Today we’d like to introduce you to Kiswanna Battle.
Hi Kiswanna, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I am Kiswanna Battle, Founder and Executive Director of Ruth’s Promises 4 Youth, Inc., and the creator of The Free Me Brand, LLC. I’m an Educator and Youth and Young Adult Advocate. I have a thing for brain sciences–psychology and neuroscience. In August, I will start the second year of my doctoral program. Growing up in a small town in Eastern North Carolina as an only child in the home, I understand the challenges faced by individuals with dreams and limited resources and live with the burden of projections from others. I’ve worked in education for 10 years and have seen numerous youth fall through the cracks due to a lack of support in certain areas. From high school until now, I’ve had the pleasure of working with community organizations. I’ve tutored back home, which awarded me a scholarship to begin college through the W.C. Chance 21st Century Learning Program. Throughout my early adulthood, I’ve worked with Big Brother Big Sister, Haven House, Striving for Success Mentoring Program, Inc., and have held roles on the board of directors for others.
I’ve lived with the dreams of others held over me without truly being happy in what I desired in life. Through digging deep and working towards freedom, leaps of faith have been my daily exercise. I seek to provide strategies to our youth walking this path throughout our community. I also help lead them to other resources and organizations with different skill sets and expertise than our organization can provide. It is genuinely about a community and networking because no organization can do everything.
I use my experiences to inspire all to identify their purpose and engage their passions authentically. The organization assists youth by cultivating resources that help them identify and explore their true meaning through mentorship and objective alignment.
Through our Free Me series and brand, I aim to provide a space for all to embrace that desired freedom, tap into their passion, and walk the path to a fulfilling life. This brand is also for adults as well because we also need that.
Outside of my personal experiences, I gained my passion for working with youth by watching family members give tirelessly to those just like me and those under my care. I come from a family of givers, missionaries, educators, and women of wisdom. They all happen to have the name Ruth. In the Bible, the book of Ruth is a story of love, kindness, loyalty, reliability, integrity, trust, faith in God, and care for the well-being of others. With Ruth’s Promises 4 Youth, Inc. and The Free Me Brand, LLC., I have chosen to carry the legacy of my great-grandmother, grandmother, and great-aunts. I am devoted to ensuring this legacy continues through leadership, empowerment, and support for our community.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Ha! Nothing comes easy, right?! I’d say how the business idea was presented to me was pretty smooth. God has a funny yet strategic way of doing things. He’s such a gentleman. The challenges were more from an internal standpoint. One obstacle I initially faced was other people’s thoughts and projections and how they thought I should run my business. I was reminded that the assignment was given to me and not them. I remember sharing that I like to give my visions to others and help them carry them out. I do not like to be out in the lights with everything. How I help and move about it is not for personal gain or to show off. Another personal challenge was that I was not sure if I was where I needed to be in life. I was unsure if I could complete the assignment. Again, I was reminded that no one is perfect for the job. You have to do it! Period. The struggle comes in being everything–the receptionist, the accountant, the customer service representative, everything! Eventually, I plan to delegate other tasks and jobs to others, but for now, I want to know everything like the back of my hand before I try to train someone to help run what I’ve worked hard to build.
Here we are, almost 5 years later, and couldn’t have a more clear direction. Both businesses are just two individual tracks [ that occasionally merge ] on their journey to help others have a fulfilling life.
We’ve impressed Ruth’s Promises 4 Youth, Inc. and The Free Me Brand, LLC. But for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
With RP4Y, mentoring sessions are typically divided up by age group with myself and other mentors who are also educators, social workers, community leaders, etc., for one-on-one and whole group sessions. With the pandemic, working from home, and children being drained with zoom sessions, much of that turned into group sessions to release thoughts. Now, most mentoring sessions are in-person, and schedules are full. With myself working full-time, a full-time student, and running two businesses, it’s a thin stretch.
Currently, tutoring services are being provided for kindergarten through 3rd grade for general education and special education. My background in early childhood, early intervention, and special education allow me to work with students individually and outside the school setting. I enjoy making experiences with young children and seeing their little brains reach the “a-ha” moment when striving and reaching a goal. Increasing confidence in their abilities is what is strived for daily. I take great joy when parents can share, ask questions, and are eager to understand and learn. Parents are their child’s first advocates. Over the years, families of children that I have taught or worked with still invite us over for various engagements. We are just assisting.
Other services provided are consultation services for families unsure about navigating their child’s educational and mental health services. You can contact us at info@ruthspromises4youth.com for more information or call 919-244-0757.
As for The Free Me Brand, LLC. We have apparel, accessories, and various wellness blends to help encourage you on your freedom journey. Other products and services are on the rise as we speak. You may find out more and shop at www.thefreemebrand.com.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ruthspromises4youth.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefreemebrand/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ruthspromises4youth/
- Other: www.thefreemebrand.com
Image Credits
Shanteria Henry- LIV Digital Images Annette Tillery- Martha Smith Tillery Photography
