Today we’d like to introduce you to Regina Coley.
Hi Regina, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I got started in the entrepreneurial space in 2010 with my nonprofit Leading Ladies of Legacy Inc. We started off mentoring girls and providing programs throughout Cobb, Fulton, and Douglas county as well as hosting what was formally called The Wonderfully Made Girls Summit, which is now the Leading Ladies of Legacy Girls Conference. These events were a way to reach back into the community and empower girls of color in the areas of leadership and character development. Over a decade of providing this service helped me to personally develop a curriculum and courses for girls.
While also serving as an educator, I saw the need for more books, educational products, and services that met the needs of young women and girls and founded MotivatHER Inc. That was my alias that I wanted to go by and represent myself as a motivational speaker to women and girls. We wear so many hats, titles and carry so many emotions. I feel we are a population that constantly needs pouring into. Right now, this is my world. I partner with schools, parents, and teachers in any state to help raise confident, unapologetic girls through programs and educational services. My goal is to one day start an all-girls school in Alabama similar to the one I had the privilege of attending for high school to serve more girls in a more individualized manner.
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?
The road was not smooth! I initially had no idea what I was doing but I felt I had been trained for this moment for years as I had the privilege of attending entrepreneurship programs all throughout my childhood. Initially, I was doing everything by myself, and it felt extremely isolated and lonely but I still felt called to continue working on the vision that I knew existed and was needed in the community. Over the years, I have developed myself as a leader by participating in leadership programs like the Highly Diverse Leadership Program offered by the Georgia Center for Nonprofits, Leadership Montgomery, and obtaining a Masters in Business Administration. I truly believe that learning from others and continually investing in personal and professional development has served me well it is allowing me to continue to grow into a better leader and human.
As you know, we’re big fans of MotivatHER. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about the brand?
My business is called MotivatHER Inc., and we provide educational programs and services for women and girls. Right now, we are in the process of developing different forms of positive media for girls and placing a large emphasis on the representation of girls of color. In our society, there is still a focus on the over-sexualization of girls of color. From some of the musical artist that exists to some of the shows and context of those shows, we want to provide more positive options for children to consume. I have published a few books for girls and teens that focus on self-development, with many more to be launched this year. We also have plans for a radio show and television show.
When people hear the brand MotivatHER, I want them to understand that it is deeply committed to not only motivating girls to be the best versions of themselves but also providing the tools in which to do so. It’s a brand that can grow with you throughout your years and life experiences. I’m so proud to be able to serve in this capacity and know that when families see us, they see something that they want for their children. It’s something that they can be proud of. Some of the content is even great for parents; it provides a nice refresher for positive messaging we sometimes need to hear and remember. If you serve girls either through your own educational programming or aspire to serve girls, we also provide a youth development certification program.
What matters most to you? Why?
What matters most is the voice and visibility of those who have something to say. When change is being created in our world is typical starts with something that is said or something that is done. I want our children to understand that there is so much power that they possess. We have more avenues to communicate with people than ever before, and in creating those platforms, we have to understand that it is a tool that really can change our world. Every school that I have attended all the way throughout my doctoral program has focused on being a leader. The mottos have changed but the message has been the same, and that’s to leave places better than you found them. I hope that everyone decides to take to that charge!
Contact Info:
- Email: regina@reginacoley.com
- Website: www.reginacoley.com
- Instagram: www.Instagram.com/
motivather - Facebook: www.Facebook.com/
motivather - Twitter: www.Twitter.com/
motivather - Youtube: www.YouTube.com/
motivather - Other: leadingladiesoflegacy.
org
Image Credits
Photographer: Michael Moorer Makeup: Heavenly Faces
