Meet Managerrie Winston | Executive Director & Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Director

We had the good fortune of connecting with Managerrie Winston and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Managerrie, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
My thought process is to understand the risk in the development of my business. I think a lot of time we often let the thoughts of failure, things that arise, and overall fear stop us from even starting the process. I think it’s extremely important to understand that things will arise but its about your perseverance that will bring on success, how you overcome those adversities and flourish into your full potential.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I am the Executive Director of The KIT Project a Non-Profit organization specializing in Social Emotional Learning for Black and Brown marginalized youth. I also write grants, resumes, and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion content for organizations. With The KIT Project we have created a curriculum tailored to black and brown experiences that is culturally relevant and teaches 5 SEL concepts of Self – Awareness, Social Awareness, Self – Management, Responsible Decision Making and Building Positive Relationship. We took it one step further adding in a unit around dealing with racism and spiritual formation. We also introduce black and brown youth to yoga, meditation and mindfulness in a Culturally relevant way through our Trap Yoga events for teens to help them manage stress and create healthy coping mechanisms. This is very exciting because we are literally changing mindsets and habits for youth as they step into adulthood. This wasn’t an easy process especially to develop curriculum making use of verbiage that is relatable to these teens. One lesson I have learned is there is always a redo if something doesn’t work create the processes to make it more effective and keep going.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If someone was visiting my city we would 1st start off at LEVEL ONE Fitness for their dope Saturday bootcamp its literally the best gym in the city and such a vibe, after all with the cutting up we will be doing that workout will provide some balance. My next stop would be to eat at the Locker Room in Houston’s 3rd ward the catfish and grits makes you want to surrender your entire wallet. After that we need to walk off that food so I would check out a market and festival happening… Then to finish it off we are going to Urban Social for Music, Vibes and a French 75.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My shout out goes to my bestfriend and one of my biggest supporters Darnell Fennell. He has truly been a beacon of light regarding my success and important relationships I have developed. When you meet genuine people keep them close and let them support you even when its hard and pride wants to step in.

Website: The KIT Project

Instagram: __Mwin

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/managerriewinston/

Image Credits
Photography The KIT Project Staff