We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Chastity Corbett. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Chastity below.
Chastity, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
Chastity R. Corbett is a Suma Cum Laude graduate of Norfolk State University. She earned a B.A in Political Science and her M.A in Criminal Justice. While at Norfolk State University, she founded the Graduate Student Association mobilizing graduate students to let their voices be heard. As the Founding President, Chastity represented the N.S.U graduate students on the Board of Directors. She ensured that the accomplishments of graduate students were recognized.
Chastity was initiated in the Newport News Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. in 2004. She served as the Chair of the Social Action Committee. Through her desire to educate citizens on candidates and the importance of voting, she has organized rallies, voter registration drives, candidate forums, and social media campaigns. Her efforts led the chapter to be awarded for their voter empowerment campaign activities.
Chastity was diagnosed with Lupus in 2005. She has several medical complications from the disease and periodically undergoes chemotherapy treatment. Despite this, Chastity continues to make time to uplift and encourage others. She began walking in her purpose and allowing God to order her steps. She was determined to not allow lupus define nor hinder her from achieving her goals and helping others. She attributes this to her strong Christian beliefs and faith. Chastity has received several recognitions and awards for her community activism including the Peninsula Pan Hellenic Greek of the Year representing her chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Alpha Alpha Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. Citizen of the Year, 3rd District of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. Outstanding Citizen of the Year, Lupus Foundation of America DMV Chapter’s Volunteer of the Year, Pretty in Pink Women’s Empowerment’s Community Leader Award, and more.
In June 2015, Chastity spearheaded the first official Walk to End Lupus Now in the Hampton Roads community. Over $45,000 was raised to benefit lupus patients. The DMV Chapter of the Lupus Foundation of America recognized her as Volunteer of the Year in 2017. She has a dedication and strong passion for community service and uplifting others. When the DMV Chapter folded in 2018 and after finding out the National Office of Lupus Foundation of America does not provide the support that lupus survivors needed, Chastity founded the Social Butterflies Foundation on October 5, 2018.
Social Butterflies Foundation is a grassroots organization dedicated to helping those battling Lupus and Fibromyalgia, as well as their families and caregivers. Its mission is to provide direct assistance, education, support services, and encouragement to empower and uplift those living with lupus and fibromyalgia. It aims to help survivors and their families face the challenges of these incurable and debilitating illnesses that receive little to no attention yet devastate so many lives. Chastity coined the motto “Butterflies do not let each other fly alone”. She is determined to ensure that no one living with lupus or fibromyalgia will have to endure the challenges of these life-threatening illnesses alone.
Chastity believes in being a blessing to others, and you will always see her smiling. She is married to Richard Corbett and mother of three sons: Ashar, Savon, and Shemar. She also has two beautiful grandbabies who bring her so much joy – Syncere and Serenity.
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?
I am many things to many different people. Some say I am their shero, sister, motivator, mentor, or simply a blessing in their life. I view myself as a child of God and unapologetically me. I do not like to see people hurting or suffering. I possess a strong empathy for those battling lupus, fibromyalgia, Alzheimer’s, dementia, prostate cancer, breast cancer, MS, and any illness that threatens their livelihood. I treasure my relationships, especially my family. I understand that time is precious, so you need to make every day count. I get so much joy from spending time with my two grandbabies. Watching them grow up is an inexplicable feeling of love and happiness. To maintain my peace of mind, I love baking, writing, reading, listening to music, watching movies, and dancing.
I founded Social Butterflies Foundation to fill the gaps in support for lupus and fibromyalgia survivors and their families. Research for a cure is important, but survivors need to be able to maintain their day-to-day living. Social Butterflies Foundation is more than a nonprofit organization, it is a family. We laugh together, cry together, help each other, create memories together, and show each other genuine love and understanding. We have created a safe place for survivors and their families.
Social Butterflies Foundation provides real, direct assistance. Our free programs and services consist of emergency financial assistance, college scholarships, support groups for youth and adults, summits, health fairs, wig outreach programs, care outreach programs, educational resources, and year-round advocacy. We host different awareness and fundraising events to be able to maintain our programs and services. On May 18, 2024, we our hosting our Lupus & Fibromyalgia Summit and Health Fair which unites survivors, families, medical professionals, and different community organizations. On June 9th, we are hosting a Bad Boys 4 movie fundraiser. Our annual Butterfly Walk for Lupus & Fibro takes place on Saturday, August 3rd at Boo Williams Sportsplex in Hampton, VA. We are making history by hosting the first-ever indoor walk for lupus and fibromyalgia. The Butterfly Walk is our largest fundraiser to support survivors and their families. Participants can walk in person or virtually. On August 4th, we will be hosting an All Purple & White Soiree at the Virginia Living Museum in Hampton, VA. This event is to celebrate survivors and advocates as well as raise awareness and funds.
Another way that we raise funds is through our online store on our website: www.socialbutterfliesfoundation.org. All of the proceeds from store sales are used towards our mission. We aim to make these invisible illnesses visible. Together we will thrive!
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?
Three qualities or skills that I found impactful is my leadership experience, effective communication abilities, and my active listening skills coupled with compassion for others. My advice to others would be to follow your gut instinct, not to get discouraged when you receive a “no” because that just means you are delayed not denied and stay focused on your “why”. Everyone in your circle is not going to be as supportive as you think, so expand that circle. Network and meet new people who have similar interests. Take advantage of different business workshops. Most importantly, believe in yourself! You got this because God’s got you.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
Social Butterflies Foundation believes in powerful and impactful collaborations. We are looking to collaborate with people or organizations that empower and uplift children, those with disabilities, and caregivers. We can be reached by emailing [email protected]
Contact Info:
- Website: www.socialbutterfliesfoundation.org
- Instagram: @socialbutterfliesfoundation
- Facebook: /Socialbutterfliesfoundation
- Linkedin: Social Butterflies Foundation
- Twitter: @SBFoundationHR
- Youtube: Social Butterflies Foundation
