Today we’d like to introduce you to Diamond Hill.
Hi Diamond, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Thank you so much for featuring me !! My story began on March 4th, 1996, in the city of Sanford, Florida. I am the eldest of three and the only girl of the crew! I have always been very outspoken, passionate, and headstrong and those traits have pretty much continued into my adult life. I graduated at the top of my class from Seminole High School in the Class of 2014 and went on to graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Florida State University in the Class of 2018. As an Alumna of Florida State, I have been blessed to work at the Florida House of Representatives as an executive secretary to the Clerk, and as a supervisor for the Page and Messenger program. I am also honored to have served as a Dependency Case Manager in Sanford, FL.
My passion for helping others began as a child while spending time with my grandmother. She taught me the importance of godly love, education, respect, independence, and grace. My mother taught me lessons about loyalty, love, family, and hustle. And life has taught me that we are all fighting our own battles silently, but that we are all more connected than we realize.
It is my life’s mission to be a testament to the fact that God can and will use all adversity to propel you forward. When you do not give up on Yourself, you can never miss what is for you. The March Forth Foundation is a safe haven for those currently experiencing a life transition, those in need of self-discovery, those in need of support, and those in need of a family!
“March Forth is a command. A call to something greater and a challenge to keep pushing myself to new heights. No matter what I face, I will always press forward and this is only the beginning of encouraging others to do the same.”
I made this declaration on February 18th, 2018, when I officially decided to turn my birth date into my life’s creed. What began as an idea while attending Florida State University to create a show/vlog series documenting and celebrating the victories and adversities of individuals from all walks of life would two years later become a nonprofit organization dedicated to holistic development and providing constructive pathways to success for adolescents and young adults alike.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything” – James 1 2-4
This verse definitely stands true for me because the last few years of my life have been a roller coaster of self-discovery. Many people do not speak on post-grad depression, post back, anxiety, unemployment, moving back home after securing a degree, false arrests, or the safety net that no longer exists after college is over.
My post-grad process has opened up my world in such a beautiful way. I am more thankful, intentional, and rooted. I feel even more empowered and inspired to share my experiences in order to put someone else in a better position. I am eager to learn and make a substantial impact in the world of nonprofit, education, law and mental health. I am even open to failure (falling short) because I know my success is inevitable.
Ultimately, the road has not been peaches and crème’, but I never expected it to be. To whom much is given, much is required. I just continue to strive and press toward my best self and seek understanding, wisdom, and knowledge along the way.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
Thank you so much, I think we should all be doing our part to inspire someone else. This question is somewhat difficult because I am literally BECOMING. I don’t think I am alone when I say that I am a plethora of different things in one. I am a founder, president, secretary, content creator, influencer, author, photographerer, videographer, marketing strategist, a student, a teacher, a boss, and a worker.
(In short, I am currently using my gifts to be an active agent in the recruiting, retaining, refining, and releasing of the proprietors of the future)
The March Forth Foundation Mission Statement:
We are committed to helping adolescents and young adults define, discover, and become the greatest versions of themselves, through holistic development and opportunities to constructive pathways to success.
Our Purpose:
The purpose of the March Forth Foundation is to improve the quality of life for adolescents and young adults by providing resources and wrap-around services for financial literacy, academic access, self discovery & personal growth, and professional development. Additionally, we are dedicated to advocating for underrepresented groups who are putting their best foot forward despite their circumstances.
Our Vision Statement:
The March Forth Foundation aims to empower every individual to appreciate their adversity, because it contributes to their purpose. We are the premier resource for young adults experiencing life transition.
Major Priorities :
1. to meet adolescents and young adults where they are to provide support toward their next.
2. Helping individuals bridge the gap between who they are and who they will be
Objectives
-Academic Access
– Financial Literacy
-Self Discovery & Personal Growth
– Professional Development
Overview
The objective of the Multi-Dimensional Progression Program is to accelerate the mission of The March Forth Foundation. By providing resources and opportunity at every level of the social ladder, no individual/group is excluded from access to holistic development & constructive pathways to success.
Early intervention services can change a child’s developmental path and improve outcomes for children, families, and communities
Early childhood intervention programs have been shown to yield benefits in academic achievement, behavior, educational progression and attainment, reduction in delinquency and criminality, and improved labor market success, among other domains.
Benefit(s)
1.Prevent deterioration
2.Promote brain development
3.Give hope
(This program will be released in 2021, you can find further details on our website)
The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
The Covid-19 pandemic reminded me that change is the only thing that is constant in this world. We cannot always predict what tomorrow will bring and that’s why it’s imperative we make every moment count. I am more grateful for life, health, and strength and more embracing of the unknown.
An important lesson that I have taken away from the pandemic is the power of positive perception. When we shift our focus to find the good around us, we realize that just as big of a crisis as this may have been, there were also many blessings attached to it. I can only hope to remain kind, careful, and mindful of the world around me, while also striving to make it a better place.
Contact Info:
- Email: TheMarchForthFoundation@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/themarchforthfoundationinc/
- Facebook: The March Forth Foundation Inc
- Twitter: @m4foundation
