Today we’d like to introduce you to Kenya Tumer-griffin

Hi Kenya, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?

I started my journey with a strong passion for working with youth and the community. I began working for the City of Daytona Beach Parks and Recreation Dept., at 16 years old. I worked with the youth at various recreation centers. I was appointed as Site Supervisor, at 18 years old, coaching cheerleading, t-ball, track and field, and teaching youth theater and dance. I was also allowed to host art and craft workshops for the Volusia County Parks and Recreation Dept. I am still employed with the City of Daytona Beach (31 years of part-time service). I now instruct cardio line dancing and supervise the recreational sites when needed. This was my first job, and it set the foundation for the leadership, organization, customer service, professionalism, and planning skills I have today.
I believe, my motivation, dedication, and willingness to always do the greater good in the world is how I got to where I am today.
I always, credit my parents for instilling the go-getter mentality that I have. However, I know that there is nothing, I have done or will do, that’s not powered by my higher power. Everything has been made possible because of my crazy faith in my higher power.
Because of the blessings of my higher power not only do I still work for the City of Daytona Beach, Parks and Recreation Dept., but I also hold the COO/HRM/Program Coordinator positions with Mr. and Ms. Mentoring, a nonprofit organization, who works with at-risk youth, ages 9 to 18, and young adults ages 18 to 24.
I’m the president of Sherrie’s Suga Scrubs, LLC. My daughter Ta’Keysha Pope is the CEO. Sherrie’s Suga Scrubs produces natural skin care products for all skin types.
I’m the CEO of K’s Unlimited, LLC, a company specializing in various services such as event coordination, creative fruit displays, and up-cycled denim products.
I also hold executive board positions in three other nonprofit organizations.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?

I can honestly say that I have not met too many challenges on my career journey. I contribute this to learning and obtaining very early in life that hard work, dedication, communication, and constantly improving my skills and abilities are key.

One obstacle I faced was my drive and persistence seemed to intimidate my superior. I possess a strong personality and a relentless drive for advancement. Unfortunately, I encountered a superior who obstructed my ability to fully leverage my potential and failed to provide the necessary independence and autonomy required for my role.

After carefully assessing the individual’s personality style and recognizing the unchangeable circumstances that would hinder my effectiveness in that position, I decided to resign and propel my career to new heights.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?

I could have taken my management and human resources experience to just about any business and landed a well-paying position with a large office overlooking flowering trees.
However, that’s not me. I like to help those most in need.
For the last two years, I’ve worked as the program coordinator and human resources manager for a nonprofit organization called Mr. and Ms. Mentoring, Inc.
Mr. and Ms. Mentoring help youth aged 9 to 18 who live in poverty, have mental health diagnoses such as ADHD or autism, come from homes where they may experience abuse or neglect, and are at risk of facing unstable and unhappy adulthood.
We deal with the at-risk youth nobody else wants to deal with. They have trauma. Some have anger issues, and some have been in the court system. We now service young adults ages 18 to 24, assisting them in transitioning into independent living.
It’s tough work that doesn’t guarantee a happy ending, but I envision myself doing it for the rest of my working days.
There’s NO other program in Volusia County doing what Mr. and Ms. Mentoring Programs.
With K’s Unlimited, I am consistently booked for weddings, parties, baby showers, anniversary parties, and hosting events. I also, do motivational speaking and Business/Professional Training. I get excited when I’m commissioned to do up-cycled denim projects because I love working with my hands.
I am most proud of being the president of Sherrie’s Suga Scrubs. My daughter took a product that I was making at home for the comfort of my personal use and turned it into a thriving business. She created new scents and products that make Sherrie’s Suga Scrubs unique.
I am also proud of being awarded Volusia County, Public Sector Woman of the Year 2023 and the News-Journal Hometown Hero 2023.
I am most known for my cheerful and get-it-done personality in the community. My willingness and judgment-free mindset to assist in any great cause in my community sets me apart from others.
I feel like whatever my higher power chooses for me is what’s for me. I never move without consulting with my higher power about things first.

So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?

Witnessing all the youth and young adults I’m in contact with receive the skills to become successful adults.
This is the goal. I want to see mentally, and spiritually healthy adults emerge through the leadership of Mr. and Ms. Mentoring.
I want to see Sherrie’s Suga Scrubs products in every major store.
I want K’s Unlimited to execute the best events for customers, execute the most spectacular fruit displays ever seen, and create amazing up-cycled denim pieces.
If each entity in my life does well, this would mean, that the individuals served are happy, healthy, and thriving.
That’s truly all that matters!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://mrandmsmentoring.org
• Instagram: ktg_diva
• Facebook: Kenya Tumer-Griffin
• Youtube: @KayGriff721