Meet Natalie Y. Beavers | Founder/President of Angels of Epilepsy Nonprofit Charity & Advocacy

We had the good fortune of connecting with Natalie Y. Beavers and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Natalie Y., what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
My thought process came about starting a nonprofit charity during the long video monitoring at Emory University Hospital before my brain surgery procedures. I met several epilepsy survivors and caregivers and it seemed that we had similar stories. We cried, embraced each other and spoke about how there needs to be change and recognition for those living with epilepsy. My parents spent a lot of time at the hospital with me and I told my father, “I need to do something.” He replied, “Don’t be a sayer, be a doer.” I put much of my ideas together, a business plan, and even a took a free course in the county related to starting a business, and Angels of Epilepsy nonprofit charitable organization was launched in 2008.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
There are other organizations out there within the epilepsy community, but Angels of Epilepsy is somewhat different. We do have health fairs, seminars, and support group meetings throughout the year, but we also provide for survivors, parents, and caregivers who are in need. Our charity assists with transportation, medical ID accessories, prescription assistance, gifts to patients at local hospitals, and AOE relief packages that help survivors or families in need of food and/or necessities for their home.

Being a minority business owner and it being a nonprofit, there are challenges that we still face today but it doesn’t stop us from continuing our mission to serve those in need of assistance and care. A lesson I’ve learned is to not give up! Our organization wouldn’t be where it is today without prayer, faith and our hard work that we do each day to bring smiles to many.

Angels of Epilepsy have received many awards and accolades over the years past few years. As our organization recently celebrated 15 years of our service for the community, we received the “Unsung Hero” award here in Atlanta, GA!

I would want the world to know that I’m a champion! I’ve lived with epilepsy for 41 years now and have gone through many trials and tribulations, but I’m still here. I’m just doing the assignment that God has for me. Serving the community and seeing the many smiles, is all the medication I need. Angels of Epilepsy is a nonprofit charitable organization, but we are also family to those we serve.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I have many friends and family that visits Atlanta quite a bit. I love to enjoy delicious food, so during my free time I try different restaurants in the city. One of my favorite places in Atlanta where there’s different food and fun is “Ponce City Market.” It’s a vibrant historic building in Atlanta where there’s shopping, food hall, and fun with outdoor activities at top with a great view of the city.

Great music eases my soul and there’s always some LIVE R&B soul and jazz concerts at several venues, restaurants, or lounges around our city of Atlanta!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
If I didn’t meet those epilepsy survivors in the hospital and actually having a conversation with them, I wouldn’t have come up with the idea to start Angels of Epilepsy. But I do credit my parents for giving me the confidence and empowerment to chase my goals.

Website: www.angelsofepilepsy.org

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/angels_of_epilepsy/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natalie-y-beavers-95166340/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AOEpilepsy

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

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2k-IrRx0MIIpvCxpDX-PVg

Image Credits
The last photo was myself and father during my brain monitoring / surgery that I mentioned the beginning just case you would like to know and use that.