Her Story
About Wilma
I founded Women Ignited Now (WIN) in 2017, where I serve as CEO and handle everything from client appointments to financial management using QuickBooks. As a certified life coach, the most rewarding part of my work is seeing the lives of women and girls completely transform after coming from trauma or tragic backgrounds. I went from being a victim to victorious myself, having survived abuse as a child, and that journey fuels my passion for helping others. I work heavily with local nonprofits and churches, running mentorship programs where I meet with women individually and in groups to work through the challenges women face. I've received numerous awards for my community service work with women, girls, and families. I'm completing my bachelor's degree in religious studies in June 2026 and am researching master's programs in social work to take my work even further. Most of the time, I personally fund the programs I run because I believe in helping people, and seeing their transformation is worth more than any financial return.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Wilma
01What do you attribute your success to?
I would honestly say it's my faith. My faith in believing that I went from being a victim to victorious, coming from being an abused child. I always wanted to help people, both as a child and as an adult. It's been so rewarding and fulfilling, and people have recognized that work. I just believe in helping people, and seeing their lives transform has been incredibly meaningful to me.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Follow your dreams, because they will come true. That advice has really stayed with me and guided my journey.
03What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge has been financial. Sometimes it's just hard getting funding for the work I do with women and girls who are in need of different things. Most of the time, I actually foot the bill myself with my personal money, not looking for anything in return. I just chalk it up as a good deed of helping other people. I try to look and see what funding might be out there, but it's been very challenging to be honest.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Good character is extremely valuable to me. Your character is so important because I believe your talent will get you in the door, but it's the character that'll keep you there. The kind of person that you are, your honesty, your integrity - those things are so important to me. They really stand out.
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