Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Tyra Wright-Johnson. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Tyra, appreciate you 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?

I reconnected as an adult to the only person who always gave me positive attention as a child/teen. Not realizing that he was a completely different person. I did not want a relationship, but he was persistent. I didn’t recognize those signs. We began dating casually. But became serious over time, after two years, I gotten pregnant. During that time I was brutally abused physically, emotionally, and mentally. I prayed for strength to leave, when I was able to, I would help other women and girls like me. After that relationship I received therapy for myself and my child. It really allowed me to gain my confidence again. Learning strategies to encourage myself. The process of recovery took 3 years and while doing so, I attended and obtained my certification of 40 hours training for domestic violence advocacy, received a BS in Business Management, Certification in Small Business Development at Wharton School of Business, and Nonprofit Leadership Development from Bryn Mawr College. I was nominated as Servant leader from Opportunity Inc., Women’s Way Powerful Voice Award, Soroptimist International Ruby Award, Martin Luther King High School for service to the school community project award, and Woman of Distinction award from PA State Representative Vanessa Brown. for improving the lives of women, I worked hard to start the organization with getting assistance for nonprofit startups, The Women’s Solo Project, Inc. was created in 2009 and incorporated in 2010 as 501c3 charitable organization. Here, is where we define domestic abuse and provide workshops for empowerment and encouragement to women and girls. I am now a Trauma-Certified Psychotherapist that help women in my community in promoting self-confidence and work through childhood trauma that shows up in adulthood.

Tyra, 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?

Tyra received an A.A.S. in Criminal Justice, a B.A. in Business Management, and MS in Psychology Walden University. Tyra has professional experience working in clinical mental and behavioral health, Early Intervention as a Special Instructor, Behavior Specialist Consultant, ABA, Parent Coach, and Autistic Support Disorder Coordinator in Philadelphia by utilizing positive behavior and cognitive strategies. Worked in conjunction with Elwyn Services, (NET) Northeast Treatment Centers, Department of Behavioral Health, Community Behavioral Health in Philadelphia, and Trauma-Certified Psychotherapist at Enspire Consulting Group, LLC in Flourtown, PA

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

My thoughts on business were solid. Obtaining my Business management degree helped me in terms of how to structure the format. I do so successfully. What I did not realize was for profit businesses are ran very different from nonprofit businesses. I had to learn to gain trusted assistance and feedback from professionals that help me reach the milestones that was set for growth.

My lack of fundraising knowledge caused a downfall to obtain the necessary benchmarks for programming and capacity building. I had to go back, get trained in fundraising and donorship strategies; then try again.

It helped me understand who would donate for our cause, how to access funds, and relationship building. A true essential necessity in the nonprofit world.

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

When starting out in this business, I was confident, assured, and hopeful in helping women. What I found was, that larger organizations had more funding, presence, volunteers, experience, and larger budgets. They did not look at me twice to collaborate, or offer support. We were similar but not the exact same. The Women’s Solo Project offered financial literacy and Art therapy as a way to heal. Many agencies at that time did not. We had students from Drexel University provide the services for their service hours as a part of their curriculum. We often provided free services to shelters, community events, schools, etc. Once we requested funding to continue our services, many would decline. I often felt defeated and forgotten about.

We had a difficult time with gaining and retaining board members. Once I went to at board match-up and one person came to me and asked if this is an all black nonprofit. Well, I am a black woman, but we service all races of women and girls. Again, I did a focus group and tried to figure out why there wasn’t any traction. I had to revamp our niche. I started to do teen dating violence prevention groups. Unfortunately, while teaching, I saw the behaviors in the students. Once I found ways to have ‘pow-wows’ at school and libraries in our area, it made a big difference. We created after school programs and workshops for teens going into college. We were very successful and able to grow around the Philadelphia schools with our programs. This year, we donated feminine hygiene products for over 100 high school girls because we saw the great need.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.thewomenssoloproject.org
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/twsp_inc
• Facebook: www,facebook.com/thewomenssoloprojectinc

Image Credits
The Women’s Solo Project, Inc Tyra Wright Johnson