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

Hi Kimberly, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
This is an excellent question because I am asked it all the time. The answer is God and seeing His people in need suffering without sufficient resources. Moving from the state of Delaware to the state of Pennsylvania, I noticed a horrible trend: homelessness. In Delaware, a lot of homelessness was not see when I was growing up because families and individuals lent a helping hand so that no one was literally on the street; however, when relocating to Pennsylvania, I saw the homeless at the bus stops, the train stations, sleeping on the Capital buildung steps, sleeping, eating and using the bathroom in the alleyways and I just thought this can’t be possible in Harrisburg? The Capital of Pennsylvania? I knew I had to do something but what. Eventually, I prayed and God answered my prayers.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Currently I am a multi-tasker. I work in the insurance industry full-time; however, God has blessed me with multiple ministries to help assist people with their goals and dreams in my personal time. There has been many challenges and even though all have not been welcomed, I’ve learned a lot from them none-the-less. My brand represents God. My brand represents His people. Without Him, none of this would be possible. The main thing that separates my nonprofit International HOPE Inc. and all other feeding organizations (outside of Meals on Wheels) is that prior to COVID, during COVID, and after COVID, we bring the food to the people. It’s great that there are soup kitchens and food pantries and things of that nature and we love them for what they do; however, we need to bring the food to the people who don’t have access to getting to the places where food is served.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Even though I am not new to FL (the state where I reside), I have had limited exposure to places to visit or “how to plan a trip” because a few months after I moved to FL, COVID shut down everything. We have opened but up but I am still cautious. I heard that Disney and similar amusement parks and water rides are great for family and entertainment but you may want to bring your really good walking shoes. I have a whole new world of adventure that awaits.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I am grateful to God for this opportunity. I am thankful for the recommendation by Jennifer Diaby – Growth Women’s Business Networks Magazine. I am grateful to all those who have, are and will labor along side me in this journey. I am humbled by the number of people who support either by prayer, donations, volunteering, etc. THANK YOU ALL.

Website: www.internationalhopeinc.com

Instagram: international_hope_inc

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/kimberly-stratton-9baa65126

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InternationalHOPEInc

Youtube: https://youtu.be/-GA0Tafz-IE

Image Credits
International HOPE Inc., it’s volunteers, BBT Bank, Shekinah Victoria in Thailand, Nadia Winder, Shayla Johnson, Ronald McDonald House and staff and etc.

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