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Hidden Gems: Meet Gloria Walker of A Gesture Of Love and The Journey Ahead Network

Today we’d like to introduce you to Gloria Walker

Hi Gloria , can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Our organization’s foundation is rooted in the belief that giving back is a powerful force, instilled in me by my parents, and my grandmother Antoinette Bena Dia Lutete. Our mission is clear: to support the community, locally in Houston and globally, by enhancing the potential of children, women, and men.
We’re committed to ensuring every student has the opportunity to show up prepared for their educational journey. By providing essential school supplies, we empower students to unlock their potential and thrive, understanding that education is the catalyst for positive change.
Our legacy is one of giving back, empowering education, and building a brighter future, both locally and worldwide. This is the essence of our organization’s history and the legacy we proudly pursue to continue

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Starting and maintaining our organization has definitely been challenging, however our belief in our mission: “to give back and to help others increase their potential to succeed,” has fueled us to endure. Our biggest challenge is getting others to believe in our mission and for them to give their time, energy and finances to support the non-profit. Another challenge was finding the appropriate recipients to receive the resources donated and ensuring the items get to the intended recipients.
At the most, securing the necessary resources and funding to launch our back-to-school drives was a formidable obstacle. Balancing our mission with limited resources required creativity and resilience. As we progressed, sustaining our efforts year after year presented its own set of challenges. We faced hurdles in expanding our reach and ensuring the scalability of our programs to serve more communities. Building a network of supporters, volunteers, and partners has been a continuous effort, and we’ve had to adapt to ever-evolving circumstances, such as the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite these challenges, our unwavering commitment to empowering education and giving back has fueled our determination to overcome obstacles and continue our mission of making a positive impact on the lives of children, women, and men both locally and globally.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about A Gesture Of Love and The Journey Ahead Network ?
A GESTURE OF LOVE is a 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Corporation that values people above all else. Our core mission is to support the community by enhancing the lives of children, women, and men, helping them realize their full potential. We believe in the fundamental importance of education in society and work tirelessly to make it accessible to all, regardless of their circumstances.
We are dedicated to fostering an inclusive and compassionate society, and our approach revolves around education. We sponsor students by providing essential school supplies in various communities, ensuring that education is not just a privilege but a right for all. This is our way of empowering the future generations.
Beyond education, we extend our care to meet the social needs of families in various ways. We provide essential items that make a tangible difference in the lives of countless individuals. Our commitment extends to children, women, and men of diverse abilities, and we believe in nourishing both bodies and minds.
What sets A GESTURE OF LOVE apart is our unwavering commitment to people, our belief in the transformative power of education, and our dedication to meeting the social needs of our community. We provide various materials and support to individuals of all ages, fostering an environment where everyone has the opportunity to realize their full potential.
We invite you to be a part of our mission. Together, we can create a more compassionate and inclusive society, one act of kindness at a time. Join us in supporting education, enhancing lives, and spreading love in the communities we serve. Together, we can make a lasting impact and help people realize their full potential.

Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
One of the things that worked for me was being intentional and open to relationships that aligned with my personal and professional goals. At the start of my journey, I felt lost and unsure of who to turn to for guidance, but as I gained clarity on my strengths and ambitions, I began seeking out people who had already walked a similar path. I’ve found that mentorship often develops organically when there’s a genuine connection. Whether it’s through work, community, or even online, I focus on finding people whose values and experiences resonate with mine. My story showed me the importance of taking the first step because sometimes you have to be bold and initiate that relationship, even when it feels intimidating. Another lesson I learned was how to lean on my existing network to build new connections. My mentor, who eventually became a key figure in my growth, was introduced through a mutual acquaintance who recognized my potential and passion. I’ve found that sharing my aspirations with friends, colleagues, or even acquaintances has led to unexpected opportunities for mentorship and collaboration. My story also highlights the power of giving back, as I often support others in my network before asking for anything in return. I’ve experienced this firsthand, offering help, sharing resources, or simply being there for others creates a strong, reciprocal relationship that naturally leads to growth for everyone involved. Networking is about genuine connection, mutual support, and being open to unexpected opportunities.

Pricing:

  • 13.99

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Image Credits
Pictures by Sephora Sakombi, Marianna, David

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