Today we’d like to introduce you to Lynda Potts.
Hi Lynda, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
So, when I think about my story, I think about a girl who grew up on the east side of Detroit—7 Mile and Ryan, to be exact, on a street called Hasse. My story starts there.
I had a good childhood. Running the block with my friends, obstacle courses in the rain life was good! I was the oldest of three girls, raised by a single mom. I didn’t have everything I wanted, but looking back, I had everything I needed. I longed for that present male father figure, that played a huge part in my decision making lol, let’s just say your girl made many mistakes, that definitely shaped who I am today and the path I chose.
We moved around a lot, so stability wasn’t something I realized I needed until I became an adult. After attending several different schools, I was finally accepted into University Prep—and that’s where the vision began.
As part of our senior graduation requirement, we had to create a project around something that interested us. For me, I wanted to create a space where girls could go and feel free from judgment. I knew what it felt like to be judged, and I knew it didn’t feel good. I wanted girls to have a place where they could talk, be seen, be heard, and feel understood—but also have the opportunity to learn and be surrounded by women in the community who had once been in their shoes.
We started by focusing on topics like substance use, sexual abuse, peer pressure, and self-esteem. What began as a senior graduation requirement soon became a dream. The feedback I received, to this day I have all of the handwritten half sheets of “reflections” that I made all the ladies do after completing my workshops. YESSS after all of these years, I definitely consider myself a bit of a hoarder, but we won’t get into that lol.
Now, fast-forward to today.
I am currently in my third year of consistently running a summer mentorship cohort for young women. The cohort focuses on career exploration, relationship building, mental wellness, and confidence building—areas I believe are essential to the growth and development of a young woman. With plans of bringing I AM N.I.T.A to a school near you.
When I look back at that girl on Hasse Street, that senior who just wanted to be loved and accepted and look at what that one idea has grown into, I realize that this story has always been bigger than just me. It’s about creating the kind of space I once needed and making sure the girls coming behind me know that they are not in this alone.
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?
Are roads ever really smooth? I can say that one of my biggest struggles has been consistency. It can be difficult to stay consistent when life is happening at the same time. There were moments when doubt would creep in, causing me to question myself and eventually come to a complete pause. For me, learning how to keep going even when life felt overwhelming has been one of my biggest obstacles.
We’ve been impressed with I AM N.I.T.A, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
After high school, I went on to attend Wilberforce University and later Wayne State University, where I earned my Master’s in Social Work. I specialize in “encouragement” lol, that is my superpower…my “speciality”
For the past eight years, I spent my time working as a school social worker. I started out in a K–8 school, but I quickly realized how much I enjoyed working with the younger population and eventually transitioned to K–5. I can truly say that some of my happiest moments have been in schools. I absolutely love being around the students. They bring so much joy, they look forward to seeing you, and there is never a dull moment. I loved knowing that my presence mattered and that I was needed, wanted, and supported. I’ve gotten a taste of therapy, interning on the children’s oncology unit, even working overnight at an all girls group home in Chicago. The school was definitely my happy place! But I AM N.I.T.A is my WHY!
One of the things I am most proud of is I AM N.I.T.A (not in this alone). “its my baby” and over time, I’ve been able to watch it grow and develop into something with so much potential. Now, I can see where it’s going and the lives it has the ability to impact. This year I put on three community events with over 150 women and girls who came and supported, our second annual all girls lock-in, and a 12 week summer mentorship cohort. We provide programs serving young women 13-21 through mentorship and coaching. Our focuses are relationship building, career exploration, mental wellness, and confidence building. We have created three pillars to carry our girls through. With our mentorship program we foster connection and personal development, moving into a more structured path for our girls 18-21 focusing on personal development, faith and career exploration. Followed by a coaching opportunity to help our girls navigate their next steps; gaining the clarity, building confidence and the momentum for success.
I want girls to look back years from now and be able to say, “I was a part of something that helped shape me into the woman I am today. I felt seen. I felt heard. I felt supported. I had fun. I grew—and Miss Lyn had my back.”
What sets me apart is my ability to show up. I show up despite my hardships. I show up despite my struggles. I show that through my consistency, dependability, and commitment to the vision that was given to me.
I found my purpose!
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
I don’t believe in “luck” I believe in God. Everything that has happened in my life and in business is has happened the way it was ordained to. It has worked out because of my prayer life, being a believer, and the faith I have. I have had the same vision since 2009 I have carried it on and never let it go all these years. There is no luck, only God has connected me to the people I’m connected with, put my name in rooms I have not been in, created a space for me to connect with women who will connect me with other women so on and so forth LUCK can’t do that, but GOD can! I believe that everything happens for a reason, season, not always to me, but for me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.iamnita.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamn.i.t.a/?hl=en
- Other: https://www.encouragehercoach.com
