Monika Jones Webster shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Monika Jones, it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: What are you chasing, and what would happen if you stopped?
What I am chasing is something far greater than anything I ever imagined possible. I see it as a bag of seeds, and I now have the opportunity to spread those seeds around the world. Those seeds are symbolic of students and future All Feet Covered buildings.
What I am truly chasing is the end of shoe hunger. And I know people may ask, “Shoe hunger?” To me, shoe hunger means students who do not have proper shoes on their feet shoes that are too big, too small, worn down, full of holes, or with soles that are coming off.
Shoe hunger also looks like students wearing sandals in the winter or snow boots in 90–100° summer heat. These conditions may seem small to some, but they have a major impact. Shoes matter. There are students who do not attend school simply because they do not have proper shoes or clothing. They would rather stay home than be teased or bullied.
That is where All Feet Covered Foundation comes in. We believe that no feet should go uncovered.
Our mission goes beyond students. We also serve homeless shelters, women’s abuse centers, unhoused individuals, and our local communities on street corners and under bridges. When I say All Feet Covered, I truly mean all feet covered, no matter the situation or circumstances.
If I were to stop, students around the world would continue to go without something as basic and essential as proper shoes. All Feet Covered Foundation accepts new and gently used shoes because stopping would mean no longer helping seniors attend prom with proper dresses or heels, no longer providing diabetic shoes and dress shoes for men, and no longer serving those in need. At our core, All Feet Covered is about helping, giving back, and ensuring that no matter the circumstance, no feet go uncovered.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Monika Webster, and I’m the Founder and CEO of All Feet Covered Foundation. We believe no student should have to go without proper shoes. I started this foundation after working in schools and seeing so many kids struggle with shoe hunger. Having been in a similar situation myself, I knew I had to do something to help them feel supported, confident, and able to focus on just being a kid.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
One of my earliest memories of feeling truly powerful happened in fifth grade. We were learning about the different parts of government, and I decided I wanted to put what we were learning into practice. I went home that day, grabbed the phone book, and flipped to the blue pages to look up our local governor. I called and told them that we were learning about state and local government in class, and that I wanted to learn more so I could share it with my classmates.
They asked me what school I went to, and I told them Dunbar Elementary and my teacher’s name, Miss J. Baker. I didn’t think much of it at the time, being just a fifth grader, but little did I know what was about to happen. A short time later, the governor of Tennessee sent his assistant down to surprise me at school. That day, I felt seen. I felt powerful. Someone actually noticed me, my curiosity, and my initiative and that feeling stayed with me forever.
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
The fear that has held me back the most in my life has been stage fright. And when I say stage fright, I mean it from many angles. To me, stage fright includes going on a job interview, introducing myself to new people about my nonprofit organization, singing in front of the church choir I’ve known my whole life, teaching a class, training three or more people, speaking among my peers, or speaking in an unfamiliar setting.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
The biggest project I am committed to is securing grants, finding sponsors, and locating a building for All Feet Covered Foundation. I would especially like to secure sponsorship from Nike, since they are based here in Memphis, Tennessee.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
A story I want people to tell about me is that I truly cared about students, about people, and especially about those who couldn’t help themselves or were struggling to get back on their feet. I want them to say I was selfless, often putting others before myself, and that I was loving, cherishing my family, my grandpa, and my children deeply. I want them to remember that I was always willing to help my family, friends, and even strangers in need. I want them to see me as a motivator, someone who tried to see the best in every situation. I am a firm believer in Jesus Christ, and my faith guided me to act with kindness, compassion, and love. Most of all, I want them to say that I went out of my way for others, simply because I would want someone to do the same for me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.allfeetcovered.org
- Instagram: Allfeet_covered_foundation
- Linkedin: All Feet Covered Foundation
- Facebook: All Feet Covered Foundation
- Youtube: All feet covered foundation
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