For over decades now, Mental Health Counselor and Community Leader Coach Ayesha has been a driving force for change, dedicating her life to advocacy, leadership, and community impact. As the owner of 5678DanceNow Inc. and the Exploring Your Purpose (EYP) Program, she has worked tirelessly to create initiatives that empower youth, support marginalized communities, and drive policy changes in DeKalb County and beyond.
Her work with the NAACP National Council, local schools, and elected officials has led to transformative projects, from youth advisory boards to environmental initiatives. With an unwavering commitment to positive change, Coach Ayesha continues to inspire and lead by example, proving that true leadership is about serving with purpose.
Over the years, you’ve taken on so many leadership roles. How do you stay motivated and continue to push for change?
Coach Ayesha: Yes, I have taken so many leadership roles, but most of the roles have come out not by choice, but because that’s the path that GOD has destined for me to have. I stay motivated to continue to push for a change because I’m a self starter and I always aim for positive purposes and solutions for things to be better.
You’ve been serving the community for over two decades. What moments have been the most rewarding for you?
Coach Ayesha: Yes, have served in the community for over decades the moments that are most rewarding are to be able to see that I’m able to implement and initiate task that have been standing still alongside with projects within the Naacp, our local schools, and then along with some of our elected politicians. Example processes are youth committee, a youth advisory board, environmental cleaning initiatives, Initiatives to target and help our senior citizens.
As a member of the NAACP National Council and a leader in DeKalb County, how do you balance advocating for change at both the local and national levels?
Coach Ayesha: As a member of the NAACP National Council as a leader, I bounce because all of our goals are the same. We all aim for the same purpose for a community, Our needs, Health connections, Voting, Our rights, to lead to equal opportunities for all.
You’ve been instrumental in shaping educational policies in DeKalb County. What are some key policy changes you’ve worked on that have made a lasting impact?
Coach Ayesha: As a key instrument and helping to contribute to the educational piece in Dekalb county some key initiatives that I have led, which is the career and financial seminar, which I did in a few counties. The seminar focused on teaching students how to look beyond college in addition to college and develop skills. They need to come out of the pandemic era. The seminar focused on getting skills and starting your own business to drive and financial leadership.
In 2023, you launched the “Adopt the Road” campaign. What inspired this initiative, and what has the community response been like?
Coach Ayesha: In 2023, I launched an Adopt the Road campaign with the NAACP in which the youth participate in keeping our environment clean and safe on a monthly to quarterly basis. In addition to keeping it clean, we will be able to name the street after our desires. This is something you and our local branch will be able to look back on over the years. It’ll be a monumental point that we can always look back and say we contributed to our community.
You’ve worked with commissioners, mayors, and community leaders to expand access to essential services. What’s the key to forming successful partnerships that create real change?
Coach Ayesha: My experience from working with mayors and commissioners is that the key to form and successful relationships and partnerships is communication. Everyone has their own agenda. It’s about making the agenda that is worthwhile and important to the community thrive.
Visit online: https://www.exploringyourpurpose.com/
https://www.5678dancenowinc.com/
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