She Strengthens

From Babysitter to Non-Profit Founder: My Unlikely Journey

As a teenager, I never imagined that my part-time babysitting gig would lay the foundation for something much bigger. Between the ages of 15 and 18, I relied on babysitting to cover my expenses, earning a modest $50 per session. Although it was enough to sustain my simple lifestyle in Topeka, Kansas, I soon realized that it wouldn’t be sufficient to support a non-profit organization from scratch.

The Birth of Project Consent

In the summer of 2014, I founded Project Consent, a non-profit dedicated to combating sexual assault. At the time, I was juggling babysitting, an unpaid internship, and building my organization. I’m proud to say that I did everything on my own, without relying on my parents or giving up when things got tough.

The High Cost of Starting Up

However, I was shocked by the expenses involved in registering and maintaining a non-profit. From website hosting to registration fees, the costs added up quickly. I had to get creative, taking on odd jobs and selling my old belongings to cover the expenses. At one point, I even sold half of my wardrobe to raise $180.

The Struggle to Stay Afloat

Maintaining Project Consent proved to be an even greater challenge. I wanted my organization to be more than just a voice repeating “sexual assault is bad.” I wanted it to be a tangible force for change. The phrase “at whatever cost” took on a new meaning as I struggled to keep Project Consent afloat. Between 2014 and 2016, I faced a constant stream of expenses, from website upgrades to travel fees. It seemed like we never had enough money to execute our projects and campaigns.

A Turning Point

In the spring of 2016, everything changed. An advertising agency collaborated with us on a pro-bono video ad, which went viral and brought us into the spotlight. Suddenly, people were investing in us, and we received support from the White House’s It’s On Us campaign and even celebrities. After almost two years of struggling to stay afloat, we finally gained financial stability.

Lessons Learned

Starting and maintaining a non-profit at 17 and 18 was an experience I never planned on having. It taught me the importance of research, planning, and perseverance. My advice to anyone considering starting a non-profit is to be prepared for the unexpected and to plan for the worst. It’s not something you can just jump into, but if you’re willing to put in the hard work, it can be incredibly rewarding.