As we continue to truck along during this series it will allow us to be able to get the behind the scenes of women in our own community. Today we talked to Judith Dumorney-McDaniel. She is an Entrepreneur, Philanthropist, and Community Activist who has over 20 years of wide-ranging hands-on-experience in areas of Youth Development, Mentoring, After School, Education, Fundraising and Community Organizing. She is the Founder and Executive Director of Teenagers in Charge, a non-profit organization establish in 1995. Their mission is to help teens build their self-esteem, heighten their cultural and community awareness and most importantly provide them resources so they can learn how to take charge of their lives. She is passionate about serving youth and others see her as a devoted community advocate, educator, and mentor.
She earned her B.A. in English Literature at the University of Pittsburgh and her MBA at Rosemont College. She is a State Auditor with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of the Auditor General. She is also a paid consultant with Episcopal Community Services and facilitates parent workshops and training through DHS’ Parenting Collaborative Workshop Series. She continues to provide professional development training to a diverse group of adult volunteers, biological and foster parents throughout the city of Philadelphia.
She managed and led teams on many projects. Mrs. Dumorney-McDaniel assisted individuals and groups learn how to obtain their 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization as well as hosted informative business-related workshops on entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and mentoring. She is a consummate charitable volunteer, who believes in “giving back to the community what you took out of it.”
Her civic work and passion with children, youth and families who are homeless and live in foster care extends two decades. She has worked with the Juvenile Justice Center, Public Health Management Corporation, City of Philadelphia, and other local educational and non-profit organizations. Other non-profits including providing assistance to Mocha Moms, Inc. Philadelphia Chapter where she served as the former President and is the Charter Founder, a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., a non-profit organization committed to public service, an avid parent volunteer at Bodine High School for International Affairs where her daughter attends, and a long-standing volunteer computer instructor at the Haddington Multi Services for Older Adults, Inc.
She is married with one daughter, lives in Overbrook park and worships at Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church where she and her family are members.
Now that is the resume who has given her life not only developing her own skills set to be able to assist but actually does what she says. Let that be a lesson to other women that no matter how decorated you are, there is something inside of you that you can give to others. Try finding something you are passionate about and use that passion to help others around you.
What would you tell your younger self?
I would tell my younger self to listen to my parents and align myself with positive people who are doing positive things as well as those who share the same morals and values as you. I would also suggest that I get involved in more extra curricular activities and always remember to serve!
What lessons have you learned about life, love, and career so far?
Life is too short! Live everyday as if it were your last. Love yourself unconditionally so that you will appreciate it when someone else shows you the same in return. As for your career, find a passion and turn it into a profit! There is no need to work a 9-5 job if you are unhappy so if and when that is the case-use your job to fund your dream!
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I hope that I can officially retire in 5 years and then take time out to do whatever I want which is travel and see the world!
What are some of your accomplishments?
I am a wife and mother; I started a nonprofit organization in 1995 that still exists called Teenagers In Charge; I have won numerous awards and citations from the City, State and Congressional level; and I am an author.
How do you feel about the Me Too movement? How do you plan on using this movement in your family or community?
I honestly have always addressed issues head on with my daughter and as a family so the “Me Too” movement does not apply to me. I try not to really get bogged down with platforms, marches and speeches that have no plan of action beyond the rhetoric! It is frustrating to me when there is NO action beyond the platforms. I personally feel that if we take the time to teach others about how to be proactive rather than reactive after the march takes place; we would see more results. We need more people doing the work and teaching our youth/adults how to take charge of their lives from day one and more importantly, show them the impact of what will happen if they don’t do what needs to be done beyond their cause. This will have more of an impact and that is just my personal opinion.
What are the things on your heart that you look forward to crushing (accomplishing) in the future?
I want to address more issues related to homeless youth as this is my passion. Homeless youth in our country needs to be addressed and I am taking small steps on raising awareness about the issue and using creative platforms to make it happen! I am also looking forward to my book being a best seller!
What are ways that you practice self-love?
I date myself and spend quality time with myself, shop, travel, invest in my personal growth and development. I read daily affirmations out loud.
So with everything you read there are a few take aways:
- What are you actively doing in your own life? She teaches girls how to take control of their life but there are a few adults that need to do the same. Don’t talk about, be about it.
- When you do get your life together, give what you took out. Don’t forget along your journey there are folks pouring into you. Do not get big and forget that and give that back in return to someone else.
- Your Resume can be whatever you want but make sure while you are doing for others that you find a way to get a passion and find a way even if it’s using your regular job to fund that. We live in an unhappy world but personal happiness is your job and your job alone.
You can find her on social media:
Judith also has a new book out!
About the Author, Judith Dumorney-McDaniel and a little about the book: On January 15th, she celebrated her 50th Birthday! As a gift to herself, she wanted to make sure that she gave away her greatest gift to others because she wanted to leave a legacy and create generational wealth! It is with God’s permission that she presented to some and introduce to others, her first book entitled: Teenagers in Charge-a Blueprint to Unmasking the Greatness in You. The stories shared in this book will serve as a resource and is a rebirth for all teenagers who have had some challenges along the way. Although, it was difficult, these teens conquered it all through their hard work, determination, commitment and dedication. They felt empowered to make a positive change and beat all odds! They chose to redirect the negative energy and made a conscious effort to excel on all aspects of their lives. Some had a mentor and others have not but at the end of the day, they were able to identify their greatest gifts. A special segment in the book highlights young adults who served in a mentor capacity. They had an opportunity to share their own stories on how life was for them as teenagers, how mentoring impacted their lives and how rewarding it was for them to unmask the greatness in others. This book is a blueprint for all teens around the world, who are faced with adversity and have the audacity to be different because they are seeking to secure the greatness in them!
To pre-order the book for 19.95 you can do so with Paypal
