What essentials did you use this morning to begin your day? Most likely, your answer will include basics, like shampoo, soap, deodorant, lotion, toothpaste and a tooth brush; however, so many Americans are not in a position to access these everyday essentials. Luckily, an absolutely amazing, 30-year-old, Black woman named Shirnetta Harrell saw this need and took action to solve it, building the grassroots nonprofit The No Woman, No Girl Initiative so that hope, essentials and education could be more accessible to women and girls who are in crisis or transition. Shirnetta has a heart of gold and truly cares about those with whom she interacts, seeing others’ struggles and empathizing with each individual. Most importantly, she uses that empathy to take action, working to make this world a better place. The energy she uses to fuel that desire for better is contagious. Enjoy this peek inside the mind and heart of this absolute rock star!

Shirnetta Harrell is the Founder & Executive Director of The No Woman, No Girl Initiative. She is a native of Nash County, NC and a 2x HBCU (Historically Black Colleges & Universities) graduate. Shirnetta graduated from Shaw University where she served as Miss Shaw University from 2012-2013 and received a Bachelor of Social Work degree. During her time at Shaw University, she became a member of the Beta Rho Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Later, Shirnetta attended Alabama A & M University where she completed the Advanced Standing Program and graduated with a Master of Social Work degree with a Concentration in Community Mental Health.

Her nonprofit experience is rooted in her graduate assistantship where she worked at the Harris Home for Children in Huntsville, AL that supported neglected teenagers who were transitioning from foster care services. She later continued to study the field of social work by working in behavioral health, schools and local communities.

In 2021, Shirnetta founded and created The No Woman, No Girl Initiative after her ongoing observation of noticing that women and girls were struggling to gain accessibility around everyday essentials. At the height of the global pandemic, she urgently developed a nonprofit organization to ensure that no woman and no girl would go without everyday essentials to survive crisis or transition.

Shirnetta is married to Jermel Harrell and they have a 3-year old son, Judah. In her spare time, she enjoys shopping, building community and trying new experiences in the local area.

First Friday Female Founder Feature:

Shirnetta Harrell

How would you describe your company and the products / services you offer?

The No Woman, No Girl Initiative is a nonprofit organization that provides hope, essentials and education to women and girls, regardless of their life circumstances.

Why did you start your company?

After being a social worker for over 8 years and working in various settings, I saw the same need over and over again. There were so many situations where teenage girls hadn't washed their hair in months or they were forced to use tissue paper during their menstrual cycle because of affordability, which leads to lack of accessibility. As a social worker, I was professionally trained and equipped to research community resources, problem solve during crises and critically think. During the global pandemic in 2020, I saw the same invisible need grow demonstratively and inhumanely. At that point, I knew I had to do something about this issue. So, I started a nonprofit organization devoted to providing long-term sustainability and accessibility for everyday essentials.

The No Woman, No Girl Initiative offers hope, essentials & education to women + girls in crisis or transition

What has been the most rewarding part of your journey in founding this company?

The most rewarding part of this journey is hearing and seeing the gratitude on the faces of those we serve. Whether it's seeing the impact during a community outreach event or whether it's hearing it from a case manager that’s working with our participant, I'm always in awe of the stories we hear. That's how we measure our success.

About what are you most proud?

I wouldn't say proud in a boastful way. I'd say that I'm most thankful for the growth of The No Woman, No Girl Initiative. As a grassroots nonprofit organization that has been operating for only 1 year and 10 months, we've served over 800 women and girls experiencing crisis or transition since our inception. I never thought that we'd be where we are today but, for that, I'm most thankful.

Are you naturally organized, was it a skill you learned or is it something with which you regularly struggle, and what tips or tools do you use to stay your most organized?

Yes. Most people who know me both personally and professionally would agree that I'm naturally organized. For me, because I'm such a busy person, I live by my calendar, and I stick to it. Before I go to bed each night, I sit down and review my calendar for the next day while identifying 3 key tasks to complete. This means that I can accomplish at least 15 key tasks in 1 working week. Truly, that's 1 tool that has helped me professionally. I also leave work at work. When I'm home, I spend as much time being present with my family and indulging in self-care as possible.

Who’s the one person who changed your life and why?

Judah... Judah is our 3-year-old son, and I never knew that my heart could expand to love a person the way that I love him. He is my constant motivation and biggest cheerleader on the hard days. He also teaches me a lot about grace and extending it to others.

What words of wisdom would you have for someone who is overwhelmed with staying organized and / or productive?

One of the hardest lessons which I'm just now learning in life is that rest is so much better than productivity. Being overwhelmed is a natural emotion, and, often times, our brains are communicating that something is happening. (Here's the social worker coming out). I would tell someone who is overwhelmed with staying organized, "The first step is finding intentional space to rest." Rest looks like lots of different things to different people. So, when you've done all that you can, what does rest look like for you?

Do you use technology to help stay productive or organized? If so, what’s your favorite program, app or tech tool?

Absolutely. I use Google Calendar for both professional and personal things. My entire Google Calendar is color coded by categories such as family, NWNG, self-care, etc. Another feature that I like to use is Google Keep. Google Keep is great for me to use when I need a quick list (i.e grocery shopping) or a quick reminder to follow up on something if I don't have a notebook handy. This entire process of using technology took a long time for me because I traditionally had everything written down. Now, I try to streamline as much as possible.

