We were lucky to catch up with Haraka Carswell recently and have shared our conversation below.

Haraka, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?

The Story Behind My Mission

Growing up, I always loved to help people, especially those who did not have a voice. My own struggles and how life played out for me often left me silenced. Despite these challenges, I always knew I wanted to give back, even if I didn’t know how at the time.

At the age of 19, I became a single parent. I prayed for help and promised that I would give back in return. As my son grew older, I became a sports mom, juggling two jobs. When my son entered college, God opened the door for me to start the Youth Giving Back Sports Mentor Program to assist student-athletes. I always believed it takes a village to raise a child, and I was fortunate to have that village for my son.

To help our students, I knew we needed parents involved. Many of our youth had lost their siblings, and their homes were no longer conducive to learning or participation. God gave me a vision to host a brunch and bring together as many women as possible who had lost a child. This was the beginning of building our village, a community where these mothers could find the resources and support they needed to push through their pain and continue to care for their other children.

This vision and my own experiences drove my mission to create a nonprofit organization. Silent Women Speaking Foundation Inc. was born out of a deep desire to give a voice to those who have been silenced by trauma and loss. By providing comprehensive support, educational resources, and fostering a sense of community, we aim to empower these mothers to heal, rebuild their lives, and contribute positively to their families and communities.

Haraka, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My name is Haraka Carswell, known by “Nikki”, and I am the founder of two impactful nonprofit organizations: Silent Women Speaking Foundation Inc. and Youth Giving Back Sports Mentor Program. Both of these initiatives stem from my personal experiences and a deep-seated commitment to serving those in need, particularly women and youth affected by violence and adversity.

Growing up, I faced many challenges and often felt silenced by my circumstances. Despite this, I always had a passion for helping others, especially those without a voice. At 19, I became a single parent, navigating the complexities of raising a child on my own. This journey shaped my understanding of the importance of community support and the power of giving back.

Silent Women Speaking Foundation Inc.

Silent Women Speaking Foundation Inc. is dedicated to empowering mothers who have lost their children to acts of violence, particularly gun violence. Our mission is to provide comprehensive support through educational assistance, social advocacy, and promoting healthy productivity. We guide mothers through their grief, helping them heal and rebuild their lives.

Key Activities and Accomplishments:
Support and Empowerment: Providing emotional and practical support to mothers, helping them navigate their grief and find hope.
Community Building: Hosting events and workshops that bring together women who have experienced similar losses, fostering a sense of community and shared healing.
Advocacy and Awareness: Raising awareness about the impact of violence on families and advocating for policies that support affected mothers.

Youth Giving Back Sports Mentor Program

Youth Giving Back Sports Mentor Program focuses on supporting student-athletes, particularly those from underserved communities. We aim to provide mentorship, resources, and opportunities that help young athletes excel both on and off the field. Understanding that it takes a village to raise a child, we actively involve parents and the broader community in our efforts.

Key Activities and Accomplishments:
-Mentorship: Offering guidance and support to student-athletes, helping them navigate academic and athletic challenges.
Community Engagement: Encouraging parental involvement and creating a supportive network for young athletes.
Career Development: Providing opportunities for career exploration and skill development, helping youth prepare for life beyond sports.

My Brand

My brand is built on the principles of empathy, resilience, and community. It represents a commitment to giving a voice to the silenced and providing support to those who need it most. Through my work with Silent Women Speaking Foundation Inc. and Youth Giving Back Sports Mentor Program, I strive to create a positive impact, helping individuals overcome their challenges and reach their full potential.

By fostering a supportive and empowering environment, my brand aims to transform lives and build stronger, more resilient communities. Whether through supporting grieving mothers or mentoring young athletes, my goal is to provide the tools and resources needed for healing, growth, and success.

How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?

Starting a nonprofit is never easy, and for me, the journey to establish Silent Women Speaking Foundation Inc. was a testament to resilience, determination, and unwavering faith. As someone who always wanted to help others, particularly those who felt voiceless, I knew I had a mission to fulfill. My own struggles and the experience of raising my son as a single parent at 19 had instilled in me a deep empathy and a drive to give back to the community.

