How my Nonprofit journey began
Thank you for allowing your inner vision for your non-profit to lead you here. It takes a lot of courage to pursue your dreams especially when there are so many distractions in everyday life that lead us to believe that we don’t have what we need to make them come true. We tell ourselves that we don’t have enough money; we don’t know the right people or we don’t have the time. The truth is, there is never a perfect time to get started on your vision. You just have to get started and trust that all will unfold with each step that you take.
I know this because I was in your very shoes almost 10 years ago. I wanted to start a non-profit for young adults in foster care but I didn’t know how. I was fueled by my personal experience growing up in kinship and foster care and I wanted to change things for others like me who, because of no fault of their own, ended up in foster care and separated from their parents. I was afraid and unsure of how to make this dream a reality but I just put one foot in front of the other. I recruited mentors and coaches along the way that helped to guide me through the initial processes and before you knew it, I was running a successful non-profit organization that raised over 2 million dollars to provide services to transitioning foster youth. I was 25 years old when I started my non-profit, without a degree in a field related to Non-profit Development and had recently transitioned from the foster care system.
If I could do it then, you can do it now.
A LITTLE MORE ABOUT "THE NONPROFITISTA”
What People Are Saying
“Awesome experience and very inspirational. Loved the attention to my vision and knowledge about how to bring my Nonprofit to life. I was able to gain clarity, focus, and direction for my Nonprofit and the 1-on-1 attention is priceless.”
— Cindy Jordan
“Working with Shalita is like a little slice of heaven. Despite all of her accomplishments, she has remained a humble person that's willing to do whatever it takes to get your vision in motion. She's so inspiring and provided me with tools that are helpful along with real candid advice. She makes this process so much easier and fun. She won't let you give up during the process to making your vision come to pass.”
— Ashley White
“Since working with Mrs. O'Neale, I have been able to step outside of my fears as a nonprofit leader and move forward with what my passion is. She has equipped me with the proper way of setting up all areas such as recruiting board members, obtaining an EIN and getting my 1023 EZ. Anything needed for your nonprofit to be successful, she can deliver and guide you on it.”
— Felicia Wilson
“I knew Shalita would be a great Non-Profit Coach for me from watching her YouTube videos, (she became a friend in my head.) From day one she has helped me delve into my purpose, my emotions, and my spirit to understand the “real” reason why I am starting an organization. I have learned business tactics like how to choose a business name, what my website should be (.com/ .org), and how to choose and retain knowledgeable board members. Thanks to Shalita I am now a full operating 501 (c)(3) Non-Profit Organization.”
—Melissa Hughes
Don’t take my word for it. Take theirs.
Awards and Certifications
2020 Licensed Consultant with the Standards for Excellence Institute®
American Mothers Inc, 2017 Maryland Mother of the Year
Prince Georges County Social Innovation Fund’s 2015 40 Under Forty
Baltimore Business Journal’s 2015 40 Under Forty
Baltimore Magazine’s 2013 40 Under Forty
The BFree Dailey’s 2011 Ten People to Watch Under 30
The Daily Record’s 2011 20 In Their Twenties
