Conversations with Amanda Peters

Today we’d like to introduce you to Amanda Peters

Hi Amanda, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Growing up as the middle child in a family that faced the daily struggles of poverty, life was anything but easy. My parents, though full of love and determination, had little to no formal education, and opportunities for advancement were scarce. Resources that many take for granted—books, mentors, and financial stability—were out of reach, and yet, these challenges became the foundation of my grit and determination.

Despite the odds, I was determined to change the trajectory of my life. Education became my lifeline, a tool to carve out a future that no one in my family had imagined. With countless hours of studying and a relentless drive, I not only earned a bachelor’s degree but pushed further to complete two master’s degrees. These accomplishments didn’t come easy; they were born out of sacrifice, sleepless nights, and the unwavering belief that I was meant for more.

With no prior experience, I ventured into the world of grant writing. It was daunting at first, but I treated every challenge as an opportunity to learn and grow. I honed my skills one grant at a time, and through persistence, I rose through the ranks to become the manager of grants and then into varying, executive level development roles. In these roles, I saw firsthand the transformative power of funding—how it could change lives, empower communities, and create opportunities where there were none before.

But my journey didn’t stop there. I felt a calling to do more, to create something of my own. So, I started a small, women-owned local business—one that reflected my values and my passion for serving others. Drawing on my own experiences of struggle and triumph, I built my business with the mission of giving back to the community that had shaped me.

Today, nearly 20 years later, I am still dedicated to providing access to resources that I once found so difficult to obtain. Whether it’s connecting people to education, housing, or opportunities for personal and professional growth, I aim to remove barriers and pave the way for others to achieve their dreams. My story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of lifting others as we rise.

Giving back is not just a responsibility; it’s my purpose. Every success I’ve achieved is rooted in the belief that no one’s circumstances should define their potential. Through my work, I strive to create a world where opportunities are accessible to all, and where every person has the chance to rewrite their own story—just as I did.

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?
Being female alone comes with its own set of challenges when trying to seek education or make it in the business world. Additionally, coming from poverty amplifies those challenges. I lacked the network or connections needed to understand the basics of business and all that comes with it. Plus, challenges such as limited access to resources, financial constraints, and societal barriers were prevalent. I struggled to afford tuition, business startup costs were difficult, if not impossible, even basic necessities while balancing family responsibilities were a challenge. I had to make some hard decisions about what was truly necessary at the time and what could wait until the ball got rolling some. Additionally, as my parents were not business owners and did not have formal educations, the lack of mentorship and networking opportunities were an impediment to success as well as biases that questioned my abilities as I navigated the business world. To overcome these challenges, I sought scholarships, microloans, community grants, tapped into free educational resources, and joined local and online support networks for women entrepreneurs and did whatever else I could to build resilience and leverage the knowledge and resources I did possess.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am an accomplished and results-driven resource development professional with nearly 20 years experience and extensive experience in leading all aspects of grant development and management processes, from ideation to implementation. I have developed federal, state, and foundation grants totaling over $125 million. 

At GemX Grant Consulting, we believe in taking a collaborative approach to grant development. We work closely with our clients to understand their unique needs and goals, and we tailor our services to meet those needs. Our team of experts provides prospect research, proposal feedback, template development, proposal writing, consultation, coaching, budget development, graphics design, and other specialized services to help our clients succeed.

We are passionate about what we do, and we are committed to providing the highest level of service to our clients. Our goal is to help nonprofit, social organizations, corporations, and others, secure the funding they need to make a positive impact in their communities. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you achieve your funding goals.

How do you define success?
The boring answer to defining success would be by focusing on measurable outcomes, qualitative feedback, and long-term impact but I tend to focus mostly on the touchy-feely elements like client testimonials and feedback. Obviously, I have chosen a metrics driven career and so securing funding, including the number of grants won, the percentrage of proposals funded, and the total dollar amount secured over time matter. However, meeting and exceeding customer and client expectations and delivering high-quality proposals that align with their missions, vision, and goals matters more. Finally, a key element of success to me is building long-term relationships with returning clients, and having a community and organizational impact. I love to see how funded projects have led to meaningful change, such as increased access to services, improved facilities, or enhanced community programs.

Pricing:

• $125 – $175 Depending on the level of assistance needed
• Free 30 Min Consultation
• Project based pricing available
• Retainer pricing available

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.gemxg.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gemxgrants/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558171468257
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandalp615/