We had the good fortune of connecting with Gloria Sakombi Walker and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Gloria Sakombi, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
The foundation of our organization is rooted in the belief that giving back is a powerful force, instilled in me by my parents and my grandmother Antoinette Bena Dia Lutete. Our mission is clear: to support the community, locally in Houston and globally, by enhancing the potential of children, women, and men. We’re committed to ensuring that children have the opportunity to show up prepared for their educational journey. By providing essential school supplies, and reading books, we empower students to unlock their potential and thrive, understanding that education is the catalyst for positive change.
Our legacy is one of giving back, empowering education, and building a brighter future, both locally and worldwide. This is the essence of our organization’s history and the legacy we proudly pursue to continue.

What should our readers know about your business?
A GESTURE OF LOVE is a 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Corporation that values people above all else. Our core mission is to support the community by enhancing the lives of children, women, and men, helping them realize their full potential. We believe in the fundamental importance of education in society and work tirelessly to ensure that underserved children receive educational supplies to give them the confidence that they need to gain an appropriate education. We empower the future generations through providing literacy supplies and introducing youth to employability and reading resources.
Beyond education, we extend our care to meet the social needs of families in various ways. We provide essential household items that make a tangible difference in the lives of countless individuals. Our commitment extends to people with diverse abilities. What sets us apart and what we are most pleased with is that since 2021, we have served over 5000 children in the Democratic Republic of Congo with school supplies, blankets, toys and more donated primarily by educators.
We invite you to be a part of our mission. Together, we can create a more compassionate and inclusive society, one act of kindness at a time. Join us in supporting education, enhancing lives, and spreading love in the communities we serve. Together, we can make a lasting impact and help people realize their dreams.

Starting and maintaining our organization has definitely been challenging, however our belief in our mission: “to give back and to help others increase their potential to succeed,” has fueled us to endure. Our biggest challenge is getting others to believe in our mission and for them to give their time, energy and finances to support the non-profit. Another challenge was finding the appropriate recipients to receive the resources donated and ensuring that the items get to the intended recipients.
At the most, securing the necessary resources and funding to launch our back-to-school drives was a formidable obstacle. Balancing our mission with limited resources required creativity and resilience. As we progressed, sustaining our efforts year after year presented its own set of challenges. We faced hurdles in expanding our reach and ensuring the ability of our programs to serve more communities. Building a network of supporters, volunteers, and partners has also been a continuous effort.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Embarking on a culinary adventure through Houston with my friend would be an unforgettable experience. We’d start our day at Artisans, indulging in the exquisite flavors of French cuisine, savoring each bite of delicate dishes crafted with precision and care. Our journey would then take us to the bustling streets of Houston’s Korean neighborhood, where we’d feast on sizzling meats and flavorful side dishes at Korea Garden or Gen Korean BBQ House, immersing ourselves in the vibrant atmosphere of a traditional Korean BBQ feast. As the sun sets, we’d head to Lupe Tortilla for a taste of Tex-Mex cuisine, enjoying mouthwatering fajitas and refreshing margaritas in a lively setting. Finally, we’d end our culinary tour at Triple J’s Smokehouse, indulging in the rich flavors of American BBQ, savoring tender brisket and smoky ribs while reminiscing about the unforgettable flavors we’ve experienced throughout the day.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I primarily give credit to My Lord and Savior: Jesus Christ for entrusting me to help others through A Gesture Of Love. I also could not do what I do without my team of directors, support team, volunteers, sponsors, and partners such as Port Arthur ISD, Harvest Time Bible Church, Books for Development, French Alliance Houston, One Houston Church, PAISD Wheathly elementary school, I’M God’s Masterpiece Network and many more. Other resources that significantly contribute to my personal growth and productivity are books like “hinds feet on high places” by Hannah Hurnard. “ The Power of I Am” by Joel Osteen, and “Disruptive Thinking” by T.D. Jakes. I also love to write and have written 2 books which are The Book of Gloria, The Journey Ahead not Always A Dream, its spanish version: El Viaje Adelante: No Siempre es Un Sueño, and its French version: Le voyage Avenir: Pas Toujours un Reve. All available on Amazon, Kindle, Audible and various websites. I also love Apps Like Canva, Adobe and many others to help me with organization and creativity.

Website: https://www.agestureoflove.com/

Instagram: https://instagram.com/agestureoflove?igshid=YTQwZjQ0NmI0OA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/glowalker01?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094200054163&mibextid=LQQJ4d

Image Credits
Pictures by Sephora Sakombi

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