We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Camika Jerido. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Camika below.
Hi Camika, thank you for being such a positive, uplifting person. We’ve noticed that so many of the successful folks we’ve had the good fortune of connecting with have high levels of optimism and so we’d love to hear about your optimism and where you think it comes from.
My optimism comes mainly from my parents and the lessons I was taught as a child. Despite the adversity, my parents always maintained a positive attitude and taught my siblings and I to approach life with optimism and resilience.
As a young girl, I witnessed the power of optimism in overcoming obstacles and finding silver linings even in the darkest of times. Instead of dwelling on the issues, we were taught to focus on gratitude for what we had and the belief that life is a journey.
As I navigated through life, I carried this optimistic outlook with me. I found that viewing challenges as opportunities for growth and setbacks as temporary hurdles helped me preserve through difficult times. My optimism became my guiding light, fueling my determination to pursue my dreams and make a positive impact on the community.
Although my optimism wasn’t blind positivity but rather a conscious choice to focus on the good, maintain hope, and approach life with a sense of possibility. It stemmed from the resilience instilled in me by my parents and grandparents and served as a powerful force that propelled me forward, even in the face of adversity.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
As the founder of our nonprofit organization, our mission is to empower marginalized communities through education and opportunity. We believe that every individual deserves access to quality education and resources to reach their full potential, regardless of their background or circumstances.
One of the most exciting aspects of our work is witnessing the transformative impact it has on the lives of those we serve. From offering a free mentorship program to underprivileged students to implementing community development projects, every initiative we undertake is driven by the belief that education is the key to breaking the cycle of poverty and creating a brighter future for all.
What sets our organization apart is our commitment to sustainability and long-term impact. Rather than providing short-term solutions, we focus on building partnerships and implementing programs that empower communities to thrive independently. We strive to create lasting change that uplifts individuals and entire communities.
As we continue to grow and expand our reach, we are excited to announce that we now have a girls mentorship program, host annual Health & Wellness events, and have expanded the community in which we normally serve. These initiatives represent our ongoing dedication to making a meaningful difference in the world and ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to pursue their dreams.
We invite everyone to join us in our mission to help foster personal growth and be a part of the positive change we’re working to create. Together, we can make a difference and build a brighter future for generations to come.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Reflecting on my journey, three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful are:
First, resilience because having the ability to bounce back from setbacks and persist in the face of challenges is crucial. There were times when obstacles seemed unconquerable, but maintaining resilience helped me stay focused on my goals and persevere through difficult times. Through this experience, reframing setbacks as learning opportunities and focus on solutions rather than dwelling on problems, surround myself with a supportive network of family, friends, and colleagues who can offer guidance and positivity during tough times are all essential.
Secondly, adaptability because the world is forever changing. I had to consistently adapt to new situations and embrace uncertainty. This is very essential as I am able to be flexible which allows me to pivot, when necessary, seize unexpected opportunities, and navigate unfamiliar terrain with confidence. There are times when I have to step out of my comfort zone and embrace new experiences. Additionally, I had to practice being open-minded and willing to learn from diverse perspectives no matter the age or background. This really helped me to develop a growth mindset that sees challenges as opportunities for growth and innovation.
Finally, passion and purpose because having a clear sense of passion and purpose fueled my motivation and sustained me through the ups and downs of my journey. Knowing why I was pursuing my goals gave me direction and a sense of fulfillment that transcended external rewards. I had to explore my interests, values, and aspirations to discover what truly inspired me. Then, I boldly aligned my goals with my passion and values that resonate with my sense of purpose. I had to stay connected to my why, and let it guide me in making decisions and taking action.
To say the lease, developing resilience, adaptability, and a sense of passion and purpose significantly impact my journey towards success and fulfillment. By nurturing these qualities and skills, I am better equipped to overcome obstacles, embrace change, and stay focused on what truly matters to me. I realized that personal growth is a lifelong journey, so I had to learn to be patient with myself and celebrate my progress along the way.
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?
As a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering marginalized communities through education and opportunity, we are always open to partnering and collaborating with like-minded individuals, organizations, and businesses. Here are some examples of potential collaborators we are looking to work with:
We welcome Educational Institutions partnerships with schools, universities, and educational organizations to expand access to quality education, provide scholarships, and develop educational programs that address the needs of underserved communities. Nonprofit Organizations because collaborating with other nonprofit organizations allows us to leverage resources, share expertise, and maximize our impact on shared goals such as poverty alleviation, healthcare access, environmental sustainability, and social justice. Corporate Partners as this provides opportunities for corporate social responsibility initiatives, employee engagement programs, and funding support for our projects and programs. Government Agencies is always a plus because working with local, national, and international government agencies enables us to advocate for policy changes, access funding opportunities, and implement community development projects in partnership with government stakeholders. Lastly, Individual Donors and Volunteers because they play a crucial role in supporting our work through financial contributions, volunteerism, and advocacy. We welcome individuals who are passionate about our mission to join us in making a positive difference in the lives of others. If anyone is interested in collaborating with us or learning more about our organization, please reach out to us through our website, social media channels, or contact information provided. We are excited to explore potential partnerships and collaborations that align with our mission and values. Together, we can create meaningful change and empower communities to thrive.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.usaunlimited.org
- Instagram: usaunlimitedinc
- Linkedin: Camika Jerido
