Today we’d like to introduce you to Destiny Anderson
Hi Destiny, 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?
Since 12th grade, whenever someone asked what I wanted to do when I grew up, my answer was always the same: “Own my own enrichment center for teens.” At the time, I had no idea what that would require, but I knew my heart was set on helping teenagers—because someone once helped me.
My own life experiences ignited a deep passion for working with teens because I was once in their shoes. As a teenager, I couldn’t imagine myself doing what I do now. I didn’t believe in myself the way others did. But I was fortunate to have influential mentors and leaders who guided me along the way, and one in particular made a lasting impact—Ms. Wendy, or as I affectionately called her, ‘Ma Wendy.’ She was more than a mentor; she was like a second mother to me. She helped me see life differently and believed in me even when I struggled to believe in myself.
God rest her soul, everything she was for me, I strive to be for the teenagers we serve—creating a safe space where they feel seen, supported, and loved.
On my 22nd birthday, September 11, 2020, I founded I See My Destiny Inc., and in January 2023, we officially launched our mentoring program at Carver Middle School, providing weekly sessions every Thursday. Since then, we’ve expanded our impact, hosting monthly Teen Night events at James R. Smith Center and launching the Teen Talk Program in partnership with Let’s Spill the Tea with Monica May.
Watching the program grow with new opportunities and increasing membership each week has been incredibly rewarding. My personal motto, “If I can make a difference in the lives of teens while they are young, then when they grow older, perhaps they will do the same for someone else,” fuels my commitment to empowering the next generation.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Transportation and securing grants/funding have been two of the most significant struggles we’ve faced at I See My Destiny Inc. Providing reliable transportation for the teens has been an ongoing challenge, especially when ensuring they can participate in events, field trips, and exposure opportunities. Securing grants and funding has also been another hurdle, particularly when my vision often exceeded the available financial resources. Nevertheless, my faith in God has been my guiding light throughout this entire journey. He has shown me what true faith looks like in relation to my beliefs and vision for the organization. No matter how big the dream, He always provides in ways bigger and better than I could have ever imagined. Through persistence, creativity, and a deep belief in the mission, we’ve been able to find the right resources and support. It hasn’t always been easy, but with the help of an amazing support system—our board, volunteers, donors, community partners, and my friends —we’ve overcome these obstacles. Thanks to their help, we’ve been able to ensure the safety, growth, and success of the teens we serve, and continue to push forward with our mission.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
I See My Destiny Inc. is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering teens ages 11-18 through transformative experiences, mentorship, and community engagement. Our mission is to positively impact the lives of teenagers through targeted programming, personal enrichment, and educational tools that equip them with the confidence and courage to pursue their destinies.
What sets us apart is our personal approach—our program curriculum is customized by the Executive Director, who shares her own story to help teens navigate challenges through real-life skill experiences. As a hands-on learner, the Executive Director develops all life skill sessions with interactive activities that encourage students to stand up, engage with their peers, and step outside their comfort zones to be their true selves.
We provide a safe, inclusive space where both male and female students in middle and high school can grow, succeed, and feel valued. Our goal is to create an environment where teens feel seen, supported, and empowered to fulfill their unique destinies.
What are your plans for the future?
For the future, my plans for I See My Destiny Inc. focus on expanding our programs and reaching even more teenagers in the community and within Orange County Public Schools. I’m excited about growing our workforce development initiatives, offering more opportunities for teens to gain valuable skills that will prepare them for the future. In the long term, I look forward to the day we cut the ribbon in front of our own enrichment center for teens, providing a wide range of opportunities for both teenagers and their families. As for big changes, we’re actively working on securing more consistent funding and exploring the possibility of expanding to new locations to serve even more teens.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.iseemydestiny.org
- Instagram: Iseemydestinyinc
- Facebook: I See My Destiny Inc
