Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Marcus Belgrove. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Marcus, thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?
As a Black American, I am often the only person of color in various situations. But rather than being discouraged, I find empowerment in challenging outdated narratives on race, classism, and social stigmas. Every experience is an opportunity to learn from others and contribute our best. Communication is key, and I am committed to effective communication, both personally and professionally, to make a meaningful impact on people and communities, regardless of race or social status.
As the only Black American in certain situations, I have the unique opportunity to emphasize that race is a social construct often used to divide rather than unite. We are all part of one race, the Human Race, and as MLK famously declared, we should judge each other by the content of our character and not by the color of our skin.
As a community leader and President, I am eager to lead, even if I am alone in making the right decisions. I am determined to add value to every interaction through meaningful dialogue with all groups of people. I’ve discovered that we as humans have more in common than we initially perceive. By communicating effectively, we can unite as a community and a nation, rise above misinformation, prejudice, and stereotypes, and create a just society.
I firmly believe that we must always challenge the status quo if it will elevate others, create a space to embrace diversity and inclusion of all and promote a just society. Let us work together to break down barriers and build a better future.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
As the CEO and President of the You Saved Me Foundation, a non-profit organization, I feel grateful to have served over 11,000 individuals and pets in San Diego County since 2019. We have partnered with major local and national corporations such as Google, San Diego Food Bank, Humane Society of San Diego, Whole Foods, and many others to provide essential services to those in need. These services include baby diapers, food, pet food, rapid Google career scholarships, feminine hygiene products, clothing, Narcan, and financial literacy courses.
Our mission is to empower people to escape poverty and transform their lives by removing barriers to immediate assistance and tackling the stigma of asking for help. We are proud of our commitment to serve anyone in San Diego County, without any income restrictions or ID requirements.
We believe that our work is not just about providing immediate relief to those in need, but also about creating lasting change. We empower people to achieve their dreams by providing rapid career development through Google and financial literacy courses. We also inspire the youth through volunteering and entrepreneurial development, and we are delighted to see a new generation of compassionate individuals emerge, dedicated to ending hunger and poverty in our community.
The hygiene essentials we provide help thousands of people remain working, attend school, and stay healthy. We are proud to have recently expanded our operations to Florida, where the needs are just as pressing.
Our success would not have been possible without the support of Vice President Kameron Gascot-Foster, countless super volunteers, and dedicated staff members such as Taj Collins and Jody Pinchin. They are the heart and soul of our organization, and we are grateful for their unwavering support.
If you are in need, we are here for you. Please visit our website at yousaved.me/events for any upcoming distributions of essential needs. Our free online services and courses are available 24/7 on yousaved.me. Together, we can create a brighter future for everyone in our community.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
When beginning your journey toward success, it is important to recognize that self-doubt and negative self-talk can hinder your progress. Instead, surround yourself with positive and ambitious individuals who support your vision. Avoid people who belittle your ideas or try to diminish your self-worth. Remember, caterpillars cannot understand the language of butterflies.
Develop a solid plan and stick to it, no matter how long it takes to achieve your goals. Progress often happens in small steps, paving the way for bigger changes. My advice is to persist and never give up on yourself, your dreams, your family, or your community. The world needs innovative thinkers and leaders who can create a better future. Your unwavering dedication to your cause will give you confidence.
Look for mentorship opportunities and practice effective listening skills while engaging with community members, peers, and stakeholders to understand the gravity of the situation you aim to address.
Once you have enough data to champion your cause, create a successful SMART plan. This means making your plan Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-based. Without a SMART plan, failure is inevitable.
With your confidence, data, mentorships, and a SMART plan in place, you will be able to make a substantial impact. Consider taking online courses in data analytics and project management to complement your skills, especially for backend tasks such as compliance, grant writing, and nonprofit management.
Despite appearances, there are no all-encompassing solutions to poverty, hunger, crime, and mortality rates that are on the rise nationally. We need bold new leaders! If you are looking for partnerships or collaborations, connect with like-minded individuals who are passionate about similar causes. Use social media, attend relevant events, and participate in conferences within your area of interest. Building relationships with those who share your vision can foster impactful collaborations and positive change.
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
We’re seeking collaboration opportunities, particularly with passionate individuals from diverse backgrounds and lived experiences, including youth, retirees, and potential corporate partners. If you’re a young individual with a drive for positive change, a retiree looking to contribute your valuable experience or a representative from a corporation interested in meaningful partnerships, I want to connect with you. Whether you’re enthusiastic about community development, poverty alleviation, or other social causes, your unique perspective and skills are valuable. Reach out through social media, join us at our Distribution events, or email us directly at [email protected] to connect with us. Together we can harness the energy of the youth, the wisdom of retirees, and the resources of corporations to create impactful collaborations and drive positive change!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.yousaved.me
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yousavedmefoundation
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/YouSavedMeFoundation
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/you-saved-me-foundation
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/ysmfoundation
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@yousavedmefoundation811
