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

Hi Wynter , thanks for joining us today. Risking taking is a huge part of most people’s story but too often society overlooks those risks and only focuses on where you are today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – it could be a big risk or a small one – but walk us through the backstory.

I found myself at a crossroads after a decade of teaching in the classroom. Teaching had always provided me with a sense of security, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that it was limiting me from imparting essential life skills to my students. I yearned to share knowledge beyond textbooks and exams, to teach them about building healthy relationships, financial responsibility, and exploring diverse career paths that would unlock endless opportunities.

As I approached my 10th year of teaching English learners in the ELD classroom, I knew it was time to take a leap of faith. Deep down, I had heard a calling from God long ago, nudging me to leave my familiar classroom environment. Despite this divine guidance, fear held me back from embracing change and taking the risk that lay before me.

However, everything changed when I discovered a glimmer of hope when I discovered with help of an amazing team, the nonprofit Simply Youth Institute, an organization focused on connecting young people to careers, confidence, and financial responsibility. With this newfound support system, I gathered the courage to make a life-altering decision.

Stepping into my 10th year of teaching, I knew that the time had come to step outside of the box, literally. It was time to pursue my vision wholeheartedly and support young women and individuals in discovering their true potential. I knew that I had to leave my comfort zone to make a more profound impact on their lives.

Embracing uncertainty, I took the plunge and transitioned into Simply Youth Institute full-time. It was the scariest and most uncertain period of my life, but I held firm to my belief in my purpose and faith in God’s plan for me.

As I embarked on this new journey, I left behind the familiar routines of the classroom and embraced the world of empowering young minds beyond academic boundaries. I dedicated myself to guiding young people, especially young women, towards their dreams, instilling confidence, financial responsibility, and a profound sense of self-belief.

Though the road ahead was uncertain, the fulfillment I found in my new role as CEO at SYI surpassed any apprehensions. I knew that every challenge I faced would be worth it, knowing I was making a difference in the lives of the young people I served.

And so, my story unfolds, with the unwavering support of SYI and my faith in God’s plan, as we continue to inspire and nurture young minds. The risk I took to leave the classroom became the catalyst for my personal and professional growth, guiding countless young people towards a brighter and bolder future.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Hello everyone, for those who are new to my journey, I am a multifaceted individual driven by my passion to serve my community and a higher purpose. My name is Wynter Eddins, and I have embraced roles as an educator, entrepreneur, artist, and community advocate, all of which have been instrumental in shaping my mission.

My journey began with a deep-seated commitment to empowering youth and creating a positive impact on their lives. As an educator, this commitment led me to establish Simply Youth Institute, a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering the growth and well-being of young people. Through the organization, we bridge the gap between mentors and youth, enabling them to access guidance, support, and resources that are essential for personal development.
One of the core aspects of our work is equipping young individuals with essential life skills, particularly in the realm of financial responsibility and self-assurance. It’s my belief that by instilling financial education and bolstering their confidence, we are paving the way for them to confidently navigate life’s challenges and pursue their dreams.

But my efforts don’t stop there. As a published author and spoken word poet, I’ve found another powerful medium to channel my advocacy. I use poetry as a means to provide a safe haven for women, especially women of color, to reclaim their voices and stories. In a world that often tries to silence and marginalize us, I’m determined to break down these barriers through my creative expressions and provide a platform for women to be heard, acknowledged, and supported.

As an actress, I embarked on a new endeavor that has been incredibly rewarding. Two years ago, I took on my first leading role in a film, marking a significant milestone in my career. I intend to continue exploring this path, leveraging the power of acting to amplify my message and extend my reach in advocating for confidence and self-belief.

What truly sets me apart is my holistic approach to community empowerment. I don’t see my roles as separate entities; rather, they are interconnected facets of a unified purpose. My commitment to serving my community and supporting confidence-building endeavors is deeply rooted in my faith, and I believe that by harnessing the talents and passions within us, we can collectively overcome challenges and achieve greatness.

I am most proud of the transformations I’ve witnessed in the lives of the young people I’ve mentored and the women who have found their voice through my poetry. These successes fuel my determination to continue my journey, inspiring positive change and instilling a sense of empowerment wherever I go.

To potential clients, followers, and fans, I want you to know that my work is not just a career; it’s a calling. I am dedicated to fostering a world where everyone, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to thrive and be confident in their abilities. My brand stands for empowerment, unity, and the unwavering belief that with faith and determination, we can shatter limitations and achieve the extraordinary. We all deserve to live in a state of peace.

