Today we’d like to introduce you to Wanda Fields.
Wanda, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I am originally from Mississippi, and as a young girl, I witnessed my Mother hosting old fashion YMCA meetings with her church members. They would spend hours discussing whatever topics they selected (I believe they were mostly Christian) and welcoming new members. She would also prepare a scrumptious meal for them and it would fill our home with tummy rubbing aromas. One of my favorite part of her meeting; was to wait by the door and listen for her to announce its time to eat. She seemed so happy with their fellowship. These experiences inspired me to want similar interactions when I got older. I later moved to Atlanta, GA and had other interactions inspire me as well. 1. volunteering in the community, 2. reading and discussing books with like-minded folks, 3. uplifting other women and 4. participating in social events in the community.
After constantly talking about starting a group with my girlfriends. One of them in particular, Stacey, said to me to just do it, she said you talk about it all the time, Girl’ do it already.
It was a big day and deal, eight years ago, when Real Divas Read & More Social Club (RDR&MSC) was born. I started by asking existing girlfriends and co-workers if they would be interested in my club. I shared and provided the details to them.
RDR&MSC is an Atlanta based social club with a flair for reading. Our mission statement reads enlightening, uplifting and empowering women through fellowship, services and support. The women in the club are from various socioeconomic statuses in life. We are vastly different but share a common interest. We celebrate and support each other often. We have women that have: 1. studied and obtained various degrees to include Ph.D., & BBA, 2. struggled with kids dealing with life threatening diseases, 3. gotten married & divorced, 4. infertility 5. become empty nesters, etc.. You name it.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
No, it was a bumpy start! Keeping the momentum going when members would leave the group was a challenge. There was a point when I only had two members, but I was determined not to give up. I expanded my reach by creating a Meetup, LinkedIN and Instagram profile. I already had a Facebook. These platforms allowed me to meet women I did not know, and that was one of the best modifications I could have made for the group.
We’d love to hear more about your work.
Real Divas Read & More is a Social Club with a flair for reading. We volunteer in our community, participate in 5k races, and support local authors and small businesses. I am most proud of RDR&MSC’s growth not just in numbers but more in the women that have grown within the group, including myself. We are set apart because we are a hybrid of a book and social club.
What were you like growing up?
I have always had a BIG personality. I was in a marching band, sang in the church choir, ushered in church, a part of the red circle. You name it, my Mom, had me in it. I believe, at some point I was a little shy, but that quickly faded.
Contact Info:
- Website: Real Divas Read & More Social Club
- Phone: 762-233-4827
- Email: realdivasread@gmail.com
- Instagram: realdivasread
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/RealDivasRead
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