Life & Work with Malika Williams

Today we’d like to introduce you to Malika Williams.

Hi Malika, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My name is Malika Williams. I’m the founder of a nonprofit organization 501(C)3 called The L.I.V.E Outreach, which empowers youth in underserved communities. Providing them with essential life skills. Such as financial literacy, yoga, art therapy, book club, and so much more. The key demographic is the next generation of people her mission is to provide support, encouragement while innovating effective and efficient solutions to under-served families in the communities. I was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, and the community here is dear to me. 

I was encouraged to start this nonprofit, which was founded in July 2014, because I entered foster care at 14 years old, and by the time I was 16, I was a teen mother, and at 17 years old, I was in jail facing prison time. In which these experiences I speak about in myself published book titled “I’m just trying to L.I.V.E,” which is on Amazon. 

In May 2014, I received an associate degree in business administration. I decided to further my education, and in May of 2020, I received her bachelor’s degree from Ferris State University in Integrative Studies. 

I recently was voted to sit on the Board of Directors of Literary Legacies located in Chicago, IL, and is so excited for the experience and to add her expertise to such a creative and unique team. 

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I’m faced with many obstacles. Obtaining adequate funding so that I can serve the community has been the biggest obstacles along with consistent and qualified board members. 

When you have a vision, it’s hard to get others to see it. The goal is to keep going and to not give up 

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I consider myself a community advocate. I mentor the youth and do speaking engagement in which I want to do more of. The L.I.V.E Outreach has done community clean-ups, feeding the homeless. Currently, we are hosting our first Wellness fair at Balduck Park August 12th. This event is to bring awareness to overall health. There will be plenty of resources and tools. 

If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
Consistency is key. I believe having the passion along with the work ethics puts your vision in perspective. Setting short- and long-term goals allows realistic timelines. 

Being transparent and optimistic provides a sense of insight on how to adjust when things aren’t going quite as plan. 

Of course, having a positive attitude and practicing trying to see the good in all situations. 

Pricing:

• $15 to purchase “I’m just trying to L.I.V.E” on Amazon
• all donations are appreciated for the nonprofit organization

Contact Info:

• Website: www.theliveoutreach.org
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theliveoutreach/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/liveoutreach/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/malika-williams-36a19a37/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/theliveoutreach
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZIWSjySiI8o