Sisters are strong Please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Great question. I am just a girl who grew up in Birmingham AL. My parents were hard working people and instilled in me their strong work ethics. I did very well in school, but I met a man who would end up becoming my husband so before I started college, I decided to marry and travel the world with my Army husband.
My parents were steaming mad! My new husband promised my parents that I would complete college, which I did. I took longer than I thought but I managed to obtain a BS degree in Legal Policy, a Masters in Acquisition and Contract Management and a BA in Early Childhood Education. I worked for twenty- four years for the Department of the Army. I officially retired in 2011 and immediately jumped into service mode. I knew I wanted to work with children of all ages. I prayed about it and eventually founded the non- profit organization, Every Child Has a Story. It’s been a great journey ever since.
Beverly, what should we know? What do you do best? What sets you apart from others?
I am Christian woman who’s faith has been tested from time to time. I’m a cancer warrior who knows how to fight and when to tag Jesus when the battle is no longer mine. I’m a wife, mother and “Grand MaMa” to five amazing grandchildren. I love what I do.
My purpose is my divine assignment which has led me to work with amazing youth and extraordinary partners. What I do best is my gift to be able to listen to understand and not just to respond, and what sets me apart from others is I have no desire to be applauded for what I do. I have been assigned the phenomenal task of leaving a legacy…not just for my family, but for all families that cross my path.
What is “failure” and “success” for you?
Failure and success mean opportunity to me. When I fail it affords me another opportunity to not only determine what did not work, but the opportunity to improve and move forward. Success means you are on the right path; your method is not only plausible but on point. Now improve on it and move forward.
We’d love to hear more about your work.
As Founder and CEO of Every Child Has a Story, I have a team of board members and volunteers who have helped build our online global presence. We have three programs currently within our Speak Out Write Now Online Academy where we instruct members in developing communication skills. The Writers Vibe program gathers those thoughts, ideas, dreams and imagination and puts them into words. Those words are then used to construct stories or poetry. These works become manuscripts and once complete, they are handed over to the publisher (Writers Concierge) for publishing on Amazon.com.
Youth enrolled in Every Child Has a Story, moves to the Speech Crafters Speech and Debate program to brush up those oral skills. They write and present seven speeches, on any topic as well as learning how to discuss their book with future buyers. Now that they are confident in their oral skills, they move on to Jr. CEO Academy Huntsville. They learn about business and financial literacy. They have a product, their book; and they learn entrepreneurial skills such as writing a business plan, preparing a pitch for sponsors or startup costs, inventory management, processing sales, ecommerce tools and more.
The Writers Vibe has also published its very own magazine. Youth Talk Magazine is all about youth, created by and for the community youth. Our newest program that will launch January 2021 is the News and Journalism program in which youth will interview local business owners, community leaders and share insight in our daily life activities. These interviews will appear in our print magazine as well as our future Internet TV Station.
What excites you right now?
Kids always excite me, but what truly excites me is the global potential our program has and the unlimited possibilities for the youth in our communities.
Yeap, we are in a pandemic, BUT what’s the best thing that has happened to you this year?
This pandemic has been really hard on so many people, but the best thing that has happened to me this year is realizing that no matter how rough the road, if you stay on your path, focus on God and lean in when needed you will get through. I fought triple negative breast cancer and COVID-19 this year. There were times when I wanted to quit, but my DNA is filled with the strength and conviction of my ancestors. They were warriors and so am I.
What ONE thing would you like for our readers to take away from this feature story, about you?
Living is not always easy. We all have encountered peaks and valleys throughout this walk of life. I realized that it is in the valley where greatness is born and nurtured. It is where your life lessons are learned. So do not fear failure. Do not fear the valleys. Gather your life lessons and those tools needed to climb that mountain and never stop moving toward your dreams.
How can our readers connect with you?
Phone Number (256-527-2692)
Email Address: director@everychildhasastory.org
Website: https://everychildhasastory.org