The Honeybee's Lifestyle

Tag: A Step Ahead Foundation

  • Women Helping Women

    Hello Honeybees,

    When I was looking to shift into the nonprofit field I knew that I wanted to do something to help women and or children. I was blessed enough to be able to do just that.  Not only does my work involve women and the planning of children but my life outside of work does too.  In the last four weeks I have been involved in causes that positively affect the women of Memphis & Shelby County.

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    Dress For Success Memphis        The Little Black Dress Event

    This was my first year attending The Little Black Dress Event but it was also one of my first duties as a board member. The event was held at the beautiful Memphis Botanic Garden. This is one of the signature fundraising events for Dress For Success Memphis.  We were graced by the beautiful voice of Ms. Wyndie Oh & dined on some awesomely delicious food.  The night was great until I was outbid on an auction item….got to move faster next time.

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    wyndieo

    Women’s Foundation for a Greater Memphis    Power of the Purse Auction

    This was my third year attending the Power of the Purse Auction.  My first year I was a guest, the second year I was a volunteer. This year I was a member of the host committee. Held at The University Club this auction was every woman’s dream. Everything from purses, shoes, jewelry, wine, art, spa packages to sports packages and more. There was even a special visit from the Glamorous Life girl herself, Ms Shelia E.

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    A Step Ahead Foundation            Fifth Anniversary Celebration & Holiday Bazaar

    I have worked at A Step Ahead for 4 years and it has changed my life. To know that the work that you do every day is helping to make a difference in the lives of women, especially young women is pretty good. We celebrated for two days.  Friday night was our anniversary celebration. Being decked out in our cocktail attire we sampled some of the best food in the city, enjoyed our signature LARCtini cocktail, shopped with vendors and auctioned a painting by local artist Jimpsie Ayers. On Saturday we had our annual holiday bazaar. Food trucks, vendors, a bouncy house & face painting for the kids. Both events were held at Lindenwood Christian Church.

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    ASAF Photo Credit: http://rogercotton.com/

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    I encourage you to visit the website for each of these wonderful organizations.  They along with many others are doing some great work for women in Memphis.  Don’t sit on the sidelines, help to make a difference in the 901.

    Belinda Bee pic

    Beewisdom- If you want to lift yourself up, lift up someone else.  Booker T. Washington

  • Summer 2016

    Hello Honeybees,

    As we get ready to kick off the 2016-2017 school year I wanted to give you a glimpse into my summer. Some of the plans that I had didn’t happen because the 8 weeks of summer flew by so quick.  Between my activities and the boys activities two months just wasn’t enough time.  I hope to still accomplish some of our plans before winter.

    My oldest son will start his senior year of high school. I’m both excited and scared.  This milestone really hit me when he took his senior pictures. Ironically he took his picture at the same place that I took mine.

    Rob cap & gown

    This was also his last summer conference with Bridge Builders.  He started Bridge Builders as a rising 9th grader. To say that we love and have enjoyed the Bridge Builder experience is an understatement.  This week gave us a preview of what will happen when he leaves for college. http://www.bridgesusa.org

    Rob cabin

    After Robert’s week away from home my youngest spent the next week at Honors Camp at the University of Memphis.  He had the chance to interact with students and teachers from around the city. One of the things he liked most was seeing the different and innovative teaching styles of other teachers.   http://www.scsk12.org
    Honors Camp

    The boys had the month of June but July belonged to momma.  I was able to attend the 67th Boule’ of my beloved Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. in Atlanta.  This was such an amazing experience. Can you imagine 22,000 beautiful women in all their pink & green glory? Well I didn’t have to imagine it, I lived it. http://www.aka1908.com

    AKA Rose wall (1) Boule sign with me Boule signage AKA Toyota

    After Boule’ I celebrated birthday 49. I had a nice quiet birthday at home but watch out for the big 5-0.  There will be nothing quiet about it.  I’m thinking Vegas baby!!

    Happy Bday Heart

    Summertime at work was busy too.  I had 5 of the world’s best interns.  They came ready to slay and slay they did.  I will miss them when they leave me but Memphis is so lucky to have them. They represented University of Memphis, LeMoyne-Owen College & Rhodes College. http://www.astepaheadfoundation.org

    Interns 1 ASAF Ballons

    I am so ready for Fall, my favorite season, and hopefully some cooler temps in the Mtown. 

    Belinda Bee pic

    How was your Summer 2016?

    Beewisdom- Summer should get a speeding ticket- Unknown

  • Do What You Like

    Hello Honeybees,

    My job requires me to carry some pretty interesting things. Things that might embarrass some but not me or my teammates. 

    You see, I am the Director of Community Outreach for A Step Ahead Foundation, a nonprofit that provides FREE Long Term Reversible Contraceptives or LARC for short, to the women of Shelby County. 

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    At ANY given time you will find in my car or purse for that matter…. Condoms, models of the female reproductive system, or actual models of the methods that we provide. You can visit our website at www.astepaheadfoundation.org to learn more. 

    My trunk is a very interesting place.  I keep displays and supplies ready at a moment’s notice. I never know when I might have to pull out my stuff and do a presentation.

    GIAFI

    Earlier this week I was picking up my car from the shop.  The young man that was helping me had to go in my trunk.  The first thing that he saw when he opened the trunk was a big detailed display of the female reproductive system.  I can only imagine what he was thinking.

    The conversations at work can go from zero to weird real quick.

    “Do we have anymore condoms?”

    “Yes, there are a few BOXES in the closet”

    Or

    “Has anyone seen my uterus?”

    “No, but you can borrow mine”

    When male guest come into the office we give them fair warning about the possible conversations that might happen.  Hey, we have work to do and they are more than welcome to join in.

    Sometimes it can seem like a sorority house (a term our CEO has adopted). But we all enjoy what we do. Work does not have to be boring. Why should it be?

    Outreach Team at Flash MobOutreach team at DixonBee, Nikki & Ingram at BrunchAt A Step Ahead Foundation we are helping the women in our community take control of their lives by planning their lives, families and future.IMG_0287

    Not everyone gets to enjoy the work that they do but I am truly blessed that I do!

    Belinda Bee pic

    What is the strangest thing that has happened to you at work?

    Beewisdom-  The only way to do great work is to love what you do!!