Today we’d like to introduce you to April Hubbard.
Hi April, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I knew I had to know had to do something. In 2006, my cousin died of breast cancer, followed by a close friend who also was diagnosed with breast cancer. While holding my close friend hand she transitioned.
I frequently visited both during their illnesses and witnessed first-hand how this devastating disease impacted their lives and how much-needed information and services were not accessible to many in Memphis’ inner-city neighborhoods.
Soon after my cousin transitioned, I organized my first gift basket give-a-way for cancer survivors. For the first couple of years, I just asked around for recipients, just about everyone knows a cancer survivor; then people started contacting me with names of potential recipients.
The baskets are distributed in October, and filled with useful items, including gift certificates for restaurants, spas, and other services and gifts from corporate donors, and in-kind donations. And, of course, there is plenty of information useful to cancer survivors.
I felt God pulling me in one direction, but I kept backing away. But that “pull” became even stronger. In 2011, I founded Pink with a Purpose Non-Profit Corp (PWAP) to help focus greater attention on all cancer prevention, specifically in the areas of diet and nutrition, which is one of the most promising fields in the fight against cancer.
We are growing PWAP, hosting annual health wellness events and Survivors Symposiums. We do so much in the community. It is a Blessing to help others. PWAP is an organization that assists those that have any form of cancer. #AllCancerSucks
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Being a minority business owner (black female), it is challenging as it pertains to funding. But the funding process will not deter me from helping others and being able to assist and see the smiles on their faces.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
April J. Wadlington-Hubbard is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Pink With A Purpose (PWAP).
PWAP is a registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization founded in 2009 to focus greater attention on cancer prevention and treatment specifically in the areas of diet and nutrition, one of today’s most promising fields in the fight against cancer.
PWAP seeks to educate at-risk populations about cancer and the related disparities specifically around diet and nutrition and financial literacy; to promote early detection among men and minority groups; to connect residents who live in low-income, and low-access areas, to the proper cancer screening and treatment resources; and to promote physical, social, and emotional well-being through community-based events.
Mrs. Wadlington-Hubbard is also committed to service and community involvement. She is the immediate Past President of the Memphis Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated. She is the Past National Treasurer for LeMoyne-Owen College Alumni Association.
As an active and investment Memphian – she is a board member of The April 4th Foundation and Innovative Counseling & Consulting N.P., Inc., Founder of PWAP Student Health Ambassador Program (S.H.A.P.E.) The program serviced two SCS systems. Member of the Black MBA Association, Melrose High School Alumni Association, and served as a committee member for Orange Mound 125th Year Celebration.
Mrs. Wadlington-Hubbard is an active mentor and political campaign liaison. She was the responsible liaison for bringing Presidential Candidate Secretary Hillary Clinton to Memphis, Tennessee to speak at LeMoyne-Owen College on November 20, 2015.
Mrs. Wadlington-Hubbard was born and raised in Memphis, Tennessee. She is a graduate of Melrose High School. She received a Bachelor of Business Administration from LeMoyne-Owen College and a Master of Arts in Human Resources Management from Webster University.
Mrs. Wadlington-Hubbard has been married to Asst. Chief Reginald Hubbard for 32 years and is the mother of one daughter – Dr. Twanda D. Wadlington. Wadlington-Hubbard’s hobbies are reading, cooking, and traveling, her interests are community involvement and building the gap regarding economic disparity.
Do you have any advice for those just starting?
Set goals, be professional, and keep your paperwork in order (taxes, licensing, etc.) DO NOT GIVE UP!
If one door closes… go knocking on the next, and eventually, someone will say YES! Please do not be selfish, if you know you can help anyone in business, assist them! DO NOT STOP YOUR BLESSINGS!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.pinkwithapurpose.net
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PinkWithaPurpose
Image Credits
Shamika Blocker