How do you feel about work/life efficiency or integration in your life, including any tips or challenges for managing the personal and professional commitments in your life?

For me, it all goes back to scheduling and boundaries. Because I'm such a busy person and I have a lot of personal and professional commitments, it's important for me to plan things ahead of time such as a mani/pedi, vacation time with my hubby or taking myself out to dinner. This is also why I sit down to truly process the next day before bed each night. This helps to build a practice of understanding my own internal capacity and bandwidth for any commitments that are upcoming.

About what causes are you most passionate?

Wow. What a question! As a social worker who has spent years seeing everything you could possibly think of, I'm passionate about lots of causes. Women's rights, Black maternal health, period poverty, educational equity, affordable housing, community mental health and cancer research. One cause that is very recent for me that I've loved learning more about is litter and recycling. Picking up trash is a new cause that I'm growing more passionate about because I recognized my own implicit biases around this important problem in our nation that ultimately impacts our health, air and environment. My family and I have also been trying to embed more recycled products in our own home.

What have you found to be the most effective way to relax after a long day or super long week?

Sabbath. Saturday afternoon to Sunday afternoon most weeks are a time where I may shut off my phone, don't look at social media, don't check emails and just enjoy being present with myself and my family. It has truly been life changing to set aside 24 hours devoted to being still.

What is your favorite author/book?

I'm not a huge reader for fun, but, if I had to choose a favorite author, it would have to be anything written by Brene' Brown. Specifically, The Gifts of Imperfection was one of my favorites. Her books are thought-provoking, intentional and a cause for me to pause for reflecting. Those are the books that I enjoy.

What is your favorite inspirational quote?

Romans 8:18 is my favorite scripture that inspires me daily. Faith is very important to me and is a core value of mine. This particular scripture is a constant reminder to keep an eternal perspective because our time here on Earth is limited. The things that we experience here can't compare to what the Lord has promised us.

What are your go-to accessories?

Ha! Definitely a headband. If I need to spice an outfit up or if it's not such a good hair day, I'll always throw on a good headband.

What are the fundamentals of your beauty routine?

My beauty routine is very comprehensive and perplexed. Growing up, I always had oily skin and hormonal acne which caused dark spots. So, as an adult, I started seeing a dermatologist to help devise a specific plan for my skin. Now, I have specific products that I use in the morning, and I have specific products that I use at night. It takes me about 20 minutes to complete my skin care routine. I rarely wear makeup. If I do, it's a special occasion or I'm speaking at an event. Applying makeup is an entirely different conversation that includes an additional 30 minutes. LOL!

What is your favorite food?

I'm from a small town in Eastern North Carolina where I grew up on pig pickins, fried chicken, fried fish, fried pork chop and the sweetest tea that my grandmother could make. Without a doubt, southern soul food and Eastern NC BBQ is a part of who I am, and I absolutely enjoy it, moderately.

Of the locally-owned and -operated establishments in the place you currently live, which are your top 3 favorites and why?

I'll always support woman-owned and minority-owned businesses who are local.

Mama's Salsa (minority-owned & local) is one of my absolute favorite businesses that is local. Literally, every Saturday, I try to find where she is so that I can purchase her salsa and chips. My entire family loves this business because it's family-operated, they're the sweetest people and the salsa is homemade. Seriously, go get it. It'll change your life!

The Flourish Market (woman-owned & local) is one of my favorite places to shop. So much of their clothes are my personal style, and, more importantly, the entire shop is focused on creating purpose in the lives of other women.
The Glo Lounge (Black woman-owned & local) has been taking care of my hair since I was in undergraduate school. The owner has become a dear friend of mine, and, each time that I get my hair done, I feel like I'm just going to visit one of my best friends. She's always so encouraging to me and has always believed in things I couldn't see.

What is your favorite place that you have visited?

I would have to say the mountains. The mountains are absolutely beautiful, and I enjoy the scenic views that seem like they can sit forever.

What streaming show or movie could you watch on an endless loop?

There are so many! If I had to pick one, it'd have to be Save the Last Dance!

If you could have one superpower, what would it be?

I'd stop time. Sometimes, I wonder, if I could stop time, would I appreciate it more? Would I take life more at ease and truly appreciate every single moment? Stopping time would allow me to more than likely feel the depth of moments more with the people in my life.

What advice would you give your 21-year-old self?

I just turned 31 so that's 10 years ago. I'd say, "Girl, you are enough." For me, about almost all of my life, I've heard, "You're too this" and "You're so that". If I'm honest, I spent way too much time giving those projected opinions validity to who I am. I'm in a place right now in life, where I can look at my 21-year old and see alllllllllll the lessons that have led me up until this point. I wish that I could go back and tell my 21-year-old self that's it's okay to be talkative, it's okay to be upbeat and it's okay if my life decisions are different than others.

If you could have lunch with anyone (living or deceased), who would it be and why?

Hands down, my late grandmother who passed from breast cancer. My grandmother is naturally a part of the reason that I like certain things and I am the way that I am. Growing up with a grandmother gave me a different perspective of life as a child and gave me wisdom ahead of my years. Most people will tell you that I'm 31 on the outside and 61 on the inside. I enjoy listening to oldies, drinking coffee in the morning, watching old Western movies, going to yard sales and eating butter-pecan ice-cream. If I could just have one more lunch date, it could be very sweet. So much of me is because of my grandmother. She devoted her life to service to others, and I'll never forget who she was to not just me but to everyone around her.

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