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

Hi Idalia, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Risks are always a 50/50 shot. Sometimes you’ll take a risk and win other times you will fail. But each time you will learn something valuable. One of my biggest risks over the past decade was to leave the state where I had the greatest support system just so that I could do something different. That risk could have landed me flat on my tail. But I’ve grown and found my calling instead. That risk led me to find my purpose and create Dignify A Diva. I was able to finally put my hearts desire to help women and girls in need into a workable plan that I have now been able to successfully execute over the last 5 years!

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Dignify A Diva’s is a nonprofit organization who’s entire objective is to support women and girls need. Trauma makes us feel unworthy and alone at times. The idea is to help women/girls reclaim their dignity as well as gain a sister circle of support. We address the immediate needs of purses, toiletries, and beauty items that they may/may not have access to due to circumstances. We also address long term needs of support, education, advocacy, awareness, and sponsorship. That is what sets this organization apart. Showing women and girls that they truly deserve to have a happy and successful life. Dignify a Diva is helping women and girls who have survived past and current trauma to “secure the bag”. Some days have been easier than others. Service work is hard physically as well as emotionally. There are often horrible things that the women/girls I support have been through. I’m extremely emotional and often times want to give everything to each and every case. This is obviously impossible. In order to support as many as possible, I can’t wear myself out. Otherwise I can’t help anyone. That has been my greatest lesson. I’ve learned that it’s ok to accept help! Most people want to be a part of something impactful. I’ve been blessed to have some great volunteers, moral supporters, and genuine souls surrounding me. There is absolutely no way to do this alone. If there is anything to know about Dignify A Diva, it is that this is a labor of love for sisterhood. There is no judgment and this organization is a safe space. The worst feeling in the world is being in a bad situation having survived something that was meant to destroy you. Only to have it made worse by judging comments, disingenuous actions. It sucks not knowing what your options are or having anyone to confide in. We are all on a journey attempting to live our best lives. Some of us will be on the harder path. It is the responsibility of the rest of us to support the ones that had the harder journey. I hope to always be a part of spearheading that support.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Interestingly enough, I’m still figuring out Atlanta. There are a number of places I still haven’t been to eat but want to go. So I’ll list those. We’re having dinner at the following places over the week. Il Localino for Italian food in Atlanta, Drift Fish House & Oyster Bar in Marietta, and the Garden Room in Atlanta. Entertainment would definitely include Fernbank Museum, the drive through Safari in Pine Mountain, and the Aquarium. I’m also hoping that it would be around the time when Moving Art ATL is happening. There is so much to do in Atlanta the rest of the time would be spent wandering around town just enjoying being out.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Everything that I am is because of the solid foundation that I was given as a child. From the time I was old enough to understand, my Mom instilled in me a love for people. Myself and my siblings went with her as she supported friends, family, strangers, anyone in need of help. Whether it was a shoulder to lean on, a meal, a ride to an appointment, or just encouraging words, Berecia Scott always showed up and showed out. She did it with a smile and love in her heart and she was always a Diva. Fly from her head to her feet! I found a way to honor all that she taught me and continues to teach me through Dignify A Diva.

Website: www.dignifyadiva.org
Instagram: dignifyadiva_official
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Youtube: Dignify A Diva