Meet Krista McClure, Executive Assistant to the CEO of Excellent Schools Detroit. Krista is receiving the Emerging Leader award at this year's Role Model Dinner and is the first former AFG participant to receive a Role Model Award.  Krista was an AFG Shelter resident when she was 18 years old and pregnant with her son. After becoming homeless, she searched the internet for a program that helped pregnant and parenting young women. That is when she found AFG. After staying at the shelter for three months, she was able to move out and has been living independently ever since! Since leaving AFG, Krista has been dedicated to helping others. In addition to her professional accomplishments, Krista has also been giving back to the community for many years. Her community service includes volunteering at Gleaners Food Bank and Vista Maria, serving as a guest speaker to motivate at-risk youth at the Michigan Alternative Educational Organization, and conceiving, organizing and executing an autism fundraiser at the Charles H. Wright Museum. Currently she is working towards piloting a young women's mentoring program and building a community garden in the Livernois Corridor area, all while being a devoted mother to two children. Here are some clips from her recent conversation with AFG. AFG: Clearly, you have felt inspired to give back to the community. Is there any part of your personal story that has led to this?
McClure: My motto is, your network is your net worth. I am grateful for the people that I've encountered and that even when it didn't feel right I was encouraged to come out of my shell and to have conversations that weren't so comfortable for me. I strongly believe that your environment is what makes you or breaks you. I have a great group of friends, a few of which I met while a resident in AFG's shelter, supportive family members, dedicated community members... the list goes on. These folks encouraged me to give back. Without them in my corner, I could almost guarantee that I wouldn't be who I am. Thank You! AFG: What advice would you give to others who would like to become more involved in the community, but aren't sure what to do? McClure: Reach out to me! I'll help you. This is where it all started for me-- one person showed me they cared. They helped me along the way even when, at times, it was uncomfortable. It only takes one person to care for you to see the world through a different lens. AFG: What are some of your plans or goals for your career? McClure: If you asked me this question when I was 25, I would not have guessed I would be where I am now. My future goals from now are to continue what it is I'm doing now. Which is taking one-step at a time to make a difference in the lives of others. What does this mean entirely? I'm not sure. I just follow my heart. I believe in "doing the right thing". AFG: Which of your accomplishments are you the most proud of? McClure: Giving birth to my son at age 19. He was my biggest fear yet my biggest aspiration. I live my life to provide a better future, a better world for both my children. And for all the children, for they are our future. AFG: Why do you believe that it is important to empower girls and young women? McClure: Do we still have outrageous statistics about young women within the city of Detroit (for example; high school dropouts, young mothers, human trafficking/ prostitution, etc.)? Yes! This is why I believe it is important to empower young women. AFG: What advice would you give to the young women that AFG serves? McClure: While this may feel "uncomfortable" in this moment, there is light at the end of the tunnel. Be patient. Use the tools provided to you. Listen closely. Our 26th Annual Role Model Dinner will be held Thursday, March 26th, from 5:30-9pm at The Fillmore Detroit. Click here for more information and to purchase tickets. | 
