Today we’d like to introduce you to Muriel Dawkins.
Muriel, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My story is rooted in resilience, transformation, and the power of lived experience. My name is Muriel Dawkins, and I’m originally from Gainesville, Florida. In 2018, I relocated to Atlanta, a move that would mark the beginning of one of the most challenging—and defining—chapters of my life.
From 2018 to 2021, I experienced homelessness in both Florida and Atlanta. During that time, survival was my daily focus. I slept at bus stops, in tents, and on trains, constantly searching for resources and stability. Everything I owned fit into what I could carry—a phone, a laptop, and a purse. Despite the instability, I remained determined to find a way forward, using the few tools I had to stay connected, informed, and hopeful.
I will be 41 this February, and my journey has been shaped by a fully lived experience. In addition to being unhoused, I have also experienced incarceration—an experience that profoundly influenced my understanding of justice, equity, and the systemic barriers faced by so many. These chapters are not just parts of my past; they are the foundation of my purpose today.
In 2021, I moved into my own apartment, marking a major turning point in my life. That moment represented more than housing—it symbolized restoration, stability, and the ability to rebuild with intention.
Motivated by everything I endured, I founded Sources of Light Hub, a nonprofit organization dedicated to connecting unhoused and justice-impacted individuals with critical resources. Our long-term goals include developing a housing-focused mobile app and building stronger reentry pipelines. By collaborating with local county jails and transportation systems, we aim to improve access to housing, employment, and essential services that support successful reentry into society.
Currently, I work with Resilience Education as an Atlanta community leader, focusing on social capital, mentorship, and career pathways for justice-impacted individuals. I am also an active member of the Dress for Success Atlanta community, where I was honored to be nominated for the Women Who Inspire campaign—recognition that reflects both my personal journey and my commitment to uplifting others.
In addition, I am working on my first book, Beneath the Depths: A Journey from Darkness to Grace, which explores transformation, resilience, faith, and the power of reclaiming one’s narrative. My story is still unfolding, but my mission remains clear: to turn lived experience into light, and to ensure that others navigating similar paths know they are not alone.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
No, it has not been a smooth road at all. My journey has been marked by significant challenges that tested my resilience at every stage. Experiencing homelessness from 2018 to 2021 meant navigating daily survival—securing food, transportation, safety, and access to basic resources—while carrying everything I owned with me. There were moments of deep uncertainty, isolation, and exhaustion, especially when stability felt out of reach.
I also faced the long-lasting impact of incarceration, which created additional barriers to housing, employment, and social reintegration. The stigma attached to being justice-impacted often closed doors before I had the chance to fully step through them. Learning to rebuild trust—both with systems and within myself—was one of the hardest parts of the process.
Beyond external obstacles, there were internal struggles as well. Maintaining hope, self-worth, and focus during periods of instability required constant inner work. However, each challenge strengthened my resolve rather than diminishing it. These struggles shaped my perspective, clarified my purpose, and ultimately fueled my commitment to creating pathways for others who are navigating similar circumstances.
While the road has been difficult, it has also been deeply transformative. Every obstacle became a lesson, and every setback reinforced my belief that lived experience is not a limitation—it’s a powerful source of leadership, empathy, and change.
We’ve been impressed with Sources of Light Hub, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Sources of Light Hub is a purpose-driven nonprofit organization rooted in lived experience and designed to meet people where they are. We focus on connecting unhoused and justice-impacted individuals to critical resources that support stability, dignity, and long-term success. Our work centers on access—access to housing pathways, employment opportunities, transportation, education, and community support.
What sets Sources of Light Hub apart is that our work is led by people who have lived the reality of homelessness and incarceration. We don’t approach this work from theory—we approach it from experience. That perspective allows us to build trust quickly, identify gaps in systems, and advocate in ways that are both compassionate and practical. We specialize in resource navigation, reentry support, and social capital development, helping individuals move from survival mode into sustainability.
Our long-term vision includes the development of a housing-focused mobile app that centralizes resources and removes barriers to access, as well as building stronger reentry pipelines in collaboration with local county jails and transportation systems. By improving coordination between institutions and community services, we aim to create smoother transitions from incarceration to stable housing and employment.
Brand-wise, I am most proud that Sources of Light Hub stands for hope, credibility, and action. We are not just an organization that talks about change—we actively create pathways toward it. Every program, partnership, and service is informed by lived experience and driven by the belief that people are more than their circumstances or past mistakes.
What I want readers to know most is that Sources of Light Hub is about restoration and possibility. Our brand represents light in places that are often overlooked, and our work is centered on empowering individuals to reclaim their narratives and build futures rooted in stability, purpose, and self-determination.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
My biggest advice for finding a mentor or networking is to lead with authenticity and intention, not proximity or titles. Mentorship doesn’t always come from formal programs—it often grows out of genuine relationships built on shared values, mutual respect, and consistency.
What has worked best for me is showing up in spaces aligned with my mission and being willing to ask questions, listen deeply, and contribute where I can. During times when I had very little materially, I focused on building social capital—connecting with people who could offer guidance, insight, or perspective, even if they couldn’t offer immediate opportunities. I learned early on that relationships are a resource, and nurturing them requires patience and humility.
I’ve also learned that it’s important to seek mentors who don’t just inspire you, but who are willing to be honest with you. The mentors who have impacted me most were those who challenged my thinking, helped me see beyond my circumstances, and encouraged me to take ownership of my growth.
When it comes to networking, I believe in quality over quantity. You don’t need to know everyone—you need to build trust with the right people. Following up, being consistent, and honoring people’s time has gone a long way for me. Most importantly, I approach networking as relationship-building, not transaction-seeking. When you lead with service, purpose, and integrity, the right connections tend to grow naturally.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @LovelyBoss_03
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1FuqKJSRZT/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/murieldawkins
Image Credits:
Muriel Dawkins
