We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Nesa Grider a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Nesa, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you tell us about an important lesson you learned in school and why that lesson is important to you?

Growing up when women’s sports were undervalued and underrepresented was a defining aspect of my journey. Despite the prevalent inequalities, it fueled my determination and strengthened my resolve to break through those barriers. I played all the sports I could, basketball, volleyball, softball, and track, even completing at the highest levels of Karate for years.

After long, hard-fought battles, the girls’ and boys’ basketball teams won the State Regionals and moved on to State. The entire High School was called together to celebrate the Boy’s team, announcing each team member and showering them with accolades for a job well done. Yet there was no acknowledgment of the same feat the girls’ team had just achieved.

As I sat there, it became too much; at 16, I decided to take things into my own hands. I quickly marched down to the floor, took the mic, and announced that we, too, had accomplished a regional win. I expressed my dismay that the grills team was being left out of the celebration.
Neither the coach nor the administration were impressed by my “call to arms.” My coach quickly escorted me off the floor, and the scolding began of knowing my place.

Witnessing the struggles of female athletes then and still now inspires me to strive for change, advocating for equality and fair treatment in the realm of sports. It taught and continues to teach me the true meaning of resilience and the importance of paving the way for future generations of women, ensuring they have the opportunities and recognition they deserve.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I grew up in a small town in rural Indiana; while it is true that most of the time was filled with riding bikes and playing with friends, growing up in a small town can profoundly impact your life. Despite the joys of small-town life, I sadly also experienced the limitations and prejudices that come with a lack of diversity and closed minds of this same small town.

My upbringing taught me resilience and the importance of standing up for what I believed in, often being accused of marching to my own drummer. I quickly became an advocate for diversity and inclusion in my community, working to educate peers about the importance of embracing differences and change.

What makes me most proud is that I work daily to provide a voice to a forgotten, underserved youth population. It’s not just about speaking up for ourselves but amplifying the voices of those whose words may have gone unheard or ignored. Each one of us possesses the potential to be a catalyst for change, to uplift others, and to create a community that values inclusivity, empathy, and justice.

When we stand up and give a voice to others, we break down barriers and foster an environment where everyone’s experiences and perspectives are acknowledged and respected. We become advocates for the marginalized, the underrepresented, and the disenfranchised, ensuring they are heard and included in vital conversations and decisions that affect their lives.

The opportunity to lead Journey to Dream in the pioneering vision of equipping, empowering, and embracing at-risk, victimized, and marginalized youth is a privilege and a calling. We envision a future where every teen, regardless of their circumstances, can rise above adversity, find their voice, and become agents of positive change in their lives and communities. Through proven programs, mentorship, education, and a nurturing environment, we walk alongside these teens toward a path of healing, resilience, and self-discovery. Our commitment is to foster a sense of belonging, instill hope, and provide the tools to navigate life’s challenges, ultimately enabling them to realize their full potential and contribute meaningfully to society. Together, we can create a world where every youth’s dreams are possible, celebrated, and supported. Most importantly, we emphasize to these teens that they are loved unconditionally and free from judgment, many for the first time in their young lives.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

Very early in my professional career, I was given The Theory of 21: Finding the Power to Succeed by Chuck Reaves. The Theory is that twenty people will say no to every person who says yes. The secret to success is not giving up and finding the 21st person who is open to ideas and innovation and makes abstract ideas a reality. While this is an older book, the methods and thought process have served me well throughout my professional career. I remember thinking I could not take another “We are not able to fund this grant request” when writing grants, but I remembered the Theory of 21, pushed forward, and found the 21st yes!

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

I was recently given a book, 2 Chairs, by Bob Beaudine. The timing was perfect; God knew. Beaudine reminded me that there are always two chairs: a chance to sit with God and talk with Him about anything and everything. At first, reading, focusing on two chairs, seems odd, but if you want something you’ve never had, you must do something you’ve never done. So, for me, Two chairs are worth a shot.

Since finishing this book, I have thought daily about the 2 Chairs. One of the things that resonated with me was God will remind me that when we are facing trouble, it does me absolutely no good to ruminate on the past. We can’t go back on an old path, back to old places, or back to old habits.

I know that God is saying-
Come on, let’s go! Follow Me. Order yourself…eyes forward, we have things to accomplish.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.journeytodream.com/
• Instagram: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nesagrider/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JTD4Teens/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nesagrider/