Philanthropy

Looking over my life I can definitively identify the moments where someone’s kind words, helping hand, and generosity made a difference in the outcome and trajectory of my life.  In each case, the person gave from their substance.  They gave of themselves.  In that philanthropic moment they became a vessel, an angel, a hero.

As that kid, that young woman, that Mom, as that co-worker I can tell you that in my heart of hearts I always wanted to pay it forward.  I wanted to be the giver.

Over the years I’ve endeavored to serve others with my talents.

When my Moms died I felt the need to memorialize her passion for education.  So I founded the non-profit GRACE Institute for Learning. (G-R-A-C-E stands for Giving a Reason and a Chance to Excel).  This afterschool enrichment program used Emotional Intelligence concepts and approaches to help students find academic success.

As I came to understand and crave the independence entrepreneurship brings I did my own LLC start up; 5 Star Training ATL where I produced business training workshops in Atlanta.  These working sessions sent participants home with their business credentials to operate in the state of GA as well as tools to build their business and sales plans.

Kenectit.com was a crowd-funding platform for small black-owned start-ups.  The mission was to jumpstart and incubate the dreams of these entrepreneurs.  The Kenectit crowd-funding platform was designed to mirror the functionality of the infamous Kickstarter platform and included webinars, workshops, and tons of help and support for their fundraising campaign.

My husband and I are committed to giving our time and resources to enrich the lives of others.  As such, I’ll use this space to publish various fundraiser events and activities we’re involved with.  Feel free to follow your heart and pay it forward whenever you can.

Last year’s philanthropy work was really rewarding.  We worked to complete the infrastructure to establish the Scholarship for the Youth Enrichment Programs on behalf of the Pass it On Foundation.  This includes working on 2 fundraising events and 2 Days of Service.  If you’re interested in learning more about our philanthropic efforts, click here.