Today we’d like to introduce you to MeLisa Collins.
Hi MeLisa, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
My name is MeLisa Samia. I have been working in the community for over 25 years. I founded an organization working with young women in 2000 because I felt a need to fill a void in some of the girls that I had volunteered with. The void was often around self-worth and purpose.
While working with this population, I realized that their voice was not being heard, which prompted me to write books about what their journey looked like. The books are titled “When I Grow Up, I Want to Be a Prostitute” & “Death of an Independent Woman”. Writing gave me an outlet to express what I thought, a lot of community partners may miss when working with our young women.
I believe I was led in this direction because I was, in part, one of these young ladies in the youth stages of my life. I wanted to be for them, who I needed.
Alright, 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?
Yes and No.
Yes because I love what I do and I feel encouraged by trying to make this happen.
No, because work often trumps passion. If I could work with young women and write for a living, I would be able to say yes to both questions.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
My full-time job is as a Project Manager for an HVAC company. My purpose work:
I work with self-publishing authors who are trying to get their work published. I am also working on a few books this year to add to my author collection.
My non-profit is still active and I currently have a project working with 10 youth who are writing their story about what their purpose is.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
Digital products are the future.
Unfortunately, AI is taking a lot of the creative jobs, however, I feel like there is no one more creative than a person with their personal story.
Contact Info:
- Website: melisasamiacollins.com
- Instagram: @melisasamiacollins
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iampublishingservices
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/public-profile/settings?trk=d_flagship3_profile_self_view_public_profile
