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

Hi Antoinette, what makes you happy? Why?
Wow, a year and a few months ago, this question would be less complex. Yet, the pandemic has completely reframed my mind and changed my entire idea of what it means to be happy. Happiness to me used to be anything that gave me instant gratification or was tangible. A new phone, money, ordering something off amazon, a new job, or making the dean’s list. Yet, today, my understanding of happiness is much more simplistic and turns out to be sitting home with my family, a good meal, a text from a friend asking if I’m alright, or laughing till my stomach hurts after a joke my cousin just told me. The moments that turn into memories, the things that make me feel loved and can never be taken away from me, that’s how I now define happiness.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
The Diabaddie Organization, Inc. is an organization whose primary mission is to send children with Type 1 diabetes (T1D) to summer camps. As a camp participant, I, from the age of 7, spent a week not feeling different because of my T1D, learned self-management, and thrived as a child. Within our mission is a focus on inviting a wider representation of BIPOC children to camps and expanding the professional participation of the BIPOC community. Our projects will strive to connect and educate those who don’t have diabetes to encourage them to support those living with diabetes. This journey has not been smooth, given setbacks, because of COVID-19 restrictions and pandemic-friendly strategies to fill the gaps in the diabetic community. I can fully comprehend the saying, “Good things come to those who are patient.” Patience is a virtue and an underrated pillar of success that many people forget. We all see the rewards and praise of the CEOs, and Influencers, movie stars, etc., But very few know the sacrifice that comes behind all of their achievements, and that’s the part that sets any company or business apart from others—their ability to endure the challenges that come with getting to the end of their goals.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Every time I step foot in Miami, especially when I’m coming from the airport, I stop at this place called “Macondo.” It’s a little cafe in Doral, about 15 minutes away from Florida International University. My friends and I visit there often, and I take anyone who visits me while in Miami there. 10/10 would recommend this place, great food, and amazing lattes.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are so many people I need to thank for my growth, from my best friends to my godparents, cousins, and siblings, my entire family, honestly. But I’d like to specifically dedicate this shout-out to my parents and business partner, Kaisha Mofford. These are three people that the Diabaddie Organization supporters may not see often but must know that they have been here every step of the way.  My Mom and Dad have provided me with unlimited resources and continuously support my dreams.

As an adult, I look back and become more appreciative of the conversations and quality time I spent with my father, especially. He has taught me to stay focused and never lose sight of the goal I’m trying to achieve. My Dad is the epitome of a hardworking and loving black father. He always strives to put his best foot forward in everything he does. I’m happy to say, I think some of his perseverance and diligence have rubbed off on me. I can remember the days when I was 11 years old on my way to school, and would become so aggravated, with his talks about giving to others and being a good steward of the gifts and talents, I’ve been blessed with.

Yet, I now understand the value of those conversations and am grateful, and still continue to have them with him. today. My mother is my world, and I don’t go more than two days without talking to her. Not only is she the reason that I am the strong and independent woman I am today, but she is the backbone to most of what you all see coming from my non-profit organization. She inputs a lot of her time, reviewing, editing, and even contributing her ideas from a parental perspective. She’s taught me how to balance my emotions and never hold back. I get all my risk-taking and momentum from my Mom!

Lastly, I’d like to thank Kaisha. This woman has been the eye and beholder of Diabaddie. Her creative ability is incredible. She takes my vision for this organization and enhances it with her own artistic ideas and passion for helping others. She has done a great job of coming up with projects and graphically putting information into media presentations that are explanatory and catch our followers’ and supporters’ attention. A prime example of the stellar work she has done is the PowerPoint slide shown below. This organization has grown tremendously since I began working with her, and I don’t think I’d be where I am, or at least this quickly, without her support and efforts she has contributed, behind the scenes.

Website: https://www.diabaddie.org

Instagram: @diabaddieorg

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-diabaddie-organization

Twitter: @diabaddieorg

Facebook: @diabaddieorg

Other: Check out our Diabetes Pocket Guide that informs others on how to support people with T1D. FREE DOWNLOAD and Viewing; no Drop-Box account needed. https://www.dropbox.com/s/q7yrf92hzfi06c0/Diabaddie%20Powerpoint%20PPT%20%281%29.pdf?dl=0

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