Today we’d like to introduce you to Sharrod Golightly.
Hi Sharrod, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Started with a East Atlanta Field Day to the use an inclusive athletic event that could get a community to come outside at Gresham Park Recreation center in South Dekalb. After finishing sports, I made it a point to use my platform to show people where im from and why I have so much pride not just on the field or off the field. This event was a catalyst to get me more serious about my efforts and business, In 2019 turned ‘Gohard with Golightly’ into 501c3 and continued to be a trailblazer with different events that highlight our strengths as a community. Since then, I have turned Field Day into more than just a local effort but now a global effort by now getting kids to compete in Jamaica with volunteers and student athletes from the Atlanta area. We now have had 4 annual international field days in Port Antonio, Jamaica. My focus now has pivoted into emphasizing how important it is for student athletes to lean into philanthropy. With so much emphasis on sports, great chance to turn that focus into fixing or addressing issues within the community. Being more than an athlete is more important now than ever.
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?
It has not been easy but definitely worth it, making the transition from sports to entrepreneurship is a challenging task. To overcome it’s essential to start with something you already have a passion for, something you would do for free if you weren’t forced to. The cool part is there always a business structure around passions and there are always problems that need solving. hardest part of the process is for others to respect your new dreams and not force you to live in your past or their preconceived notions of you. the second hardest part was to get a portfolio together strong enough for grants and other non-profits to respect your effort.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Im am currently a Community Engagement Coordinator (CEC) for this this black owned property management company in
Atlanta Called Integral Properties. My role is to connect the community of Collegetown with resources that some residents may need or want. engagement including but not limited to job/ career search, financial literacy, health/wellness and community building.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
Being ok with being uncomfortable is a cheat code also take time to go to networking opportunities and pay it forward with effort. Helping before asking for help is also a cheat code. People will be more willing to lock in with you
Contact Info:
- Website: www.gohardwithgolightly.com/ www.itsfieldday.org
- Instagram: @gohardwithgolightly @ea_golightly @fielddayinc
- Facebook: Sharrod Golightly
- LinkedIn: Sharrod Golightly
- Twitter: @ea_golightly
- Youtube: gohardwithgolightly
Image Credits
Tru Foundation
Xfinity
Royal Portland
Southwest Dekalb
Cedar Grove
Integral Properties
Cam Kirk Studios
Frederick Douglass HS
Tycoon Sports Media
Sevens Tournament /Dynasty U
