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

Nikia, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today One of the most important things small businesses can do, in our view, is to serve underserved communities that are ignored by giant corporations who often are just creating mass-market, one-size-fits-all solutions. Talk to us about how you serve an underserved community.

My nonprofit organization, Adjust Your Vizion Inc., is dedicated to serving an underserved community by providing support and opportunities for disadvantaged kids in urban areas. In the heart of urban neighborhoods, we have encountered groups of young individuals facing significant challenges. Limited access to quality education, exposure to crime, and a lack of positive role models were stark realities for these kids. Many of them have dreams and aspirations but are constrained by their immediate environment. Understanding the importance of breaking this cycle, Adjust Your Vizion Inc. stepped in to make a difference. We launched programs that go beyond conventional educational initiatives. Life skills and educational classes became the cornerstone of our efforts, aimed at broadening the horizons of these young minds. We wanted to empower them with the tools and knowledge necessary to navigate life successfully. We sought to instill a sense of belonging and purpose through mentorship programs and community engagement. By providing a safe and nurturing space, we aimed to counteract the negative influences they faced daily. The underserved nature of this community makes our mission even more crucial. These kids often lack access to resources that many take for granted, and breaking the cycle of disadvantage requires a multifaceted approach. Education alone is not enough; we recognize the need for holistic support to truly make a lasting impact. Our organization strives to create a ripple effect of positive change that extends beyond the immediate community. By investing in the potential of these young individuals, we believe we are contributing to the overall well-being and future success of our community and communities worldwide. Adjust Your Vizion Inc. is deeply committed to serving an underserved urban community by providing comprehensive support, education, and opportunities for disadvantaged kids. Through our programs, we aim to break the cycle of disadvantage and empower young minds to reach their full potential.

Nikia, 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?

I’m driven by a passion for positively impacting the lives of underserved youth in urban communities. My journey into the nonprofit sector was inspired by a deep commitment to helping kids rewrite their narratives and overcome the challenges they face. The idea behind Adjust Your Vizion Inc. stemmed from a desire to provide more than just conventional education. I envisioned a space where disadvantaged kids could access life skills, mentorship, and support services. Growing up in a community facing numerous challenges and filled with crime and poverty, I understand the transformative power of offering opportunities beyond the limitations of one’s environment. Our holistic approach to community impact sets Adjust Your Vizion Inc. apart. We go beyond traditional educational initiatives, recognizing the importance of addressing emotional and psychological needs. Creating a safe and supportive environment fosters a sense of belonging and purpose among the youth we serve. I take immense pride in the positive changes we’ve witnessed within our community. Seeing the kids we work with develop newfound confidence, skills, and a sense of hope for the future is incredibly rewarding. Our organization is more than a provider of services; we are a catalyst for transformation and empowerment.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

My journey through life has been a testament to resilience—a story that echoes the strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity. As the eldest of five, I encountered challenges that would shape my character and fuel my determination to create positive change. At the tender age of 16, my world took an unexpected turn when my mother suffered a stroke. The weight of responsibility fell heavily on my shoulders, prompting me to step into the role of caregiver. Faced with such a significant, life-altering event, I made the courageous decision to prioritize my family over my own education, putting my dreams on hold to provide care and support. Limited role models and the burden of responsibility fueled a sense of anger and resentment within me. The challenges seemed insurmountable, yet my innate resilience began to shine through. Life threw more obstacles my way, including the heartbreaking loss of two aunts. The darkness threatened to consume me, but my support system, comprised of my husband, sisters, and cousins, became beacons of light guiding me through the storm. In those moments of darkness, therapy emerged as a powerful tool for me to confront and overcome my pain. With the unwavering support of my loved ones and the guidance of therapy, I found the strength to pull myself out of the abyss and rediscover a sense of purpose. My husband emerged as a pillar of strength and encouragement, motivating me to pursue my dreams despite the challenges. With newfound determination, I decided to reclaim my education. I returned to school, embarking on a journey to earn my bachelor’s degree in social work—a path that would allow me to make a difference in the lives of others facing adversity. Now, in my junior year, I am pursuing my academic goals and laying the foundation for a nonprofit organization. My experiences have shaped me into a compassionate and resilient individual determined to use my journey to inspire and uplift others. My story is one of triumph over hardship—a narrative that showcases the transformative power of resilience, love, and support. As I continue my journey, I am rewriting my own narrative and lighting the way for others to find strength in the face of life’s challenges.

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

One lesson I had to unlearn was the belief that success is solely determined by meeting externally imposed benchmarks and timelines. The backstory behind this realization goes back to my early years when societal expectations and pressure led me to internalize that certain achievements needed to be reached by specific ages or stages in life. Growing up, there was a prevailing narrative that success meant following a predetermined path—graduating by a certain age, securing a stable job, and achieving financial milestones early on. As I navigated through my education and career, I found myself measuring my worth against these external standards, often feeling a sense of inadequacy if I deviated from the expected timeline. The turning point came when life presented unexpected challenges and opportunities that didn’t align with the predetermined script. Instead of progressing according to society’s timeline, I faced detours, setbacks, and moments of uncertainty. It became evident that success is a highly individual and dynamic concept, shaped by personal growth, resilience, and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances. Unlearning this lesson required a shift in mindset. I had to challenge the ingrained belief that success follows a linear trajectory. Embracing the idea that everyone’s journey is unique and that success can be achieved at any stage of life was liberating. It allowed me to redefine success on my terms, considering personal fulfillment, learning experiences, and meaningful connections rather than adhering to a rigid societal timeline. This unlearning process opened doors to a more authentic and fulfilling life journey, where I could appreciate the value of the present moment and the lessons learned along the way. It taught me that success is a continuous, evolving process rather than a destination reached by a certain age or milestone.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.adjustyourvizioninc.org
• Instagram: www.instagram.com@Nikia_Booze_
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/Kia Booze
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/nikia-booze-88949921a

Image Credits
Harper Photography