Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Nicole Steele.
Dr. Steele, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
As the Founder & Executive Director of Diamond In The Rough Youth Development Program, Inc., an award-winning, faith-based, non-profit mentoring and leadership program which has served nearly 5,000 youth and families since its inception in 2004; and as The President of Gem Makers, LLC, which provides program development, coaching, consulting, workshops and resources to women, parents and professionals, I have committed the past 25+ years of my life to empowering women and girls of all ages.
In addition to helping women and girls understand their worth, build their confidence and tap into their full potential, I am also a confidence coach, the author of two books, creator of a girl’s curriculum, developer of countless programs, empowerment speaker, workshop facilitator and the host of signature events for women, girls and families.
I walked away from a corporate career and have found true fulfillment in helping others SHINE! I absolutely LOVE what I do and look forward to spending the rest of my life positively impacting the lives of women and girls around the world.
Has it been a smooth road?
No it has not been a smooth road. There have been tremendous sacrifices made along my journey. I have faced financial sacrifices in pursuit of my purpose having left a comfortable corporate career. My family and friends have made tremendous sacrifices supporting me throughout this journey.
There have been many obstacle and growing pains that come from starting and growing a grassroots non-profit organization and meeting the increasing needs of the community. There have been seasons of loneliness, uncertainty and frustration along the journey which come naturally with growth. My faith has been tested many times throughout but continues to grow strong as I have seen the faithfulness of God and goodness of mankind. Through it all, it has been all worth it and wouldn’t change a thing. The challenges I faced have allowed me to celebrate the challenges I have faced, to appreciate the process and are now used to help other professionals get further faster.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Diamond In The Rough Youth Development Program Inc., (DITR) an award winning, faith-based, non-denominational, youth development and leadership program dedicated to “Transforming the world . . . One child, one family, one community at a time”. DITR offers a variety of preventative programs and enrichment activities designed to build self-esteem, character, and leadership among girls of all ages. Our mission is to provide preparation, inspiration, nurturing and knowledge to girls ages 4-18 through group mentoring, leadership training, career coaching and family enrichment activities.
Gem Makers, LLC provides consulting, workshops, events and resources designed to provide education, motivation and collaborative opportunities to women, youth leaders, ministry staff and business professionals.
I have had the pleasure of working with an incredible team of passionate volunteer leading the charge as we help women and girls find their voice and realize their full potential. I am most proud of the lives we have been able to impact over the years. There is nothing more rewarding than witnessing the growth of others and watching them come into their own.
A few things that sets me apart (I hear) is my passion, my creativity, and being a true visionary who thinks way outside of the box.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
I think metro Atlanta is a phenomenal place for business professionals. There are so many opportunities for people do what they love. Whether it is working in the grass roots non-profit arena, small business, or in the arts, there is a tremendous need, a great deal of support and the environment where people can chart their own course and SHINE in their own special way.
Contact Info:
- Address: 2140 McGee Road, Suite C640
Snellville, GA 30078 - Website: www.TheRealNicoleSteele.com
- Phone: 404-477-4367 (GEMS)
- Email: nsteele@gemmakers.org
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/nicole.steele
Image Credit:
Cherie B. Photography
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