We’re looking forward to introducing you to Marquita Gipson. Check out our conversation below.
Marquita, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What’s more important to you—intelligence, energy, or integrity?
All three of these things are important. If I had to choose one, it would have to be integrity. Everything that you do leads from it. Your actions or lack thereof will always demonstrate your level of integrity, intentionality and character.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am the Founder and Executive Director of Girls that Glitter Inc, a nonprofit mentor organization for girls and young ladies ages 7-21. The mission of GTG is to encourage, empower and motivate young ladies in boosting their confidence, self-esteem and self-love. Most of the time I am asked what makes our organization different from others. We assist young ladies in building growth and a community that helps them create their individual opportunities for life’s success, contributing to their community and expanding their horizons.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
Oh man! Looking back at over the years, I can remember myself being a leader very early on. I recognized that I was different from most of the other children. I was trusted with a lot of responsibilities and often time asked to teach, show or demonstrate things to others. This was at home and in the classroom. There has never been a season in my life where I was not coached to coach others or in a role as a leader. Due to these experiences, I consider myself a servant leader. I am most powerful when I am able to help others, motivate and challenge people along the way.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Non-profit leadership is hard. Although, my full time career as a licensed mental health professional is with a non-profit organization, I am not the Chief Executive officer. LOL. The non-profit mentorship space is competitive. This can also present in a challenge with collaborating. Knowing who you can do work with and who you cannot. There is also a competing space for volunteers, leaders and programming. There have been plenty of times I wanted to give up due to minimal or lack of resources. I have had to pivot, revamp and change things around. This makes the vision no different from others. No organization got to the top or success over night. It takes plenty of planning, support and second tries to get things right. I sit and look back at how far we’ve come and at times, I am still shocked at how successfully we have grown. I would encourage you to start small and try again. Everybody’s success does not look the same. There is enough impact for everyone to make a difference. The only loss we have is when we compete.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Whom do you admire for their character, not their power?
I admire the person who is true to themselves. I admire the person who is operating in their purpose and using their gifts in life in the right way. I admire the person who is honest, hardworking and making impact. Your character speaks in rooms you may never enter.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope that people are able to tell the story of how I used my gifts to help them along the way. I hope that people are able to tell stories of how my faith and passion exuded in my daily life. I hope that people are able to share stories and experiences of how Girls that Glitter Inc. was a pillar in the community and the impact mentorship has had on our young ladies. Lastly, I want people to share how I’ve made lemonade out of lemons. My work ethic speaks for itself.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.GirlsthatGlitterInc.com
- Instagram: GirlsthatGlitterInc
- Facebook: Girls that Glitter Inc.
Image Credits
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