Today we’d like to introduce you to Mercedes Gibson

Hi Mercedes, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.

Why don’t we start with my bio? Mercedes Gibson (she/her) serves as the visionary force propelling Mercedes Gibson Coaching—an enterprise passionately dedicated to dismantling the racial and gender wealth divide. With a focused mission, she pioneers culturally attuned career and wellness coaching meticulously crafted for women and femmes of color.

Drawing upon a remarkable 22-year journey within the nonprofit realm, Mercedes presently holds the role of Economic Equity Senior Program Manager at The Greenlining Institute. In this capacity, she ardently champions businesses owned by individuals of color, infusing advocacy with tangible impact.

Nurtured amidst the vibrant tapestry of Oakland, a city marked by economic barriers and historical oversight, Mercedes possesses an intimate grasp of the trials endured by black and brown small enterprises nestled within underdeveloped and redlined enclaves. From the tender age of 14, she has harnessed her boundless energy in unflinchingly advocating for those often relegated to the sidelines of vital discourse: the economically disadvantaged, people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, and women.

Certified as an Applied Positive Psychology Coach, her coaching practice seamlessly interweaves wellness with career triumph and sustainability. Beyond her professional sphere, Mercedes seeks solace in nature’s embrace—whether it involves the tranquil waters of lakes and rivers, the cosmic allure of starlit firesides, or the captivating narratives spun by graphic novels.

For an exploration of career coaching tailored to uplift women of color, explore: www.mercedesgibson.com

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?

No, lol. It has not been a smooth road, but it’s been an interesting one. I was born mixed, black, poor and gay. My family struggled with addiction, mental and physical health. At 16 years old, I became a ward of the court, and thankfully I was taken in by my Aunt JoAnn and avoided foster care.

I think the rocky start provided me with a level of grit that paired well with my ambition. Luckily for me, although I’ve struggled with depression and anxiety, I’ve always been drawn towards community, both to help others and myself. At 13, I knew I was a homo, and it didn’t bother me much. It did bother many people around me, but it was one of the few things that brought me joy and I was going to cling to it. Disappointed and grossed out adults and peers would have to choke on it, or so I figured.

I sensed I needed help, so I sought other queers and by the grace of Dog, found a somewhat controversial queer girls group in San Leandro, then called Girls Alliance. There, I found my first love at 14 years old. It was black love, and it was glorious. I was also able to snag my first non profit job at 16, and join a LGBTQ+ youth talkline, giving young LGBTQI+ people a safe, non judgment space to talk, and actively fight the alarming rate of suicide in our communities. Honestly, if there were more safe and non judgemental spaces like that, career and wellness coaches like me might go out of business. I find that’s mostly what my clients need.

After working in nonprofits for 22 years, I know I love economic development and wellness for BIPOC communities. For women and femmes. For poor girls, and young black and brown women. For queers, and misfits and those of us relegated to the fringes. It’s what I was made for.

I have always been a hustler, but my needs are changing, and I require more softness. To that end, I began a coaching business that has morphed into career coaching through the lens of wellness for women of color. Although I love building and running programs for nonprofits, there are no words to describe when you see your client transforming. Not winning. Not losing. But transforming

As you know, we’re big fans of it’s career coaching through the lens of wellness. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?

I offer something a little different. I might say “it’s career coaching through the lens of wellness”, but what I mean is the idea you don’t have to sacrifice your health for your career. A lot of my clients are very tired, and they need to rest. Not only that, they need an expert to let them know it’s okay to rest. However, in coaching we view the client as whole. They often already know what they need. They just bring me along, a travel companion of sorts, to explore with them. We get to know YOU together, in a gentle but, authentic way. Being sensitive to others’ needs does not mean that it always feels good to either party. But we get to explore the chaos of let’s say ~ actually creating a work life balance and sticking to it ~ together.

Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?

I think I look a bit younger than I am. I won’t say how old, but Spice Girls was my first concert. I won it on CMC California Music Channel) from Chewy Gomez! My coaching also offers a spiritual element. I don’t lead with this, because I want clients to feel like they can come as they are. However, I am surprised how much clients enjoy picking a tarot card, or making meditation apart of their career journey. There is a theory of have: the better you treat yourself, the more improved your career. You don’t have to be into say, astrology, to work with me. But you do have to be up for the mission of understanding, accepting and loving yourself unconditionally.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.mercedesgibson.com

Image Credits

Makeup and Photo: Derrick Miller Handley
https://www.instagram.com/derrick_miller_handley/