We had the good fortune of connecting with Danielle Porter and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Danielle, what do you attribute your success to?
God. I have been aware of the gifts, talents, and strengths God has given me without recall or status. However, it wasn’t until I actually received His purpose for using them here in the earth that I became successful. Believe it or not, my testimony as an adoptee is a gift. Stewarding You Go Girl Leadership Institute is the purpose. Therefore, I am intentional to offer all that we steward in this brand back to Him. That is what makes it successful.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I have the pleasure to be the Founder & President of You Go Girl Leadership Institute. A nonprofit organization that streamlines opportunities, resources, and mentorship to girls ages 8-18 with adoptive, fostered, and/or kinship backgrounds. Our target of impact is to de-stigmatize the perception of adopted and fostered girls and provide a platform where they are prioritized, celebrated, and advocated for.

I get most excited to witness the ‘aha’ moments where our girls believe that their is purpose in their story as well as when their communities accept the purpose of their stories.

Honestly, You Go Girl has always been in my heart since the 5th grade. However, it came to fruition after being at the lowest place in my life. I was lost, I had no inspiration, I couldn’t find reason to get out the bed and then that funk started to stink! I knew I wasn’t living the life I was supposed to be living. After nearly a year of deep cleaning my thoughts, my habits, my environment and regaining the desire to just be, God spoke through a friend and declared it was time to bring out what God has given me. So I did.

And no, it has not been easy. I have experienced sabotage, downcast, loneliness, complacency, frustration -and some of these by my own hand yet I cannot say I feel like I am on the wrong path. I have overcame these challenges by viewing my “work” as worship. When I create an event or brainstorm a solution for our girls it’s an offering. An intimate moment where I pour out what I have to God and see Him transform it. Once, you know why you are here and what you are supposed to bring and how you’re supposed to execute it, everything else fades to the background. In addition, I am learning to extend myself grace, daily. Being sure not to place the very stigma I am working to demolish onto myself.

I want the world to know that girls with adoptive and fostered backgrounds do not represent an outdated statistic. They are your leaders, chain-breakers, and game changers. They were gifted into homes, into families, and into society for a divine purpose. You Go Girl Leadership Institute is on a mission to make that clear and we’d love for you find your role in that.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I actually love creating itineraries. It pleases my little inspirational soul to pull together an experience for someone in an Excel, PowerPoint, or Google Doc!

Okay, Monday my BFF probably just got in so it’s going to be very warm vibes. I would pick up some Chicken Phillies and Garlic Pepper wings from BTJ Wings for us to eat cozy at my house. I use to go their habitually during college.

Tuesday would be all health and wellness. So boxing workout at RockBox Fitness Marietta, recovery at Ice Cryotherapy, and a massage or facial at Hand and Stone.

Wednesday we’d do something with our hands. So maybe a pottery class at MudFire, candle making at Bear and Honey Candle, a flower bouquet class or volunteer at a community garden.

Thursday we’re painting the town red! Shopping at any of the Atlanta local malls (Cumberland and the outlets are my preference), eating Mr. Everything or Slutty Vegan then going to the Illuminarium.

Friday, we’d recover lol. Me and all of my friends usually start tapping out at this point. At most, we’d watch a movie in-house or at theatres and cook a meal for one another.

Saturday we are back! I would take her to the Dekalb Farmers Market or some outside market or food festival for us just to enjoy ATL sun. That evening maybe food and live music at Parkside.

Sunday: Take Me to the King! We would go to worship service at LIIV Atlanta Church and brunch at Nouvea Bar ATL or Ms. Icey’s.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My mother. She raised me with an expounding love. I like to familiarize our story to the story of Moses and His mom. His Jewish mother was aware that he would live in a certain atmosphere yet she trusted that his life would change that very atmosphere. Similarly, my mom served our home and though she did not have the scholar of my teachers, she poured foundational wisdom into me that I use today. Countless times, my mom would say, “It’s just a test Danielle, if you can make it through, make it through!” or “If everybody wants to stop, YOU keep going,” or the truest of them all, “keep God first and everything else will fall in place.” It’s like she didn’t know exactly what I would do in this world but she knew the world needed it and she knew I’d be free and secure in doing it. And THAT is what she nurtured. For it, I love you mama, thank you. This article is dedicated to you.

Website: yougogirltoday.org

Instagram: @_ayeyougogirl @yougogirlleadershipinstitute

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/danielle-porter-inspires

Youtube: Danielle Porter, The Catalyst

Image Credits
Andre Jamar, Jessica Clark, Emmanuel Pierre-Louis Jr.

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