Today we’d like to introduce you to Keshi Satterwhite.
Keshi, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I became a homeowner as a single mom because I wanted something simple for my kids: a safe backyard where they could play. When the first big rain came, that dream quickly turned into a challenge. My yard flooded, stormwater rushed into neighbors’ spaces, and standing water made it hard for my children to enjoy the outdoors.
At first, I had no idea what to do. Then I went to a local community meeting, and that single step changed everything. That meeting led me to serve on a board, which opened the door to a role at the Ellerbe Creek Watershed Association. What started as a one-year contract evolved into several years of learning, listening, and serving, ultimately culminating in the role of Community Relations Director. It was during this time that I discovered my passion for connecting people, building resilience, and creating solutions with—not just for—communities.
Out of that passion came Planning Ahead, a nonprofit I founded here in Durham. We focus on advancing environmental justice through hands-on education, leadership development, and civic engagement. Our programs are designed to meet people where they are—equipping historically underserved communities with the tools and confidence to respond to climate challenges.
What began as a flooded backyard turned into my life’s calling: helping communities build resilience and lead change in their own neighborhoods.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Not at all—it’s been full of bumps and lessons.
One of the hardest parts was balancing my role as a single mother with the demands of growing a career and later, a nonprofit. There were times when I had to make tough choices about where my energy and resources went, and honestly, some days I felt stretched too thin.
Another challenge was entering spaces where people like me weren’t always represented. As a woman of color in the environmental field, I often felt like I had to prove myself twice over—first to be seen, and then to be taken seriously. That wasn’t easy, but it gave me the fuel I needed.
The road hasn’t been smooth, but every obstacle taught me something I needed to know. Those experiences made me stronger, more focused, and more determined to create a path for others who might otherwise be left out.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
At Planning Ahead, the nonprofit I founded, we help communities prepare for environmental challenges like flooding, extreme heat, and the impacts of climate change. We specialize in transforming issues into hands-on learning experiences—whether that’s through disaster preparedness workshops, workforce training in green infrastructure, or creating user-friendly resources like family preparedness kits and community workbooks.
What I’m most proud of is how practical and accessible we make this work. A great example is a mother who attended one of our flooding preparedness workshops, feeling overwhelmed. By the end, she not only had tools for her own family but also volunteered to share what she learned with her neighbors. Watching her step into leadership showed me that the ripple effect is real—when one person feels empowered, entire neighborhoods benefit.
What sets us apart is that we don’t just design programs for communities—we design them with communities. We listen first, co-create solutions, and put decision-making power back into the hands of residents. That’s the heart of Planning Ahead.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
As a child, my favorite pastime was “playing office.” My dad gave me an old black briefcase with shiny silver combination locks, and my uncle passed down a bulky beige Apple computer with a green screen—no color, just the glow of letters on the monitor. I would stuff the briefcase full of papers to make it feel like I was carrying around important documents and then sit at my little desk, typing away for hours. In my imagination, I was running a business, making big decisions, and doing meaningful work. Looking back, it’s funny how that childhood game mirrors what I do today—building something from the ground up and carrying my vision forward with purpose.
Pricing:
- • Rooted and Rezilence Flood Preparedness Kits: $34.99
- • Rooted and Rezilence Extreme Heat Kit: $34.99
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.aplanahead.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/planningahead23/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/61570016918772
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ljs-a-plan-ahead-llc
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@KeshiSatterwhite
- Other: https://g.page/r/CdyONysMaBZZEAI/review
