Q&A With Dr. Vanessa Williams-Cook , Founder of Nana Girls’ . Foundation

Tell us a bit about NGF. Inc.

Rebirth is a publication by Nana’s Girls’ Foundation, a faith based nonprofit corporation founded for the sole purpose of empowering women. This non-profit organization was organized in 2007 under the laws of the State of South Carolina. The mission of NGF is educating, and aiding women in the reinvention of themselves, through spiritual development, personal development, and relationship coaching/counseling. NGF also offers its clients an opportunity to volunteer with the foundation through our consignment shop, and assisting with special events and projects. These ladies will receive life skills training, and assistance with continuing education. They are required to complete a 6- to 12 months of training program, which is contingent upon the needs of each individual. Upon completion of their individualized training program, each participant will receive a certificate of completion, and assistance with job placement; to include the possibility of working with the foundation in one of its various programs.

What gave you the idea for your business and how did it start?

People often ask What is or who is Nana’s Girls…Well allow me to introduce to you Mrs. Mable W. Williams aka Nana. This is the woman that the organization is named after. God has granted me an awesome opportunity to be the granddaughter of this phenomenal woman. On Nov. 3rd, 1999 she finally won the battle against cancer, and leukemia. She is resting and awaiting the great trumpet sound, when the dead in Christ shall rise first. It was this awesome woman from which I learned so many things, from cooking to dressing the altar for worship. It was by the hands of this gift that I learned wisdom for daily living. I could go on and on about her, and how she blessed our lives. I watched her battle depression, and often times feelings of inadequacy, fear of being alone, and disappointment. My mother, brother and I walked with her through the loss of her husband the Rev. Paul D. Williams, and caring for her sick brother until his passing, Mr. William Wright. As a young girl I witnessed how she cared for a dying aunt-who we called Yiyah. She was a Deaconess in both the Baptist and AME Church. She sang on the choir. And when she’d turn her face to the wall power would fall. This lady did not play though. She was tough, but she was loving and caring. She was generous, and kind. Although she didn’t speak in tongues, no one will ever tell me that she didn’t have the Holy Ghost, because Jesus said in John 13:35 “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.” Ladies and gentlemen I introduce to you a woman who loved the Lord and would pray until the anointing fell from heaven….my grandmother Mable W. Williams.. the woman behind Nana’s Girls’ Foundation.

What’s your favorite thing about your job?

What I enjoy most about my job as the Founder and Executive Director is working with the network of women that make up the Board of Directors. Each of these women have their own coaching business, or other type of business. They have all come together under one umbrella to work towards the total transformation of these women. This also frees me to work privately as a life coach and counselor as well.

What are you keys to making yourself productive?

It is easy to be busy. But being productive I the result of organization, time management, and having a support staff to accompany you.

Tell us one long-term goal in your career.

Long term goals are two-fold. First Although the foundation is already global, I would like to see a global membership network with branches of the foundation in different countries. Women being trained in the art of Reinvention, Reeducation, Restoration, Renewal and Rebirth. These women will in turn train other women for success.

Personally, I want to travel speaking and empowering women of all ages, to become the best version of themselves they can be. I plan to have empowerment books, along with other products that can be purchased at a very small price; even given away during conferences and seminars.

What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned through the course of your career?

One of the greatest lesson I have learned over the course of my career, is to treat people well. You cannot mishandle those that work alongside of you. As a leader you must possess compassion and understanding. This is not a weakness but a strength.

What advice would you give to others aspiring to succeed in your field?

I learned a lot through trial and error. So I say to you, 1 Do not despise small beginnings. 2. Do not despise sound, wise, counsel. Seek it. 3. Don’t try to reinvent the wheel. Surround yourself with people that knowledgeable, and willing to share that knowledge with you. My business is not only a non-profit organization, but one built on faith aa well. Know your center and what drives you, motivates you, and inspires your own transformation. And finally, 5. Invest in yourself gaining knowledge, skills, and a support network to help push you. Always remember, A good coach, needs a coach.

What are your favorite things to do outside of work?

I’m a pastor, wife, mother, and daughter to name a few. I am a gospel recoding artist and an author. I love to travel, and meet other cultures. I spend time writing and researching. And I spend time investing in me. I love helping women.

Name a few influential books you’ve read and /or websites you keep up with that you’d recommend to readers.

Boundaries by Drs. Henry Cloud & John Townsend
Soul Detox by Craig Groeschel
Graceful by Emily P. Freeman
Sacred Sex by Tim Alan Gardner
The Power of A Praying Wife by Stormie Omartan
Beauty for Ashes by Joyce Meyer
The Power of Femininity by Michelle McKinney Hammond
Pain is inevitable but Misery is Optonal so, Stck a Geranium in your hat and be Happy by Barbara Johnson
I’m Pregnant….Now What by Ruth Graham & Sara Dormon, Ph. D.
Grace, Cry, Laugh, Survive by Lady Angela Washington
Intmate Encounters with God by Patsy Calirmont
Unleash! Breaking free from Mediocrity by Perry Noble
The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren
The You Plan by Michelle Borquez and Connie Wetzell
Choosing Simplicity by Luci Swindoll
Grief is Not Forever by Jeri Krumroy