Awareness + A Love For A Mother = Ruby A. Neeson Diabetes Awareness
How did you get started? Thanks for asking... My social entrepreneurship journey was a bit of a challenge, yet an epiphany for me. Like many, after school I jumped right into the corporate world, working in both the property management field as well as the banking industry. Although my corporate income afforded me a good life, I often felt overwhelmingly sequestered and complacent. I was routinely abstracted by my own thoughts of wanting to course a career that I felt was more meaningful. I started volunteering my time to a number of causes. During a day of volunteering with Hands of Atlanta, I was tasked with helping a senior, an assignment that changed my life. I spent the entire day at a senior home offering companionship and helping a resident clean her home and shop for food. The most loving thing was one of the seniors would call me nearly every day. During a conversation I learned this person had been afflicted with chronic disease, specifically diabetes- something that I had a personal connection with. This person casually shared an incident of diabetes discrimination relating to conveying diabetes supplies into the airport. The matter was very upsetting. With empirical parallels to the significance of diabetes discrimination, I adjudicated to extend my volunteer time to diabetes related causes. However, my corporate job sometimes would restrain my volunteer goals. Having being born under the zodiac sign of Aquarius, my independent and progressive personality does not adapt to limitations or constrained. I am a natural humanitarian and I innately challenge in opposition to social injustices. So, I decided on a whim to extricate myself from the corporate world in pursuit of something I felt was more purposeful. I came to a decision to terminate my employment. For some this aim may be inconsequential, yet for me it was necessary. I knew very little about the nonprofit sector. I only knew I wanted to make a difference. First step was to do my "homework". I did some research and hired an Certified Public Accountant. It is important to consult with an accountant to be well versed and knowledgeable on compliance subjects, as well as helping with my federal tax-exempt paperwork. After I incorporated my charity with the office of the secretary of state, I reached out for a mentor for advice- someone who had started a small grassroots organization. I also contacted the Foundation Center and Georgia Center for Nonprofits for help with the logistics of operating a charity. My educational background is in English which helped me tremendously in writing a business plan that is preeminent for any business- for profit and nonprofit. The initial process took approximately two months. Ruby A. Neeson Diabetes Awareness Foundation, Inc. was legally formed on February 15, 2012.
Where are you from….by way of? Born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia!
Why did you start your non-profit? Charity is equal in importance to all other commandments combined. I formed my nonprofit, Ruby A. Neeson Diabetes Awareness Foundation, Inc. to serve the community by increasing awareness of diabetes, its complications and its social impact on society. I started my nonprofit because I believe in the power of charity. Nonprofit foundations are the change agents of the world. Social enterprise is an influential accompaniment to approaching social issues. I believe we all have a social responsibility to be of service to those in need. My organization is named in honor of my mother who passed away prematurely from diabetes complications in 2006 at the age of 54. I simply wanted to help lesson the burden of diabetes which sadly is now an epidemic. The key to fighting diabetes is through education. The diabetes advocate community here in Atlanta is small. I would often see a standard clinical method of teaching, which is obligatory, nevertheless my organization emerged to offer a contrasting and innovative approach of aiding people affected by diabetes. My organization specifically helps people to better grasp the emotional, social, practical, and economical facets of diabetes health.
If you could sing one song on American Idol, what would it be? Heavenly Voices by Maysa.
If you were on an island and could only bring three things, what would you bring? My laptop, Cucumber-Mint Infused Water, and Whole Foods Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies
If you were a box of cereal, what would you be and why? Kellogg's Special K- Cinnamon Pecan.
You are a new addition to the crayon box, what color would you be and why? Coffee-Brown! All shades of brown are my favorite, as brown is a warm color symbolic of wood, healing, grounding, and stability among other things. Many consider brown a lackluster color, yet shades of brown renders simplicity, steadfastness, friendliness, health and dependability.
If there was a movie produced about your life, who would play you and why? That honor should be bestowed to Daniell Brooks! She's super talented, astute, curvy and a Georgia peach, like me. Duh!
What was the last gift you gave someone? A Red Jasper Stone. I love gifting gems and crystals for chakra healing.
What are you listening to right now in your car? Living Years by Mike & The Mechanics
Favorite restaurant & food? Copeland's & Anything Creole!
How can people keep up with what you are up too? Share links/
Instagram/ Facebook
Instagram: www.instagram.com/xoxo_mutima
Facebook: www.facebook.com/MutimaAnderso
My nonprofit website is: http://www.fightdiabetesnow.or
Personal Website: www.mutimaonline.com
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