The Need for Community and Healing

When my son went off to college, I became increasingly involved in the Youth Giving Back Sports Mentor Program, assisting student-athletes in their personal and academic development. Through this involvement, I realized how crucial a supportive community is, especially for those who have experienced significant loss. This insight inspired me to create a space for mothers who had lost their children to violence, providing them with the resources and support they needed to heal and rebuild their lives.

The Challenge: Funding the Vision

The first major challenge was funding the vision. With no initial capital or external funding, I knew I had to find a way to make it happen. The idea of hosting a brunch for over 50 women, all of whom had lost a child, was daunting but essential. This event would be a cornerstone for the foundation, offering empowerment, education, and a sense of community to these grieving mothers.

Raising the Initial Capital

To gather the necessary funds, I reached out to friends, family, and local businesses, sharing my vision and asking for their support. I used my own savings and organized small fundraising activities, such as bake sales and garage sales, to contribute to the initial capital. Every contribution, no matter how small, brought us closer to our goal.

Planning the Brunch

With the funds slowly accumulating, the next step was meticulous planning. I needed a venue that would feel welcoming and safe, catering that would nourish both body and soul, and speakers who could inspire and offer practical advice. The planning process was intense, filled with late nights and countless phone calls. But I was driven by the vision of what this event could achieve.

The Day of the Brunch

The day of the brunch arrived, and I welcomed over 50 women into a beautifully decorated space. These women, all strangers to me but united by a common pain, walked in with heavy hearts. The atmosphere was charged with a mix of sorrow and hope.

The event began with warm introductions and heartfelt speeches. Inspirational speakers shared their stories of loss and resilience, providing practical tips on coping with grief and rebuilding life after trauma. Workshops were conducted on topics such as financial planning, self-care, and mental health support. The room buzzed with conversations, tears, and comforting hugs.

Creating a Sense of Community

One of the most powerful outcomes of the brunch was the sense of community it fostered. These women, who had felt isolated in their grief, found solace in each other’s company. They shared their stories, offered support, and began to see a glimmer of hope amidst their pain. The brunch was more than an event; it was the beginning of a sisterhood, a network of support that would continue long after the day ended.

The Impact

The success of that first brunch was profound. Many women expressed how the event had given them new hope and the strength to move forward. They felt empowered, knowing they were not alone in their journey. This validation reinforced my belief in the importance of Silent Women Speaking Foundation Inc. and the critical role it could play in our community.

Moving Forward

The first brunch was just the start. Over the next three years, we continued to host events, provide support services, and expand our reach. We connected more mothers, shared more stories, and built a stronger community. Each event and each new member strengthened our mission and demonstrated the power of collective healing.

Conclusion

The journey to fund and establish Silent Women Speaking Foundation Inc. was filled with challenges, but it was also marked by incredible moments of connection, healing, and empowerment. The first three years taught me the true meaning of resilience and the transformative power of community. Through this nonprofit, we have been able to offer hope, support, and a sense of purpose to mothers who have faced unimaginable loss, proving that together, we can push through the pain and find a path to healing.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

The journey to fund and establish the foundation was marked by resilience and determination. With no initial capital or external funding, I relied on my savings, small fundraisers, and the generosity of friends, family, and local businesses. The goal was to host a brunch for over 50 women, all grieving mothers, to provide them with empowerment, education, and community.

Despite the challenges, the day of the brunch was a success. Over 50 women gathered, sharing their stories, finding support in one another, and gaining hope from inspirational speakers. This event was the beginning of a powerful sisterhood, offering these mothers a network of support and a path to healing.

Over the next three years, the foundation grew, hosting more events, providing essential support services, and expanding its reach. Each event reinforced the importance of our mission and demonstrated the transformative power of collective healing.

My journey to founding Silent Women Speaking Foundation Inc. is a testament to resilience, showing that through determination, community, and a commitment to helping others, we can overcome challenges and create meaningful change. This experience has taught me the true meaning of resilience and the impact we can have when we come together to support those in need.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.silentwomenspeaking.org