Meet Abigail Ellis | Founder of Step’s Foundation, Inc

We had the good fortune of connecting with Abigail Ellis and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Abigail, can you share a quote or affirmation with us?
“Be a rainbow in someone else’s cloud.” This quote reminds me of the importance of compassion for others. We are often times so quick to judge, not knowing what someone else is going through. This quote is a constant reminder that a simple act of kindness such as a smile or gesture can be the very thing someone else needs in order to brighten their darkest day. I love being someone’s rainbow! I love that I’m surrounded by a team of rainbows within our organization!

What should our readers know about your business?
Steps Foundation, Inc is a nonprofit organization that provides family engagement, empowerment, youth leadership, and youth development. Steps stand’s for Standing Together Empowering our Present Self. I wanted people to always remember that they are not their past, and you are able to build the future you desire. We’re here to help people achieve their goals whether is personal, business, or financial. The organization is here to provide students and families resources they may have a hard time locating while giving the essential life skills they need to survive. For students, we’re preparing them for life after high school by helping with career development, after graduation preparation (college prep or job prep), home living, financial literacy, health and wellness. For families, we’re helping with family communication, career development, financial literacy, home living, health, and wellness. My proudest moment was the moment that we filed with the state of Florida. This has been a passion of mine for a long time and for over 10 years I allowed fear to stop me from the beginning. So was it easy? Absolutely not! I was standing in my 0wn way. My mother was the extra push I needed to get started and overcome my fears. If there was one thing that I could say to someone that has their dream on hold, it would be to move while you’re able to. Let go of the fear that holds you back, and take that leap of faith.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
My friends and I are pretty simple. We enjoy a good game night, catered food, and sharing hilarious stories. Who doesn’t like a fun game of clue, or cards against humanity? Most of us are happy going wherever there’s good food because we’re all foodies. We love trying some of the smaller establishments.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There’s so many people that I want to shout out, and I’m sad because I know I can’t name them all. I give God all the glory and praise for where I am in life and how he’s used me to help other people. I have to recognize my mother Darlene Ellis for always believing in my dream and vision, supporting and pushing it every time she could. Shout out to Patricia Brown and Wylene Thomas from my hometown for always supporting and being there when I needed them the most. I’m thankful for how they showed all the children in the neighborhood what unconditional giving looks like. I want to give a shout out to my mental health mentors Dr. Shannon Karl and Dr. Leticia Browne-James, to my nonprofit mentors Maggie Gaines and Elizabeth Peeples, to my professional mentors Al Brenner and Evelyn Jackson-Herrera. These people keep me grounded with my day to day routines and hold me accountable when I need it the most. Shout out to every board member, committee member, intern, volunteer, partner, donor and sponsor that has helped build and grow Steps Foundation, Inc.

Website: www.stepsfoundation.org

Instagram: www.instagram.com/stepsfoundationinc

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/company/stepsfoundationinc

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Steps_Inc21

Facebook: www.facebook.com/stepsfoundationinc