Thank you for taking the time to learn about me and my mission. I look forward to embarking on this journey together, as we work towards a future brimming with self-assured individuals who are empowered to pursue their dreams and make a lasting impact on the world.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

Reflecting on my journey, there’s a chapter that truly embodies the resilience that has shaped who I am today. It was a time after I had completed my undergrad, filled with aspirations and dreams. Landing a teaching position while nurturing my passion for acting, I thought I had the world at my feet. Little did I know that this seemingly promising phase would soon become a trial that tested the very core of my strength.

In the midst of my pursuit of success, I found myself entangled in a relationship that started as toxic and eventually escalated into something deeply abusive. The signs were there, undeniable red flags waving fiercely, urging me to take a step back. The demands to sever connections with loved ones, adopt harmful habits, and shun interaction with any males were just a few of the tactics used to assert control over me. Isolation became a weapon, one wielded by abusers to establish dominion.

Caught in the web of naiveté and insecurity, I remained blind to the danger lurking within the relationship. It was only when I faced a life-threatening incident—strangled to the point of losing my own existence—that my eyes were opened. In that moment of near-death terror, I experienced an awakening, a visceral realization of the precipice I had been standing on.

It was in the aftermath of this nightmare ordeal that I turned back to my faith in Christ. The brush with death had sparked an epiphany. I chose to sever ties with that toxic relationship, leaving behind all material possessions in my bid to escape with my life intact. This pivotal decision marked a turning point for me, propelling me toward a path of reclamation and healing.

In my pursuit of healing and rediscovery, I turned to spoken word poetry and creative expression. This medium allowed me to unearth my silenced voice, infusing strength and purpose into my journey. It was this very experience that catalyzed my decision to establish Simply Youth Institute. Through the institute, I aim to educate young women about healthy relationships, providing them with the tools to discern toxic dynamics from positive ones. Armed with awareness, they can make confident and informed choices in their lives.

This chapter in my life stands as a testament to the power of resilience. It’s a reminder that even in the face of darkness, there’s a light within us that can guide us toward growth and transformation. By sharing my story, I hope to inspire others to recognize their own strength, to break free from the chains that bind them, and to embark on a journey of empowerment and self-discovery.

As I continue on my path, driven by a commitment to my community and a higher purpose, I remain steadfast in my belief that our experiences, no matter how harrowing, can be harnessed to fuel our resilience and propel us toward greatness. Together, we can transform adversity into strength, reclaim our voices, and shape a world where confidence and empowerment reign supreme.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

My journey in building my reputation within my market has been rooted in one key principle: consistency. When I began my journey as the founder of Simply Youth Institute, I knew that building a solid reputation would be crucial for our success and impact. However, it wasn’t an instant achievement; it was a gradual process that demanded dedication, strategic planning, and a commitment to staying true to my values.

In the initial stages, I recognized that building a network was essential. I immersed myself in connecting with like-minded individuals and potential collaborators. This network-building effort allowed me to expand my reach, create meaningful partnerships, and gain the trust of individuals who shared my passion for youth empowerment.

A significant factor in establishing my reputation was the cultivation of a trustworthy and capable team. Recognizing that I couldn’t accomplish everything on my own, I focused on creating a team that embraced their strengths and brought their unique talents to the table. This collaborative approach not only promoted consistency in our efforts but also showcased the power of collective impact.

Developing effective programs was another cornerstone of building my reputation. Together with my team, we crafted programs that directly addressed the needs of the students we aimed to serve. By delivering on our promises and offering programs that genuinely made a difference, we established credibility and garnered positive feedback within our community.

One of the defining aspects of my approach was following through on commitments. If I set a goal, whether it was publishing a book of poetry or doubling the participation in our summer program, I made sure to deliver on those promises. This level of accountability reinforced the reliability of my brand and showcased my dedication to actualizing the visions I set forth.

Central to my reputation-building journey was my unwavering commitment to giving and serving. I’ve always approached my work with the perspective of showing up for others, rather than expecting them to show up for me. This ethos of mutual support and collaboration has resonated with my community, creating a foundation of trust and respect that’s integral to my reputation.

Through my consistent dedication to both my vision and my community, my reputation has evolved as a reflection of my character. Every action, every promise fulfilled, and every life impacted contributes to the legacy I’m building. It’s an ongoing journey that reaffirms the importance of maintaining a reliable and steadfast presence within my market.

Looking ahead, I am steadfast in my commitment to maintaining the high standard of consistency that has defined my journey thus far. As I continue to serve my community, I aim to uphold the values that have enabled me to build a reputation rooted in integrity, collaboration, and a genuine desire to make a positive impact on the lives of others

Contact Info:

• Website: https://simplyyouthinstitute.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wynterlauren/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100009311587370
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wynter-eddins-b8102437/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCX-Ku6uXK8BWt5ApbQpm8Sg

Image Credits
@jkopics on IG took the photos of me in the red suit