Today we’d like to introduce you to Danelle Pinder.
Hi Danelle, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I was born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland, a woman of God who carries herself in love and caring for others. I am a resourceful wife and mother of four beautiful daughters and a rambunctious two years old grandson. Through life’s trials and tribulations of poverty, divorce, and sickness, I focused on developing my faith. This developed my strength and courage to endure, persevere, and continue on to pursue my education and found my organization.
Excellence & Ambition Inc. is dedicated to hiring and supporting youth aged 14-21 in the areas of entrepreneurship and workforce development. Along the way, I learned about economic empowerment and realized many times, these lessons are not readily available to African American youth; many of us had to learn these lessons the hard way. We want to be on the front line of the generational shift to change this narrative. The earlier we learn about finances and entrepreneurship, the better; the sooner we begin discussions around career exploration and giving young people opportunities to earn their own money, the more our community will be able to thrive economically.
I am also a new author. My book is Everything Ain’t Demonic: But Some Things Are! Growing up in the church, I was surrounded by love and learned much about religious tradition. As I got older, I began to study the scripture for myself. This led me on a journey to study secular history and resources that strengthened my faith and further informed my walk with Jesus. Lately, I have been broadening my knowledge of the Hebraic culture to better understand what the biblical writers would want our modern world to know. This has reinvigorated my love of the Word, enhanced my discernment of the voice of God, and led me down the path of deliverance ministry. My book’s focus is on spiritual discernment and growth.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Through life’s trials and tribulations of poverty, divorce, and sickness, I was able to persevere. I grew up experiencing both sides of Baltimore. I lived within the “Black Butterfly” of Baltimore and in “The County”. I had one grandmother who lived on South Caroline St in East Baltimore and another in Park Heights on the West Side; I also shopped at the Harbor in it’s hay-day and traveled out of state for leisure a lot as a child. This exposure allowed me to see I could be whatever I wanted to be in life and not be bogged down by my circumstances; leaving me with a desire to expose youth who may be living in poverty to all of what the world has to offer. Becoming an Educator and Youth Development Coordinator, and Out of School Time (OST) Specialist was the way for me to do so.
I met my husband at the age of ten; we grew up together in the same building, on the same floor. We broke up to go to college, and upon returning home pregnant after my first semester, we found each other again. We were married in 2002, after the birth of our 2nd daughter; and after a short stint as a military family, we welcomed our 3rd baby girl in 2005. Like any young couple, we had our issues with maturity and could not handle the ups and downs. We filed for divorce in 2010. In 2015, we somehow found each other again. Mostly because it was easy to co-parent with your best friend. We were remarried in May of 2021, with our daughters as our bridesmaids and grandson as the ring-bearer. God can turn any story into a testimony.
I was diagnosed with endometriosis in 2012, soon after founding Excellence & Ambition Inc. I am also challenged with muscular issues stemming from multiple car crashes over the years. The enemy has tried to use these physical thorns to keep me stagnate; but I keep pressing towards the mark of the high calling which is in Christ Jesus; He will get all of the Glory from every gift and talent I have, this is my life’s purpose.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Excellence & Ambition Inc.?
At Excellence & Ambition Inc. our mission is for participants to develop skills and training in the areas of the arts, professionalism, experience in business development, and training specific to their chosen career goals. We envision communities where every young person aged 14-21 who would like to be employed is given the training and opportunity to do so; and for those who want to start a business to have the support to be successful.
During the summer of 2012, a group of young people met and worked on business ideas in my East Baltimore home; the group was composed of my oldest daughters and their friends. After assisting them with their goals, I created a hands-on curriculum that developed into a 7-week E&A Youth Entrepreneurship Program (YEP!). Over time Excellence & Ambition Inc. has now grown into a fully operational organization to include summer and after-school programs. Many of those business projects launched that faithful summer are still in operation today.
Participants are also exposed to college and career options, apprenticeship training, resume writing, mock interviews, dress to impress, customer service, effective communication, activism, and public speaking to name a few of our focus areas. Additionally, participants plan and host community events to include beautification projects, neighborhood block parties, and an annual Youth-Led Townhall Meeting. Those who have a business compete in our Annual YEP Pitch Contest which is open for youth entrepreneurs from across the city.
We have partnerships with other organizations doing similar work, what sets us apart are our year-long efforts and longevity; we are known to have expectations of excellence for our E&A Youth Leaders and successful E&A Alumni. 92% of whom have gone on to college, and/or started their career. Our entrepreneurs get all of the necessary support to be successful in the start-up phase of their businesses and the grace/space to fail forward. We believe quitting is never the first option, and every challenge is a chance for them to learn and grow.
We are constantly finding new ways to level up as an organization and have a larger vision for generational impact on the communities we serve. I would like the Voyage audience to know we are a 501 C3 Organization; and are committed to the work of generational economic empowerment for the long haul. If they would like to help us in our efforts, there are many ways to partner, including becoming a mentor, guest speaking, joining our Board of Directors, or hosting a fundraiser on our behalf. We would love to bring participants to visit different places and gain new experiences, to accomplish this we are always looking for sponsorships and grants as well. Visit our website at www.ambitiousyouth.org, and stay up to date with events and activities by following us on social media making monetary donations.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
To purchase the book or schedule a signing for Everything Ain’t Demonic; But Some Things Are! visit my website at www.dpinderenterprisesllc.com; and be on the lookout for my YouTube Channel dedicated to biblical study from a modern-day perspective.
Pricing:
- $20 for my book (email for bulk orders)
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ambitiousyouth.org
- Instagram: excellence_ambition1
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ambitiousbmore/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danelle-pinder-673945129/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/inc_ambition
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmo0KbOQ1C_dCHRz8K7Ff6A
- Other: https://www.dpinderenterprisesllc.com/
Image Credits
Danelle Pinder, Founder of Excellence & Ambition Inc. and D Pinder Enterprises LLC. Family Picture from left to right: Jerome Pinder, Danelle Pinder, Yamaudi Pinder, Jada Pinder, Justice Pinder
