We were lucky to catch up with Candace Stallworth recently and have shared our conversation below.

Candace, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

In 2013, I began my career in mental health, driven by a deep desire to support individuals on their journey toward healing and stability. Over the years, I worked in various mental health roles, gaining experience in direct service, case management, and program coordination. The work was meaningful, but I always knew I wanted to do more—something that would leave a lasting impact on families and communities.

By 2020, while being a full-time single parent, I decided to take a leap of faith and start my own nonprofit. The vision was clear: to create a space that would provide education, resources, and support to families—particularly single-parent households—who often face systemic barriers. Launching Parent Promise 513 in the middle of the pandemic was no easy feat. With limited funding and resources, I had to rely on sheer determination, creativity, and the skills I had built over the years.

In 2022, we received our first grant—a major milestone that felt like confirmation that the dream I was pursuing was valid. Encouraged by this success, I began applying for several more grants. Although we were often told that our proposals were competitive, we repeatedly faced the disappointment of not receiving the funds. Still, I refused to let those rejections define the future of Parent Promise.

In 2024, I made the bold decision to pivot into the IT field—a move that some may have viewed as a detour but was, in reality, a strategic risk to fuel my nonprofit dreams. After being unexpectedly fired from what I once considered my dream position in the mental health field, I saw this shift as an opportunity rather than a setback. I completed nine months as a help desk support specialist, gaining valuable technical skills while continuing to build on the professional expertise I had already acquired.

During this time, I also began working with 3E Consulting and Training Solutions LLC as a virtual assistant, taking on small projects. What started as a side role quickly evolved into a true partnership. I contributed to a variety of projects, combining my skills in mental health, administration, and operations. Through hard work, dedication, and consistency, I grew into my current role as Director of Operations for 3E’s behavioral health services through OhioRISE.

Looking back, taking the risk to leave the security of a traditional mental health career and venture into nonprofit leadership and IT was one of the most challenging but rewarding decisions I’ve ever made. The journey has been filled with obstacles, but every step—from founding Parent Promise to working in IT and expanding my role with 3E—has equipped me with the skills, resilience, and perspective needed to continue building a legacy of support and empowerment for families.

Candace, 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?

Hi! I’m Candace Stallworth, a full-time single parent to two amazing daughters, born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio. I’m a Roger Bacon High School Class of 2009 graduate and a Proud HBCU alumna, having earned my bachelors degree from Kentucky State University in 2013, where I was also a collegiate softball athlete—my main position was pitcher and outfield. Sports taught me discipline, resilience, and the power of a strong team—a mindset that I’ve carried into every aspect of my personal and professional life.

I come from a legacy of helping professionals, following in my mother’s footsteps with a deep-rooted passion for seeing others reach their peak potential. This desire to uplift others is the driving force behind everything I do. I genuinely love to **smile, spread joy, and make fun out of everything, no matter the circumstance. What sets me apart is my unwavering **ability to find the lesson in every situation—good or bad—and use it as fuel for growth and innovation.

My Work and Mission

I wear many hats, but at the core, I am a mental health professional, nonprofit leader, and IT support specialist. In 2020, I founded Parent Promise 513, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting families—especially single-parent households—through education, advocacy, and access to resources. We strive to challenge labels like “underserved” or “low-income” by empowering families with knowledge and opportunities to thrive.

In 2024, I also transitioned into IT support—a strategic move to diversify my skill set and fund my nonprofit dream. I spent nine months in help desk support gaining valuable technical skills while continuing to build my nonprofit and consulting portfolio. During this time, I began working with 3E Consulting and Training Solutions LLC as a virtual assistant. My role quickly grew into Director of Operations for their behavioral health services through OhioRISE, where I now help oversee and expand services that directly impact youth and families.

What I’m Most Proud Of
One of my proudest personal achievements was purchasing my first home nearly four years ago—a goal I accomplished while making less than $40K on paper that year. It’s a testament to my resourcefulness, determination, and faith. Despite financial limitations, I remained present for my children throughout the process, teaching them the power of goal-setting, teamwork, and resilience.

What I Want You to Know
– I am driven by purpose over profit—every project, service, and collaboration is rooted in empowering people and creating impact.
– I specialize in locating resources, connecting people to solutions, and educating them on how to maximize their potential.
– Whether through mental health services, nonprofit leadership, or IT solutions, I am committed to helping individuals and families turn obstacles into opportunities.
– Most importantly, I want people to know that success isn’t just about resources—it’s about resourcefulness, intentionality, and heart.

I’m living proof that you can achieve big things with limited resources. Whether it’s building a nonprofit, pivoting into a new industry, or purchasing a home on a modest income—it all comes down to being strategic, intentional, and determined**. And through it all, I keep smiling, finding joy in every lesson, and bringing others along for the ride.

Any advice for managing a team?

Create a Culture of Appreciation! Recognition fuels motivation. I make it a habit to celebrate small wins as much as the big ones. Whether it’s a quick shoutout during a meeting, a thoughtful message, or a small token of appreciation, acknowledging effort and progress helps keep the team inspired. People who feel appreciated are naturally more engaged and motivated.

We’d love to hear about how you met your business partner.

I first met Shauna Wallace at an agency where she was leading documentation and onboarding training. From the moment she started teaching, I was drawn to her authentic style and practical approach to the mental health field. Her ability to break down complex processes with clarity and confidence immediately stood out. Beyond her knowledge, it was her genuine passion for the work and her natural ability to empower others through education that made a lasting impression on me.

What started as a professional connection quickly turned into a genuine friendship. During a particularly vulnerable moment in my life, I called Shauna out of pure trust and confidence to share the news that I was pregnant with my youngest daughter. That conversation became the foundation of a bond that has only strengthened over time. From that day on, we’ve been locked in—personally and professionally.

Shauna is, without a doubt, one of the most respected social work professionals I know. Her ambition, creativity, and drive align perfectly with my own values and vision—especially when it comes to workplace expectations, program design, and equity-focused approaches. What makes her even more exceptional is her ability to keep me grounded in my purpose. Whenever I’m navigating a challenge—whether in business or life—she always brings me back to the essential question: What is your why?
It’s a simple but powerful reminder that keeps me focused on my mission and values, even when things get tough.

Shauna isn’t just my business partner—she’s my sister in purpose. Our shared commitment to authenticity, integrity, and impact makes our partnership strong. I’m grateful every day for her wisdom, creativity, and unwavering support—both as a colleague and a friend. That’s my girl!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.parentpromiseppo.org
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/parentpromise513/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ParentPromise513
• Linkedin: Personal | www.linkedin.com/in/candacestallworth | Business: https://www.linkedin.com/company/parent-promise-513
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Thepurposedparent