Today we’d like to introduce you to Tomika Wilkerson.
Hi Tomika, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was born in Orlando, Florida, and relocated to Jacksonville in 2004. The oldest of three children, my mom being a single parent had to work two jobs to make sure she was able to provide for all of us. I guess you can say I was put in a leadership role at an early age.
I know that everyone has their own story and testimony, and I prayed that one day I would have enough courage to be able to share mine and that it may have a positive impact on others to help them in some way in their own journey. When I envisioned what this program needed to offer, I realized I wanted us to be the voice for little girls that feel or felt as though they don’t have the support or/and understanding I wish I had when it came to certain issues or feelings.
Alot of these things I just kept inside and that can be a lot mentally and emotionally on a young child. We never really spoke on important issues and that was hard growing up. Strength in Sisterhood is a mentoring and empowerment program for girls that is based on building bonds with unity, equality, and diversity. When putting this organization together there were a few things I knew needed to be incorporated into our curriculum.
The awareness’s on important topics including sexual abuse, sex trafficking, suicide, mental health, teenage pregnancy, and depression. I also wanted to make sure we instilled some core values like self-love, integrity, empowerment, respect, support, and empathy. We are more than an organization; we are a family.
That was the vision. And at that point Strength in Sisterhood Inc. was born.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has not been a smooth road, however, anything worth doing is never supposed to be easy. But well worth it. My biggest challenge or so you ask obstacle was me. Not asking for help, thinking I could do it all on my own. I was raised to be independent for the most part.
And because of that way of thinking I struggled in many areas, like structure and assistance with bi-weekly meetings. Once I realized that this mission was bigger than me and this organization is for the community. I called on the village. When I did that, the village showed up.
I was able to build a team of mentors and volunteers and it’s been amazing. We Are one sound one band. To be able to build a team and board that believed in me and my vision for this program was truly a blessing. I am grateful.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’ve worked in the field of debt collections for over 16yrs. Became a supervisor for about five years now. I’m very active in the community of Jacksonville.
Mentor, motivator, and sexually abuse advocate. I’m most proud of the fact that I have been blessed to be a positive role model to so many young queens and to see the impact that my words of encouragement, love, and dedication have made a difference within their lives thus far.
To witness these rising stars, grow and shine right before your very own eyes is a feeling you just can’t explain. My commitment, devotion, consistency, and love for our community.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
I truly believe if your intentions are pure and genuine no matter what you are involved in that you will be successful. Remain humble and always Teachable. I promote Sisterhood.
I don’t believe there is enough of that in this world. Lead with Love. And at the end of the day always Be You.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://strengthinsisterhoodfl.org/
- Instagram: @strengthinsisterhoodfl_
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/strengthinsisterhoodinc/
