We recently connected with Makissa Lewis and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Makissa, thanks for joining us today. What was it like going from idea to execution? Can you share some of the backstory and some of the major steps or milestones?
My Seester, Inc. is an organization that serves the South Florida female veteran. For that reason, prior to any programming is executed by My Seester, Inc. a quasi focus group that consist of former female service members at different points in their transition journey to civilian life is conducted. During these focus group sessions it is asked what type of programming they want to see and what type of programming is needed first. From that response the same question is asked to non female veterans. This is done to see if there are any commonalities and opportunities for partnership with other individuals. That is how My Seester’s Women History Month 2024 event came to fruition., Ain’t I A Woman?: A Woman Empowerment event. The overall response to the previous question was that as a woman, many were not feeling like one woman, much less a female veteran. A day of pampering was suggested as an ideal solution. Or, if that was not possible a means to contact vendors who could provide the service.
From this idea, it made me think of my days as an educator. I use to teach United States American History and the words that Sojourner Truth spoke to women suffragettes came to mind, “Ain’t I A Woman?”. I saw parallels in Truth’s question, “Ain’t I A Woman”, and the struggle for both women veterans and non veterans who wear so many hats. They were operating as chief supporter, cheerleader, counselor, taxi driver, finance expert, cook, and more. Resulting in that, sometimes, they question themselves, if are they women and what does that mean?
That is how the event got its name and its over arching theme. Next step was to create a timeline for myself. I cannot ask any individual or organization to help an event if I do not have dates. It does not mean, I am not flexible but I do have limits. After I worked on the timeline, I worked on securing a venue. I try to have ideas for that as well. Once the location and date is set it is the making of phone calls and sending email inquires of possible vendors who provide services to females and if, there was any that provide discount rates to female veterans. After the vendors are secure then comes the marketing of the event to have individuals attend. I try to give myself three months to devote to inviting individuals. I target the same individuals and groups that were part of the focus groups. The final step before the event is doing a walk through of the venue. I address any last minute logistics then.
Makissa, 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 Seester, Inc. is a 501 (c) nonprofit based in South Florida serving the South Florida female veterans. We serve by providing resources, services, information, and if necessary mentorship which we call “Seestership”. Our mission is to is to: 1) create a safe meeting place for South Florida female veterans who have transitioned out of the service and have subsequently fallen or/are at the risk of falling into the cracks; and 2) direct her towards the path of self-actualization through life coaching, mentoring, and educational resources.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
When I was in the United States Army, the leadership would say, “suck it up, drive on”. It basically translated to, ignoring that tingling sensation you get when you feel bad. When I got out of the military, I kept that mentality. Even though, I felt less than a hundred percent, I would ignore it. I would kid myself into
thinking, I was pushing through by not asking or relying on anybody for help. Fortunately, I learned there is strength in asking for help. Also, that tingling sensation is my body telling me that I need to slow down and take a breather. It is not quitting, rather, I am giving my body a chance to recharge.
Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?
I think in the market of social and human service, in particular, the female veteran sphere, it is known I am honest and willing to learn. I think this was built by me asking questions when I do not understand. I also open about my journey. I do not hide or edit it to paint myself in a certain way. I am a combat disabled female veteran. My nonprofit, My Seester, Inc. is for female veterans like me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.myseester.com
- Instagram: @ my_seester
- Facebook: @myseester
- Linkedin: http://linkedin.com/in/makissa-lewis-90b7a964
