Today we’d like to introduce you to Quinell Wilson.
Hi Quinell, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I grew up in the inner city of Chicago spending lots of time with my Christian grandparents. Leaving home for college at 17 exposed me to the reality of how transitions and breaking generational circumstances can impact confidence and overall belonging. Spending time looking for safe places to evolve and found Bible Studies and L.I.F.E groups that often missed the mark. In 2018, I should replace her first missionary assignment at Moorland Camps in Spur Tree Jamaica. During this time, I recognized how poverty impacted the success and stability of young women. Much like in my hometown, I realized the importance of a Christian foundation, community and mental health. This reality inspired her to begin the Set Me Free Foundation in February of 2019.
My goal was to understand the needs of my community and the youth by meeting them where they were. Focusing on biblical inspiration, mental health and issues amongst minority women. Developing a safe space where women can learn the importance of who they are to become whole in Christ. Our events have including vision boards and vision casting as well and live self are events and weekly reminders. In the past two years, we have awarded $3500 in scholarships and had the opportunity to partner with other non-profits and community advocates.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The pandemic impacted the way everyone does business. Creating and maintaining connections have moved to social media which means I have to make more time for content. (Which is not my strength!) I’ve moved states twice since starting the Set Me Free Foundation which has caused some delay in meeting new people and making valuable connections. Now that I’ve moved to Henry County, I’m looking forward to building more.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am the Founder of the Set Me Free Foundation. I have over a decade of technical and strategic management experience from Fortune 500 Companies like Chevron, Tyson Foods, Comcast & Walmart. I currently work as a Technical Program Manager with Cambium Assessments in Machine Learning & Artificial Intelligence. My team is responsible for the systems that score and train standardized testing models.
I earned an MBA in Leadership & Ethics from John Brown’s University’s Don Sodequist School of Business in 2015. I was also holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Information Systems from Grambling State University in 2011. I have a Board Service Certification from the University of Arkansas and I am also looking for new board service opportunities. Aside from being a strategic planner, I have an innate ability to build relationships, lead organized groups, negotiate terms and accelerate growth through consistent actions.
Being a single mother of a child with special needs (ADHD) is something I am most proud of. Learning to advocate for him at the age of 25 was the most difficult thing I have ever done. Seven years later, I have learned that all children require love that aligns them with their purpose. If my son is never “like other children” he still deserves the same experiences. My greatest joy is being able to help another parent navigate through the IEP process. Motivating others through this has given me the strength to trust God through this process.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
I would like to think that my business is blessed/lucky because it was never my plan but God’s. My life has been a living testimony of my purpose in His eyes. Even the situations that were sent to break me evolved into a learning point.
Pricing:
- You can donate on a monthly basis
Contact Info:
- Email: QWilson@setmefreefoundation.com
- Website: www.setmefreefoundation.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/setmefree_foundation/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/whosetmefree
