We were lucky to catch up with Nicole R. Banks recently and have shared our conversation below.

Nicole R. , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.

I’ve always been interested in missionary and humanitarian efforts since I was 18. I have been able to travel to over 15 countries, and while I enjoyed what I was able to accomplish, I always felt there was an underlining need to provide aid more sustainably. I remember having so many different conversations with individuals who shared similar thoughts that while they were grateful for the resources we provided, once we leave and the resources deplete, then what? So I shifted to implement a structure that is data-based to measure needs and provide sustainable solutions for our partners, who we consider friends in economically developing countries.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

I AM Resource is an organization that exists to be a safe space for Black and Latinx communities by providing structure, strategy, education, and housing for our local and global partners and friends. We develop women entrepreneurs to impact their communities through structure, strategy, and data-based models.

I am proud of procuring land for partners in Caimito, Cuba, establishing a clinic and orphanage in Lusaka, Malawi, and leading small groups for women overcoming domestic abuse in Houston, TX.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

When I was exposed to missionary efforts, I went with the presumptuous understanding that “we have what these people need.” I had to unlearn that people will take help because “they need it” versus if the resource I am offering benefits those I am called to serve. I had so many different eye-opening experiences that caused me to pause and reflect on the missionary effort and became more relationship-driven.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Most people are simply unaware that there is an entire world outside of their immediate world. Everything is intensely important because it involves you, and you are at the mercy of feeling like your needs are a high priority without stepping outside yourself to know that there are other individuals who live very different lives and feel very different experiences. I have had the immense joy of traveling to 17+ countries to witness the difference, and because of this, I have tried to use my platform and my voice to broadcast a wholistic view of our partners, who I call friends in emerging countries, who lead full and beautiful in impoverished areas that just should be attended to.

I desire to create dignified humanitarian relief efforts that are people-honoring and sustainable.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.iamresource.life
• Instagram: iamresource.life

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