Today we’d like to introduce you to Alonna Tipton.
Hi Alonna, 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.
I was given the vision to establish the ACTion Foundation in December 2019. I felt that God placed the following question on my heart: “What are you going to do while you are here?” I realized many of my peers didn’t have the opportunity to experience attending an HBCU (Historically Black College/University), or the opportunity to complete their degree due to financial hardships. This is when I began to think about the village I had while attending an HBCU, and I wanted to be that same village for others. That’s when the planning began! I didn’t share the vision with my team (my sister and my mom) until the Summer of 2020. The ACTion Foundation officially launched later that year on Sunday, Oct. 18.
When the ACTion Foundation first put the call out for applicants in the Flint area, no one applied. As of January 2023, we have awarded scholarships to five HBCU students and one non-HBCU student to assist with their college expenses. This was made possible through several fundraisers and donations from members of the community and supporters throughout the country.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
No, it hasn’t. One of the first obstacles or struggles I faced was the lack of support from my peers. I was so excited about sharing that I had launched a nonprofit organization, and I wanted feedback from peers who have been doing this for a while. When I reached out, I never received a response from the peer(s) I was seeking advice from. Another obstacle we faced was awareness or lack thereof. As previously mentioned, there were no applicants when the scholarship first launched. My sister helped establish the ACTion Foundation website and Facebook and Instagram accounts to help reach as many students and parents as possible. I started to wonder if that was enough.
One other obstacle was fundraising. There was a low turnout for our first-ever skating fundraiser. I found out the following week that there was a concert happening the same night, which may have been why not many people showed up. It felt like we were competing with other events in the community.
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?
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor, or LPC. I currently serve as a Child and Family Therapist at Voices For Children in Downtown Flint. I specialize in working with children who have experienced physical or sexual abuse.
I am proud that I was able to come back home and serve my community. When I moved back home to Flint after earning my master’s degree, I realized mental health was taboo in my community. So, to be working here now in this capacity makes me proud.
I am set apart because I am a transparent person. I know who I am, I know what I want, and I’m approachable. This is very important in my career, especially when working with children.
We love surprises, fun facts, and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
Though I’m a social butterfly, I am mindful of my social meter and preserving my energy for myself (self-care).
Contact Info:
- Website: https://theactionfoundation810.wordpress.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/actionfoundation810/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ACTionFoundation810/
Image Credits
Aliyah C. Tipton
Community Members 3. Fundraiser Participants
