Type Of Business:
Nonprofit organization
Marketing Area:
Massachusetts; Jersey City, NJ
Major Product/SVS:
Academics and training; Educational and fun activities; Community events and parades; Support for girls ages 6 to 18, to help them build self-confidence in all aspects of their lives; Programs serving more than 700 girls from the Roxbury, Dorchester, Mattapan, Hyde Park, and Roslindale communities; Dance and creative programs; Programs for social and emotional development
Hobbies/Sports:
Exercising; Bicycling; Writing
Education Degrees:
College Coursework
Charity:
Various Community Events
Number Of Years In Profession:
15
Number Of Years In Current Position:
15
What Does He/She Attribute Success To:
She attributes her success to her mother, for giving her the strength and courage to move forward, her "can do" attitude, and her passion to be successful for the girls and provide them with the best resources available to succeed in life.
Why did you become involved in your profession or industry?:
She became involved in her profession because her mother established the company and when her mother passed, she took over the responsibility of keeping Seekers of Knowledge Inc. alive, and has done so successfully.
Extended Bio Profile:
Ms. Gaines is a single mother of two children and created Seekers of Knowledge Inc. to keep her mother's dream alive. Her mother started the business in North Carolina in 1995 and passed in 1998. Ms. Gaines started the program in Massachusetts in 1999. At Seekers of Knowledge Inc., girls are taught how to deal with issues relevant to body image, bullying, racism, and the importance of eating healthy. The girls learn not only the art of dancing but they also participate in weekly peer groups centered on social and personal development, self-esteem, and health and hygiene.
Position Responsibilities and Duties:
Overseeing the daily operations of the company; Hiring and firing staff; Setting up programs; Obtaining resources to ensure that the girls have all aspects of learning available to them
Education Certifications:
Industry-Related Workshops, Seminars and Training
Awards/Honors:
Citation, Governor of Massachusetts (2008); Strength of Sisters Award, Ladies First; Certificate of Recognition, Local Community Center; Certificate of Appreciation, Strong Women Strong Girls; Four Certificates from the Board, Seekers of Knowledge Inc.
Where Will You Be In 5 Years:
In five years, Ms. Gaines will be growing her company and moving forward. She wants to be a household name in the state of Massachusetts.