.  Also, she has held other direct-service advocacy roles as a program manager, non-clinical sexual assault counselor, and law enforcement advocate at various victim service providers in Rhode Island.  Brandie began her journey as an advocate while serving for the Army on special assignments as her unit's sexual assault response coordinator. This experience triggered her passion for supporting survivors of violence ever since.  She is originally from Connecticut but ended up making Rhode Island her home base. Brandie is the mother of 4 and a "cat mom" to her beloved cat, Masha.  In her spare time, she enjoys reading, having karaoke & dance parties with her daughters, visiting new restaurants, and spending quality time with family & nature.Brandie is the founder of the Haven Box. Her organization focuses on providing comfort boxes to survivors of sexual violence. Haven Boxes are created with items that are carefully and compassionately chosen to support the inherent dignity, self-care, and recovery of a person who has experienced sexual violence.With the help of her team and supporters, Brandie was able to provide 40+ Haven Boxes for survivors of sexual violence during the pandemic.In this episode of the Nonprofit Sistas podcast, you will learn what motivated Brandie to start the Haven Box, as well as how she and her team continued to press forward with their mission despite experiencing external factors from the pandemic. Connect with Brandie on Instagram, or LinkedIn. You can learn more about the Haven Box by visiting their website or visiting them on Instagram or Facebook.If you are a woman of color who is interested in learning more about the Nonprofit Sistas community or you're looking for a community to support you throughout your journey as a nonprofit leader, please visit my site here.Find me on Instagram and LinkedIn, and don't forget to follow the Nonprofit Sistas podcast, rate, and leave us a quick review wherever you're listening.

In today's episode, we are excited to invite Alana V. Allen to the mic. Alana V. Allen is a dynamic nonprofit leader and community activist. She is the founder and executive director of I Am A Queen, a youth development nonprofit based in Greensboro, N.C. She is also a nonprofit business consultant for Alana Knows Nonprofits Consulting, LLC and advocates for HIV, human trafficking, and sexual assault awareness through Project No More SHAME. Allen is a native of Reidsville, N.C. and a graduate of North Carolina A&T State University with a degree in journalism and mass communications. For 15 years, she has worked relentlessly as a public relations professional and within the span of her career, she served for three years as deputy press secretary for the first female Governor of North Carolina, Beverly E. Perdue. Allen's community involvement all began in 2009, when she started I Am A Queen out of a prayer of forgiveness. She had held a secret for 18 years of being molested as a child at the age of six; a secret that kept her bound and defeated spiritually. Through this prayer, God set her free with a call to empower girls and women to be Queens and more than enough. For 10 years, she has developed a thriving year-round mentoring program for girls ages 10-18 that focuses on building their self-esteem and leadership skills. In addition, the nonprofit encourages girls and others to give back to their community through various charitable deeds. Since I Am A Queen's establishment in the Greensboro-High Point area, it has impacted the lives of nearly 15,000 people in North Carolina through mentoring and its annual community outreach events. And due to Allen's strong commitment to being a community leader, she was awarded in February 2017 the “AC Stowe Lifetime Achievement Award” presented by McDonald's Rhythms of Triumph.Connect with Alana on Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook. You can learn more about I Am A Queen by visiting their website or visiting them on Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook.If you are a woman of color who is interested in learning more about the Nonprofit Sistas community or you're looking for a community to support you throughout your journey as a nonprofit leader, please visit my site here.Find me on Instagram and LinkedIn, and don't forget to follow the Nonprofit Sistas podcast, rate, and leave us a quick review wherever you're listening.

In today's episode, we are excited to invite Raioni Madison-Jones to the mic. Raioni Madison-Jones lives a life of service. Raioni has a consistent history of public service and has continuously demonstrated a willingness to give of herself to others.  She is deeply passionate about educating and empowering young women and girls. Her extensive leadership, organizational, personal, and professional accomplishments are an exemplification of her hard work and dedication to rendering service to others. As the Founder and Executive Director of 3D Girls, Inc Raioni works to address the critical disparities that limit girls in low-income communities' access to educational tools, financial empowerment, and health resources that are needed to thrive. She leads a team of six women of color committed to mentoring middle school girls, financially supporting families, coordinating mental health care for parents during the pandemic, and will soon house homeless women and their children. Raioni is responsible for utilizing ten years of non-profit management skills to plan, organize, and direct the organization's operations and programs to fulfill the organization's mission of educating and empowering young women and girls through advocacy.Connect with Raioni on Instagram or LinkedIn. You can learn more about 3D Girls, Inc. by visiting their website. If you are a woman of color who is interested in learning more about the Nonprofit Sistas community or you're looking for a community to support you throughout your journey as a nonprofit leader, please visit my site here.Find me on Instagram and LinkedIn, and don't forget to follow the Nonprofit Sistas podcast, rate, and leave us a quick review wherever you're listening.