Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephanie Rackard.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I have always been a corporate-minded person, having worked for a major Fortune 100 company – Tyson Foods World Headquarters – for approximately 16 years as a Director of Human Resources. While I was a co-founder of a nonprofit Food Program in Springdale, AR, it was not my idea to initiate it, though it fed so heavily into my love of cooking and helping the community. Help the community we did as we provided, at the height of operations, more than 1600 meals a day to children! However, after relocating back to Georgia post a divorce, it was truly a very difficult time where I was refiguring out who I was in that season of my life and I was not doing a very good job of it!
In 2016, One of my Senior Pastors at Divine Visitation International Church & Ministries, Apostle Noble Ibe, ministered about using what God put in your hands. He encouraged members to go home and allow the Holy Spirit to lead us in starting our own business. I began to realize how important legacy was; that it was to not waste the gifts God has given to us and that they are to be used to edify the body of Christ, bless His people – and me too! I did just that and God gave me inspiration to start Divinely Inspired Resources – a multifaceted organization that capitalizes on my gifts and passions by offering:
– Human Resources, Employment and EEO Consulting services, concentrated EEO/HR training and investigation services to businesses.
– Catering, Décor and Design services to clientele seeking inspired, intimate and quaint “in-home” or small offsite gatherings. With a passion for American-inspired food and a flair for creativity, Divinely Inspired seeks to creatively connect our passion for food and design ambiance with your desired vision to elevate, capture and celebrate the essence of common everyday life moments!
– A faith-based non-profit 501c3 (in process) organization that provides career and entrepreneurial guidance, Proverbial life skills training and spiritually empowering resources to young girls and women that supports them in their current and future roles as wives, mothers, professionals, entrepreneurs and compassionate community leaders.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
My career has presented me with challenging work environments that afforded me with a level of growth that many do not see in a siloed corporate environment. Having your own business places you in a position where you are exposed to areas beyond the functional expertise that prompt you to think more holistically about the work, strategy and nature of what you do. Even in cooking and dealing with people, I made many mistakes along the way but I always got back up by God’s grace. My life’s journey thus far has made me rugged to withstand pressures. I encountered joblessness, homelessness, loss of family and friends during the process – but the key is to keep pressing and keep the faith! The truth is, for me, it’s not my skill set that will take me where I am going, it’s faith in God.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Everything about my business are my passions – Human Resources, Cooking and nonprofit work for women and young girls. I hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism from the University of Georgia and a Master’s in Human Resources Management. With more than 23 years of HR experience with specialized expertise in Equal Employment Opportunity where I responded to charges of discrimination and mediated cases with the U.S. EEOC Commission, this served as the foundation for the HR component of the business.
As for the Catering, Design and Decor component of the business, I love cooking. I love designing tables and events. Food is love to me and I enjoy feeding people! I started cooking at age 11 for my family and have never stopped. There is something about the fellowship of food that brings joy!
Of course, the nonprofit is my heart’s desire to give back to the community and help women and young girls become who God has called them to be. I was a single mother with a young child trying to make life work; I encountered divorce, abuse, loss of identity, fear but that is not where I remained. Helping women get over those humps and come out stronger and better through building up oneself is priceless. Divinely Inspired is just that – Divinely Inspired. Through the nonprofit, we provide grants and scholarships to help women register their businesses in Georgia and help young student entrepreneurs to expand their business footprint. We do cooking classes and sessions on what it takes to be successful in business. Additionally, we provide a Divinely Diversified platform, with participation and support from our Divinely Inspired Network, to highlight women in business. I put my heart in what I do. I aim to please but prefer to overachieve!
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
I am always looking to collaborate with other nonprofits or organizations that offer resources for women and young girls to become part of our Divinely Inspired Network. We do empowerment sessions, trainings as well as coordinate platforms that tangibly support females across all age groups in their quest to become who God has called them to be. We are always seeking partners to donate funds and in-kind products – snacks, conference supplies, technical equipment – laptops, social media light rings, microphones, digital video cameras, etc. – makeup, gift cards and professional clothing, food for cooking classes – the list is endless!
Additionally, referrals are great! If organizations are seeking Human Resources training and consultants or need an event planner, Divinely Inspired would be happy to oblige! Contacting us via our website – www.divinelyinspiredresources.com – or emailing me directly at srackard@divinelyinspiredresources.com is the easiest way to get started!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.divinelyinspiredresources.com
- Instagram: Diresources
- Facebook: DIRorganization
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCLKuSfy7peJmbo4Zb7VwWcA
