THE SPIRIT IN YOU
said. "I knew that God had given me a second chance." With a rejuvenated sense of purpose, Ford got right to work. What started as a small conference that she organized evolved into an extensive non-profit entity that provides professional development workshops, health and financial awareness seminars, volunteer opportunities and professional networking events.
Some of the staff of STEP UP from left to right: Richard Jackson, Janin's Hustand, Dr. Tunishai Ford, and Toni Coleman .
Your Own Uniqueness, Inc., is shaped by the core values of transformation, racial equity and social justice, commitment and collaboration. By providing structured plans of improvement, participants can learn what might be hindering them from accomplishing their goals. This system also allows women involved to learn from each other.
"A lot of these women share similar struggles," the Southgate, Mich., resident said. "So when they're also working closely with me, our membership just continues to grow as a result of these women going out and spreading the word in the community."
Even throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Your Own Uniqueness, Inc.,
First year STEP UP students and teachers are above and 2nd year STEP UP is below. Both classes had wonderful years.
continues its mission of empowering women. The organization conducted a completely virtual seminar on Feb. 26, outlining the power of financial literacy for women in relationships. "This organization is going to grow by leaps and bounds. Every day, we meet people who want to get involved with what we are doing," Ford said. "I'm so honored that the Red Wings and Tigers decided to even consider me because I see myself as a small fish in a big pond."
Ford said being recognized means the non-profit's future is headed in the right direction. "I see our non-profit becoming a well-oiled wheel and I want to take this thing global," Ford said. "We want to have seminars and workshops that will welcome women from all over the world to be part of what we're doing. We're going to continue to try to reach, and travel, globally regularly."
For now, the organization will continue