and I always wanted to have the capacity to rise above my circumstances and be successful (live a life of peace, financial stability, travel, positive impact making---a life of choice and options). Growing up, having material things was more important than paying bills on time--my parental figure working hard hours only to continue living paycheck to paycheck and having to ask favors to keep the lights on, food on the table and upkeep an image that was slowly crumbling with every child who left home to pursue a better life. Though it's a joke where I come from, I self-harmed almost everyday. The racism (more like colorism) down South is very explicit and is embedded into the framework of even my culture. As a young woman of African descent, helping others who identity as BIPOC overcome our unique obstacles--personally, professionally, financially, socially, historically and presently--has always been a deep passion of mine. Growing up, I witnessed BIPOC work tirelessly just to put food on the table for their families and then pass away in debt, unfulfilled and haven't known what it means to truly enjoy life. As a person of African descent living in the USA, I feel a duty to help us as a collective combat our unique obstacles in society that everyone else are either insensitive to or just don't care about. I witnessed and continue to witness the generational and historical effects of the lack of awareness (or desire to be aware) of how essential a supportive community, a mentor, education, and health is to escaping the mental and financial poverty we all grew up in. We all have dreams of being wealthy and living a high quality life, but we are not taught the fundamentals of stability and wealth building or how to navigate the system to get there, especially as people of color, and even more specifically, people of African descent in America. And allies are not taught how to effectively get involved and help make this knowledge and resources more accessible to diverse demographics.  What It is Like Working With Me" I don't know everything. I know a fraction of what there is to know and I don't think I will ever know everything, but it's important to me to constantly challenge myself, to understanding different viewpoints, really understanding nuance in topics, so I can feel qualified in what I say, so I'm not preaching falsely of what I'm unaware of." After you get a free consultation to see if you would be a great match for my program and vice versa, I would start off with getting to know each other, sharing stories and setting expectations. I want to know your story and really understand who you are as an individual. We would then move forward with creating a custom strategy and blueprint for you to reach your personal, professional and financial goals. Communication is important to me, and I hope we would be able to establish a relationship of open communication--whether it be via e-mail, phone or video calls--to not only save time but to make sure we are on the same page. Ultimately, I genuinely want to see you succeed in life, supporting you through tough times and celebrating the victories (small and large) with you. I give tough love with a compassionate delivery so that you are held accountable to the goals and vision that you have set. I support you in choosing the right paths that work for YOU and your goals.  Skills I Offer + My Specialties
Diversity is the representation of a variety of audiences in culture, features, perspectives and beliefs. Inclusion is the creation of a space where each individual is not only represented in being asked to sit at the table but also to be invited to influence the conversations, decisions made and opportunities to be had and received.
With 14 years (and counting) of experience in the management and program development, cultural transformation and DEI / EDI / D&I industries, she was recently selected to serve as the sole project leader forBeyond El Campoliteracy project in Costa Rica, Youth Engagement Specialist forSelf/Dial AmeriCorps, Guest Workshop Host forConsortium for High Achieving Students of Color at Trinity College, Special Guest atMIT Innovation Conference& Harambe Seed Funding atHarvard Business. She has earned astrong reputationfor being a visionary, forward-thinking and compassionate leader who doesn't quite believe in the "impossible" and was recently selected to provide press coverage for the following events: 3-day conference: Improving Outcomes for Students Living in Poverty and Trauma with theCollaborative for Educational Services, HerConference: Empower NYC withHerCampus,Power in Your PurseAwards andBusiness Fights PovertyNYC just to name a few (more listed under 'Awards and Accolades' on this page).In 2019, she served as reigning Ms. Massachusetts 2019 AWOS and Miss Black America Mass 2018. 
6 Comments
Maria Auxiliadora Lopez Castillo
5/25/2020 05:37:45 pm
Today, I had my first 60 minute consultation with Shatoyia. The topic to tackle was being more productive and manage my time better. The conversation was pretty insightful as we set up a 7 day trial of a schedule of things I need to get done based on hours I want to dedicate to certain task and not a strict schedule because life might happen along the way.
Maria Auxiliadora Lopez Castillo
8/4/2020 12:50:06 pm
Getting to know Shatoyia these part few months through FLP has been absolutely amazing. I have certainly felt her support and willingness to help me in any possible way. I have received support from Shatoyia regarding job applications, time management and productivity and most importantly she has served as the perfect example of a resilient women who is passionate about what she does and is always working on being better! She has taught with her own example that is possible to do what you are passionate for a job. I found Shatoyia extremely committed to helping all of the members and partners of FLP succeed and I think this is what makes FLP what of a kind, a mentorship community and family. I really look forward to keep on learning more about FLP and learning from Shatoyia. 8/5/2020 06:47:44 am
Shatoyia has been a wonderful mentor and leader thus far. She always challenges me in my weaker areas, such as public speaking. She even gave me a 7 day challenge to help me manage my time better and be more productive. Right now I'm on day 4 of that challenge and it's working. Shatoyia is always willing to be there for you even if it's just to lend an ear. I'm thankful she entered my life for this season and am looking forward to our continued partnership.
Maria Auxiliadora Lopez Castillo
9/29/2020 11:35:35 am
Shatoyia has certainly been more than a mentor to me. She is 110% always there whenever you need an advice, feedback, someone to talk to you. She seems to see what you are not able to see, the good in you, your potential. I dont think I have ever had a talk with her when I dont feel better after. The most important thing that she has taught is to believe in myself. I am thankful I discovered FLP and I got the chance to meet such a thoughtful and impactful leader. The most wonderful thing about Shatoyia is that she sincerely wants to see your growth, both personally and professional. I believe is hard with any mentor you have. She also understand life happens and something you cant give your best, she is flexible and patient and always willing to lend a hand. Thank you Shatoyia for the time, the opportunity and the chance. 9/29/2020 12:17:32 pm
More testimonials / client portfolio can be found here:
Rickey J Cayo
11/15/2020 07:14:59 pm
Anyone who knows Shatoyia cannot deny her work-ethic and impact, and I personally am very impressed with who she is as a person and the work she continues to do for herself and others. She is very intentional, meaning she is aware of what she does, the impact she wants to make. She isn't afraid to put not just time but the necessary effort to reach parts of communities that she wishes to influence (i.e. BIPOC and minority). I think she is fair and demonstrates a drive and radiates a contagious passion for her work with not only her foundation but others' community development projects. My awe of her is not really explainable in words but can be felt by everyone around her who she inspires--despite the systemic barriers of oppression that she encounters daily in her efforts to bridge educational and opportunity gaps for bipoc and minority communities via entrepreneurial and communitiy-based solutions. Leave a Reply. |
Our MentorsFirst Ladies of Poverty Foundation's mentors are hand-picked, curated and vetted by our leadership team. We are serious about providing you with a variety of compassionate, resourceful and supportive mentors who can provide the best support and expertise for living your absolute best and most successful life (as humanly possible). From self love and healing to finding a support system to goal setting and financial management, our mentors are ready to assist you on your next steps to creating a better future for yourself and your loved ones. Archives
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