Today we’d like to introduce you to Dorreka Faulkner.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Dorreka. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Growing up, I thought I wanted to be a teacher. In college, my original major was education but over time that changed. During my undergrad career, I realized my passion for youth was deeper than education. I decided to change my major to Human Services Delivery & Administration. The undergrad program prepared me with knowledge and skills necessary to serve individuals, families, groups, and communities.
Internship after internship, I began to self reflect and soon discovered my true passion was to serve young girls. I saw a greater need, especially in the Gainesville community, At that time, I didn’t know the “how” or the “what” but I knew that God was speaking to me and this couldn’t wait. The name “Girls Unlimited” was completely organic. I wholeheartedly feel like girls are unlimited and can do anything. I kept quite and prayed endlessly for guidance. In the meantime, I decided to further my education and enrolled in the Human Services Delivery & Administration Masters program. Through this program and with the guidance from my professors, I gained the confidence to go for it. I registered the name with the state, developed a detailed business plan, researched tremendously and in July 2019 we launched Girls Unlimited to the public.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I wish! They say “nothing worth having comes easy” and I can attest to that. Between 2010-2012, I attended a private Christian school on a basketball scholarship. In my sophomore year, I hurt my shoulder and decided that I was done with basketball. I transferred to the University of North Georgia and was informed majority of my credits would not transfer. I was upset. I did not want to start over but I knew I’d regret it if I didn’t continue with school. In regard to establishing Girls Unlimited, the road has been interested. I truly believe God is working for my good because I’ve been able to connect with some people and agencies who believe in my vision for Girls Unlimited. I am grateful for that.
Please tell us about Girls Unlimited.
Girls Unlimited is a nonprofit organization focused on developing confidence, leadership skills and self-awareness through mentorship, educational events and cultural experiences for young girls in Gainesville, Georgia and surrounding counties.
I think Girls Unlimited is unique because we want to provide services to young girls at little to no cost. In addition, our planning is very strategic and research-based. We want every service and/or event to have a purpose.
At this time, I am most proud and grateful for the people who believe in Girls Unlimited. I am proud that there are people who support a small-town girl who wants to pour into the young girls in her community.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
My favorite childhood memory is basketball. I played basketball over ten years and it really was my first love. The sport taught me so much outside of the hardwood. From time to time, I like to think I still can run with the best.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.girlsunlimitedllc.com
- Email: girlsunlimitedllc@gmail.com
Image Credit:
Erica Muckle – EyeAmEricaSade Photography (@eyeamericasadephotography)
Suggest a story: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
