Extraordinary Friday: Shawonnica Hightower
WELCOME TO Phat Skinny Chic
Extraordinary Friday is where I spotlight women doing
awesome things in the community. I want to highlight ordinary women
achievements to encourage women to extraordinary women. They can be teachers,
business owners, or volunteers.
Let’s meet our Extraordinary
Woman…
Through the years, Successful Dreams Beliefs
& Achievements has partnered with different businesses in the communities
such as Wal-Mart, Chick- Fil-A, United Way, Belk, and the list goes on. The
agency also has host individual contributors. In 2013, McDonough Award Program
recognized Mrs Hightower and Successful Dreams Beliefs & Achievements in
the Educational Associations classification.
Shawonnica Hightower is a member of Zeta Phi
Beta Sorority, Incorporated an organization which cherishes and honors the
highest standards in Scholarship, Service, Sisterhood, and Finer Womanhood.
What makes you an Extraordinary Woman?
I have persevered through many life challenges.
I continue to press on to make a social change for this generation and the next
to follow. It is my life’s mission to continue to stand up for the rights of
others through services, education, and advocacy. Proud, Strong, Innovative, Go-getter and
Joyous are words to describe me as a woman. I know who I am and have a clear
vision for my life. Although I do value the opinions of others, I do not have
to seek out or gain their approval for my life.
Tell me more about your
organization/business?
Successful Dreams Beliefs & Achievements,Inc. is a 501c3 nonprofit organization located in Georgia. Establish 2010.
Successful Dreams Beliefs & Achievements,Inc. is a 501c3 nonprofit organization located in Georgia. Establish 2010.
Mission: To provide children and families of all
socioeconomic status, ethnicities, and disabilities with the essential services
and programs needed in order to transition from childhood to adulthood
We focus on teaching arts and crafts to groups
and individuals to promote continuing learning. We sell products that are
made in house. The funds from purchased items go back into the organization to
assist families, programs, services, and operations.
Donations and Sponsorship help our organization assist others who
do not have the means to pay for things they need from month to month.
How is your business/organization impacting women’s lives?
Women are the most important human beings in
today's society and need to be recognized as such. We work with families
of all socioeconomic status (SES) and ethnic backgrounds. Our organization
Successful Dreams Beliefs & Achievements, Inc. has been blessed to provide
our Mommy and Tea workshop for the
third year this year. This workshop offers participants an opportunity to learn
different strategies of relaxation, nutrition, living on a budget, community
resources, arts, and crafts.
Each year we provide a self-esteem program for
adolescent girls. This program teaches girls to respect themselves as they
blossom into beautiful young ladies. They are taught they can be at the top of
their game as they grow into confident strong classy ladies. We teach them about
how to care for their bodies through different products as they are
transitioning into teens. We also provide services as they prepare for
college or work.
We empower women to be comfortable as a family
unit as they set higher goals. We have individual and group sessions.
We serve as a surrogate at doctor appointments, school meetings,
IEP Meetings, and sport activities.
What was your aha moment?
My life changed when my daughter was diagnosed
with a disability. I was provided test results and logical answers to my
why questions however, something was still missing. The missing was where
and how to obtain resources. I found many families with children with
disabilities were having the same problems with locating resources within their
community. The opening of Successful
Dreams Beliefs & Achievements, Inc. was my vision that came to life to
assist families with disabilities.
What made you step out on Faith?
After my
doctor told me I had to go out on medical leave, I decided it was time to step
out on Faith. During this time I was
relieved of all demands of visitations, emails, reports, phone calls, meetings,
and 24 hour on call. I was giving the chance to relax and think. I
thought about how to utilize my skills, knowledge and resources to transition myself in a comfortable and
safe environment. I had to save self. I no longer felt the pressure of
having to save the world once I transitioned.
.
How do you maintain Good Health?
I am a big advocate of keeping my health intact
through doctor appointments, strength training, cardio, a variety of exercises,
smoothies, juicing, healthy eating, meditating, and prayer. My stress
reliever is meditation, walking two to four miles with music, drinking my
different hot herbal teas, and reading.
Any recommended reading which has inspired you on your journey?
The spiritual autobiography of Sidney Poitier
called The Measure of a Man. This
book is so powerful and moving it makes you want to explore yourself through
history.
Another reading is Russell Simmons book entitled Super Rich a Guide to Having It All. It
is a down to earth and a must have in your book collection. He discusses
things, such as listening to your inner voice, finding your unique potential,
and a blend of wealth through street smart wisdom and spiritual savvy.
What are your tried and true sho’ nuff steps to success?
Setting goals and learning from mistakes are my sho'nuff steps to
success
What is your legacy?
My legacy is to inspire others to be their best.
Always respect yourself and demand respect. Advocate for what is
right.
Ways to contact you or where to find your product? How to get involve
with your organization?
There are several ways to contact me:
C/O
Shawonnica S. Hightower
P.O. Box 1495
McDonough,
GA 30253
Twitter:
@Dreambeliefs
@shawonnica
http://www.dreamsuccessful.org (site under construction)
The purpose of this section of PHATSkinny Chic is to encourage women to
step out of their comfort zone and do something extraordinary. Whether it is
volunteering, writing a book, starting a band, or reading to the elderly, I
want to encourage women to be Extraordinary. To live their best life yet! What
are some parting words of wisdom or nuggets of knowledge you want to leave with
my readers?
Go
after your dreams!
Comments
Post a Comment