Ep. 20 | More Than a Model: Bridging Dreams and Community with Kisha

Structure and Soul Podcast

Kisha Martin Riley's journey as a community champion and founder of More Than a Model unfolds through her conversation with Shanel, highlighting the transformative power of community involvement in youth empowerment. Kisha, a mother of four, reflects on her upbringing where communal parenting played a crucial role in her development. This experience shaped her belief that raising children shouldn't rest solely on individual parents but rather involve a network of supportive adults who contribute to a child's growth. Shanel and Kisha resonate on this theme, sharing anecdotes from their lives that underscore the impact of a collaborative community approach.

As the conversation shifts to the mission of More Than a Model, Keisha elaborates on how the organization transcends traditional modeling by promoting a deeper understanding of self-worth among youth. The initiative encourages participants to embrace their multifaceted identities—beyond physical appearances and societal expectations. Kisha's approach emphasizes conflict resolution and effective communication, crucial skills that can empower young people to navigate challenges in their lives. Furthermore, the episode touches upon the importance of creating opportunities for youth from underrepresented backgrounds, reinforcing Kisha's commitment to bridging gaps in access and resources.

Listeners are invited into Kisha's ambitious vision for the future of More Than a Model, including plans for a respite home for youth, which aims to provide a safe space for them to decompress and learn vital life skills. The dynamic between Kisha and Shanel illustrates how passion for community service can inspire actionable change, turning ideas into impactful programs. The episode serves as a reminder of the significant role that nurturing environments play in developing well-rounded individuals and the necessity of prioritizing self-care for those committed to serving others, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in community development and youth mentorship.

Key Takeaways:

• Community involvement is crucial; both Keisha and Chanel emphasize the importance of empowering youth.
• Kisha's organization, More Than a Model, focuses on providing opportunities beyond traditional modeling.
• Creating a respite home for youth is one of Keisha's dreams for her community.
• Self-care is vital for entrepreneurs like Kisha and Shanel to maintain their effectiveness.
• Both speakers highlight the importance of teaching children about entrepreneurship and financial literacy.
• The significance of community parenting is highlighted as a lost art in today's society.

Resources: Local Superstar ebook

Connect with Kisha:

• morethanamodel.org
• facebook.com/morethanamodel
• instagram.com/i_am_morethan

About the Host: Shanel Evans is a business strategist and coach who helps entrepreneurs shatter revenue ceilings and attract their dream clients through client attraction and social media strategies. Known for her "red pen" moments, Shanel offers feedback that helps entrepreneurs course-correct while staying true to their goals, delivered with love.

Where to Find Us:

• Host Website: www.shanelevans.com
• Apply to be a Guest: www.structureandsoulpodcast.com
• LinkedIn: Shanel Evans

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