Make as many community connections as possible. Get yourself out there. Go to as many events in your community as possible so people know who you are and look for you when they want to start new programs and initiatives.
As part of my series about “individuals and organizations making an important social impact”, I had the pleasure of interviewing Lisa Woodward.
Lisa Woodward is a super mama of three beautiful daughters. She is the co-founder and co-executive director of Motherful, a multiracial grassroots collective of single mothers. She believes that mothering is a revolutionary act.
Thank you so much for doing this with us. Before we begin our readers would like to get to know you a bit more. Can you tell us a bit about your “backstory”?
I was born and raised in Columbus, Ohio, and studied Modern Dance for many years. I am a proud single mother of three and a true Jack-Of-All-Trades. After relocating to New York City in 1999, I worked in fashion and was introduced and fell in love with supporting as a personal assistant. Since then, my superpower task list includes bookkeeping, operations, event and travel planning, project management, research, sales, international manufacturing/importing and sourcing management and property management. I currently work full time as the co-director at Motherful.
Can you tell us the story behind why you decided to start or join your non nonprofit?
I met my co-director Heidi, and we shared so many of the same stories and situations inside of single parenting. We found it hard to find specific single mom support in Columbus, so we vowed to start a resource directory and it budded into the organization that is now Motherful.
Can you describe how you or your organization aims to make a significant social impact?
Motherful aims to make a significant impact by nurturing, supporting and empowering single mothers and their children. If we can help make the lives of single mothers easier by giving them the tools and resources to help them and cause them less stress and worry, they will be able to raise their children to become independent and successful adults.
Without saying any names, can you share a story about an individual who was helped by your idea so far?
One of our members started out in our collective very quiet and unsure of herself. By being involved with the collective, she has learned how to assert herself, use her voice, and become a leader in our collective. She has emerged stronger and more confident than ever before. She has discovered her true voice and stepped confidently into her purpose and power. Many single moms don’t feel worthy of support and feel very isolated; our community is very comforting.
Are there three things the community/society/politicians can do to help you address the root of the problem you are trying to solve?
1. Stop stigmatizing single motherhood. It’s not what people think it is. Single mothers work hard and deserve respect, not scorn.
2. Fund single mother-owned businesses. Single mothers who run their own businesses need more financial support.
3. Support our children. Programs for children need to be funded and supported so every child in this country can thrive.
How do you define “Leadership”? Can you explain what you mean or give an example?
Leadership means to show the way. Leadership means teaching others how to do things fairly and successfully in a supportive, nurturing and kind way. It means doing the right thing, especially when no one is watching and doing it from a place of love.
Based on your experience, what are the “5 things a person should know before they decide to start a non profit”. Please share a story or example for each.
1. This is not easy work. You have to get used to being told no and be okay with rejection.
2. Have a strong support system. Set yourself up for success with a team who will have your back on the best days and the hardest days.
3. Believe in your mission and vision and make sure it is something you truly believe in and stand behind.
4. Take care of yourself. Make sure you set aside time for rest and self-care. You can never pour from an empty cup.
5. Make as many community connections as possible. Get yourself out there. Go to as many events in your community as possible so people know who you are and look for you when they want to start new programs and initiatives.
We are very blessed that very prominent leaders read this column. Is there a person in the world who you would like to talk to, to share the idea behind your non profit? He or she might just see this, especially if we tag them. 🙂
We would love to talk to Oprah, Kelis, Sherri Shepherd, Halle Berry, Erykah Badu and LeBron James about Motherful!
Can you share your favorite “Life Lesson” Quote? How is that relevant to you in your life?
“We delight in the beauty of the butterfly, but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty.” — Maya Angelou
This is relevant to my life because we spend so much time chasing the beauty of life when in reality, most of the beauty of life comes from the trials we experience and what we learn from them along the way. The challenges and trials shape us, and that is truly what makes life beautiful.
How can our readers follow you online?
Motherful_org (instagram)
Motherfulcolumbus (Facebook)
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-woodward-99270485/
This was very meaningful, thank you so much. We wish you only continued success in your mission.
Lisa Woodward of Motherful: 5 Things You Need To Know To Successfully Lead A Nonprofit Organization was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.