Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Joquetta Batista. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alright, Joquetta thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What did your parents do right and how has that impacted you in your life and career?
Growing up in Miami during the 70s, my parents, both originally from Alabama and hailing from Barbour County, were hardworking individuals with a background in farming. My dad, born in the late 40s, dedicated himself to farming, while my mom, born in the early 50s, worked alongside him in the fields. Their commitment to hard work, coupled with their strong connection to their Alabama roots, significantly influenced my journey.
In the realm of parenting, they understood the importance of family and instilled in me the values of kindness, courtesy, and openness. Witnessing their dedication to farming, resilience in the face of challenges, and their genuine care for others left a lasting impact. These qualities have become integral to my role as a renowned social worker, where advocating for marginalized individuals and fostering a sense of community are central to my mission.
Reflecting on my upbringing in Miami with parents rooted in Alabama, the lessons learned from my parents continue to guide my professional path, inspiring me to carry forward their legacy of hard work, compassion, and a commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of others.
Joquetta , 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?
Hello, I’m Joquetta Batista, the founder of Collective Sistahood, Inc. Our organization is a Black-led initiative with a mission centered around expressive arts, nature, community knowledge and economics, and envisioning a brighter future. We take pride in our commitment to Mental Health Mondays, a space where we mentor youth and focus on their well-being, addressing both economic empowerment and emotional resilience.
In our community knowledge and economics initiative, the “Developing Gifts – Building Equity Program” supports aspiring individuals in developing businesses to combat poverty in Black neighborhoods. We’ve proudly supported the incorporation of 19 businesses, providing sponsorship for projects, incorporation fees, and apprenticeship opportunities.
Our Digital Literacy Program, launched with support from the Miami Foundation and Miami Connected, aims to increase digital literacy in Miami Gardens, Aventura, and North Miami. We offer weekly courses covering internet safety, Microsoft Office tools, and more. So far, we’ve enrolled 102 students, with impactful stories of personal and professional growth.
Expressive Arts remains a cornerstone of our work, integrating various artistic forms to foster human growth, development, and healing. Our youth leaders have created art for fundraising products, showcasing their talents and contributing to legacy-building in the community.
At Collective Sistahood, we stand out for our holistic approach, supporting healing initiatives and wealth-building sponsorships. We encourage the creation of businesses for long-lasting positive impact, embodying our vision of “Uniting Gifts & Fighting Deprivation.” Join us in making a positive impact on the lives of the youth, fostering a sense of unity and equality in the Black community, and building a better future together.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
During the Covid pandemic, I found myself facing the challenge of dealing with a job that was greatly impacted by the shutdown. However, I also felt a strong calling within me to help others and make a difference beyond the limitations of my job. This led me on a journey alongside four other incredible women: Ms. Ruth Jeannoel, Nyame Fawohoodie, Shaunte Forester, and Nelinda Jean Baptiste.
Together, we embarked on a mission to build our own business and create a platform for sharing valuable information. We knew that by offering guidance and support, we could empower others to achieve their goals as well. We started by sharing our expertise and knowledge, helping one another navigate the challenges and obstacles along the way.
To kickstart our business and gather community support, we organized our first official fundraiser. It was truly heartwarming to see how our event brought people together, united by a common cause. Through the generosity and enthusiasm of those who attended, we were able to raise $3000, which provided the initial boost we needed.
Shortly after, we were grateful to receive our first grant of $6400. This financial support allowed us to further develop our business and expand our reach. However, that was just the beginning. With Nelinda Jean Baptiste’s assistance, we were also blessed to secure a Digital Literacy Grant. This grant opened doors for us to explore new avenues, helping individuals gain digital skills and knowledge.
Throughout this journey, I gained a profound understanding of the importance of culture and connection. People long for a sense of belonging and to remember the rich heritage and traditions of the past. By honoring and celebrating culture, we were able to create a strong network of allies and supporters who shared in our vision.
In our continued pursuit to make a meaningful impact, we have partnered with organizations and individuals who align with our values and mission. Some of our current partners include Abetter Me, Community Collaboration Exchange, Famnsajinc, Happiness Happiness, Melanated Essentials LLC, Supahcoolsammy, Leap with Love, Gem Culture, Rare is Real, Golden Black Sheep, Atonisona, Impact, RJT Foundation, Sheikita Days Foundation, SISTER TALK NP CORP, Choices, Bogies House of Knowledge, Be Strong, Radical Partners, Miami Connected, Miami Foundation, LTPT Miami Dade County, S.E.E.K, Barry University, Dandelion Medicine Liberation Coop. And to specially thank my Mentor Dr. Yvonne McCullough Wakhisi, and my children
These partners have been instrumental in supporting our journey and contributing to our shared mission. With their collaboration and expertise, we have been able to reach a wider audience, offer valuable resources, and expand the impact of our work. Together, we strive to create a stronger, more vibrant community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
I am grateful for the support and shared vision of our partners, the dedication of my team members, and the unwavering faith that has guided us through this journey. In the face of challenges, we have found strength, resilience, and a deep-rooted belief that our collective efforts can make a lasting difference in the lives of those we serve.
We’d really appreciate if you could talk to us about how you figured out the manufacturing process.
Our journey into manufacturing began when we recognized an opportunity to uplift a young girl by leveraging her artistic talent. This young girl came from a family facing difficult times, and we noticed her passion for art. However, her school did not provide the necessary resources for her to explore and showcase her creativity.
With the collective support of our team, we decided to create a tangible product that could feature her artwork and allow her to sell it. We started by producing tote bags adorned with her drawings. This not only provided her with a platform to showcase her talent but also served as a source of income for her and her family. We wanted to empower her and demonstrate that her art has value.
As we expanded our efforts, we also ventured into creating socks and e-books for seniors at the Hamket at Walden Pond. We firmly believe in the power of culture and the importance of ensuring that everyone feels seen and heard. By offering products and services that celebrate and uplift individuals from different backgrounds and generations, we strive to promote equity and foster a sense of belonging.
In terms of manufacturing, we initially had to navigate the process of finding the right vendors who could bring our vision to life. It involved thorough research and networking to identify reliable and ethical partners who could handle the manufacturing of our products with the quality and care we desired. This journey allowed us to connect with vendors who shared our values and understood the significance of our mission.
Throughout our manufacturing journey, we have learned valuable lessons. We have discovered the importance of maintaining clear communication with vendors to ensure that our visions align. We have also learned to prioritize ethical and sustainable practices in manufacturing, as we believe in making a positive impact not only in the lives of individuals but also on the environment.
Above all, we have come to understand that manufacturing is more than just creating physical products. It is about the stories we tell, the messages we convey, and the communities we uplift through our creations. Our commitment to promoting culture, equity, and amplifying voices has guided us every step of the way, and we are continuously learning and growing in our mission.
Contact Info:
- Website: Www.Collectivesistahoodinfo.com
- Instagram: IG@Collectivesistahood
- Facebook: Collective Sistahood Inc
- Linkedin: Collective Sistahood Inc
- Twitter: Collectivesistahood
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@collectivesistahoodtv372