Focus - Interview with Natasha White

Natasha White is a budding author, growing Christian, and community supporter. Though she works a 9-5, in her "spare" time, she is also a student, dedicated family member, and seeks to bring hope to those around her.

FF: Describe your Christian Journey in three words.

Natasha: Ongoing, beautiful struggle

FF: Tell us a little about the Score4More organization.

Natasha: Score4More was established by African-American men, with Massachusetts athletes in mind. The goal is to equip young men and women with the tools needed to help ensure success. Our flagship program, “Faster, Smarter, Stronger” provides the skills building piece, while our tutoring program is set to be piloted in March, 2013. Throughout the year we hold numerous events such as our renown summer basketball tournament, “Save our Streets”, and this year we held our first holiday party, “We LOVE the kids” where we gave out 500 gifts.

FF: What is your role within Score4More?

Natasha: HA! (laughing out loud), my title is that of Secretary of the Board, but my role is ever evolving. For the most part I am responsible for the administrative arm of the organization which I do enjoy. During our events, I am mostly handling the registration piece, and being available to handle whatever comes up.

FF: What are some of the programs that you offer the youth?

Natasha: The cornerstone of our organization is “Faster, Smarter, Stronger”. This is held year round, on an eight week on/two week off schedule. Here we offer skills building and nutritional tips to the youth we serve. As stated previously, the tutoring arm is being piloted in March, 2013, where the focus is on academics. We realize that being able reading a book is of equal importance as being able to read a play, and we want to make sure our kids are equipped and ready.

FF: The “We love the kids” Christmas Celebration at the Melnea Cass Sports Complex was absolutely beautiful. It had a winter wonderland feel to it and so many people in the community were blessed by it. It was wonderful to see that it was truly a collaborative effort. What are your goals for this year’s celebration?

Natasha: Thank you! Our goals are to have a better impact on the communities we serve. We want to be a resource and be available for many years to come. Our goals are to continue to establish ourselves and to collaborate with those who share our mission. We want the kids and their parents to know we are here for them in any way we can be.

FF: In what way can one get involved?

Natasha: One can get involved through volunteering. We have a GREAT need for volunteers. Whether it be at an event we host, or behind the scenes, we can always use an extra pair of hands, and some fresh ideas. Giving is also another way. Donations are accepted and are greatly appreciated. For more information, people can visit www.score4more.org

FF: What’s next for Score4More?

Natasha: We are constantly growing and evolving. We have an event for young ladies that will be held in April. Faster, Smarter, Stronger is in full effect, and “Save our Streets” will be held in July. In the meantime, we as a team are growing and we are excited about serving our great community.

Score4More Team: Natasha White, Derrone Greaves, Roger Roberts, Marlon Benjamin, Ray Noiles, (top row) Tiffany Benjamin, Clayton Weston, Liz Miranda (bottom row)

Unlock Your Greatness

May 13 – A giant never starts out being a giant; it grows into one.

What things can you stop early before they get out of control?

May 14 – [do you feel less of a man/woman based on how much money you make?]

I am a man/woman who has a lot to offer. My value is not based on how much money I make.

May 15 – It took a while but I love myself. <3

These questions and quotes were pulled out of David Carruthers’ book titled “Unlock Your Greatness Daily Reminders for a Year of Empowerment”. He is also the author of “Kill Your Giants”.

Like King David in the Bible, we have to confront and eliminate the giants in our lives. Also when things are tough and our backs are against the wall, we have to encourage ourselves. Check out his website via http://www.therealdavecarruthers.com.



Focus - Interview with Alishia Louis

Alishia Louis is a single mother of two, a motivational empowerment speaker, entrepreneur and author of two books, Woman Will Thou Be Made Whole?: Healing from the Wounds of Divorce and The Woman You've Empowered me to Be!: Staying on the Path of Emotional Healing & Freedom.  She is the Founder and Chief Visionary Officer of Empowered Women Ministries. She graciously took time out of her busy schedule for this interview.

FF: Describe your Christian Journey in three words.

         Alishia: Incredible        Liberating           Real

FF: Your first book, “Woman, will thou be made whole?: Healing from the wounds of divorce” spoke to me directly although I have not gone through a divorce. You candidly addressed rejection and brokenness. Can you share something with the reader who is broken but does not realize it?

Alishia: I think once a person reads that type of material and begins to connect with it, she then realizes she’s broken. Acceptance is the next step, however. I think a lot or people (men and women) know in their heart that they are fragmented emotionally, but don’t want to accept it. Until you accept that you are broken, healing and emotional healthy living will only be something you look at from afar; never able to touch it for yourself.

FF: What has being a parent taught you about yourself?

Alishia: Ah! Wow. It has taught me that I better get myself right! (smile) Because God shows us who we really are beneath the skin through the behaviors of our children.

FF: Reality TV thrives off of exhibiting toxic relationships between women. How do we reach the women who watch these shows and believe that they are examples of sisterhood?  

Alishia: We reach them by teaching them their value in Christ Jesus. He really is the only one who can open the eyes of the blind, literally. We reach them by introducing God’s genuine love to them. Once a woman experiences God’s genuine love, and the value He has placed on her worth, she does not and will not allow anything or anyone to taint it with emotional toxins.

FF: What was your inspiration for “The Woman You’ve Empowered Me to Be!”?

Alishia: My inspiration was the mirror I looked in as I realized I was 5 months pregnant, had an existing child that was less than a year old, and I was getting ready to be a divorced single mother of two. The question was, “How did I get myself here.” The answer lied within me—deep soul searching. After looking in the mirror, and seeing myself. I had no other choice but to turn to God to me with “me”.

FF: Can you tell us about the Empowered Woman of the Year Award Ceremony and Dinner?

Alishia: Inspired by my own journey: The Purpose of the Empowered Women of the Year Award Ceremony is to honor single mothers who have overcome extreme hardship and have accomplished a level of success in areas of Education, Entrepreneurship, Home Ownership, Career Success & Health. Proceeds from this event go to support our efforts to build a transitional living housing facility in Kent County for single mothers and their children.

FF: What’s next for you?

Alishia: Well Natasha, I sure could use a good night’s sleep and a trip to Jamaica! But we shall see what the Lord shall say. I’m all His!

 FF: God bless you!

For more information about Empowered Women Ministries, visit:
http://www.empoweredwomenministries.org