Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Ayesha Watson. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Ayesha, thanks for joining us today. Was there a moment in your career that meaningfully altered your trajectory? If so, we’d love to hear the backstory.
A defining moment in my professional career came when I founded my nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting families and children by connecting them to critical mental health, educational, and community resources. At that time, I was already deeply involved in advocacy through my work with the NAACP, youth councils, and community service initiatives but witnessing firsthand how many families struggled silently with access to basic services changed everything for me. One particular family’s story a single mother trying to balance work, childcare, and her child’s emotional needs without adequate support stirred something in me. I realized advocacy had to go beyond awareness; it required building real systems of care.
That moment shifted my career trajectory from simply being a community leader to becoming a bridge-builder someone who not only speaks for the underserved but creates sustainable programs that empower them. It taught me that leadership is not about position but about purpose and service. Since then, every initiative I’ve led from developing youth programs to organizing workshops for parents and partnering with agencies for family support has been grounded in that same lesson: real change begins when compassion meets action
Ayesha, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
My passion lies in empowering families, youth, and communities through advocacy, education, and access to critical resources. My professional journey began with a deep desire to help parents and children navigate challenges in education, mental health, and community engagement. Over the years, that purpose has evolved into a full-fledged mission that bridges community development, leadership, and social impact.
As a past NAACP Board member and Chair Youth Committee DeKalb County Chair, Past Board Member of the Stockbridge youth Committee, and former NCNW Co-Chair youth in DeKalb County, I’ve had the privilege of leading statewide initiatives that strengthen family support networks and expand opportunities for young people. My work has also connected me with local lawmakers and community leaders to advocate for programs that address equity, mental health, and access to education. These experiences helped shape my ability to design effective programs, lead teams, and implement initiatives that create measurable change.
I am also a proud recipient in the last few years of the NAACP Community Service Award, recognizing my dedication to advocacy and community empowerment. Through my nonprofit, I and my team provide services such as family case management, therapy support connections, housing, food pantry, youth mentoring, and resource navigation for families in need. I also assist individuals with starting nonprofits and small businesses, helping them turn ideas into impactful organizations.
As an author of Helping Parents Get Their Children Into College: A Roadmap to Success and The Baby Mama: Tips to Co-Parenting and Moving On, I use storytelling as a tool to educate, heal, and inspire. My brand represents purpose-driven leadership combining advocacy, compassion, and innovation to uplift others. What sets me apart is my ability to connect at both the grassroots and professional levels bridging families, communities, and systems to ensure everyone has a path to success.Above all, I’m most proud of seeing lives transformed through the work I do parents gaining hope and live well, children thriving, and communities uniting for change.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
One of the most defining parts of my journey has been learning to balance motherhood, purpose, and leadership often at times when life felt uncertain. As a mother, I faced moments when resources were limited, challenges felt overwhelming, and the weight of responsibility seemed heavy. Yet, it was in those very moments that I discovered my true resilience. I realized that my strength wasn’t just about enduring difficulties it was about transforming them into motivation to create better opportunities for my 2 sons and for other families facing similar struggles.
There was a period when I was pursuing my professional goals while raising my sons and managing community projects with from my mom and dad- most of all GOD. Instead of letting the obstacles define me, I used them as fuel to keep going. I turned my experiences into purpose driven action founding a nonprofit that connects families to vital resources and writing books to help others navigate co-parenting, healing, and educational success.
That chapter of my life taught me that resilience isn’t about perfection it’s about persistence, faith, and the courage to rebuild even when the odds are against you. Today, I bring that same strength into every space I enter whether advocating for families, mentoring youth, or leading community initiatives.
Let’s move on to buying businesses – can you talk to us about your experience with business acquisitions?
In a sense, yes though instead of buying an existing business, I built one from the ground up using my own resources and determination. In the early 2000s, I used my income tax refund to start my nonprofit organization, which focuses on supporting families, youth, and veterans by connecting them to essential community resources. At the time, I didn’t have investors or outside funding just a vision to make a real impact and the faith to take the first step.
The “acquisition” process was less about paperwork, making connections, getting in the right rooms/and more about sacrifice and persistence. I learned how to file incorporation documents, secure state and federal recognition/ funding/contracts and build partnerships with agencies such as the Department of Family and Children Services, Comissioners, Mayors, and Medicaid. Looking back, that investment of my own money and belief laid the foundation for something far greater than profit it created a lasting community resource that continues to change and empower lives today.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.exploringyourpurpose.com
- Instagram: Coach_Ayesha
- Facebook: Ayesha Watson
- Youtube: Coach Ayesha
- Other: Linktree
https://linktr.ee/5678dancenow.inc?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=2f792cad-70e0-47fb-b36b-964385f81a0c
