Rising Stars: Meet Dion Wingate

Today we’d like to introduce you to Dion Wingate.

Hi Dion, 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 was born in Sanford, North Carolina, and raised in Washington, D.C. I started F.N.O. Records and subsequently, a clothing line in 2012 which was my first taste of legal entrepreneurship. Currently, I am the founder and executive director of Failure is Not an Option Organization.

This organization mentors at-risk youth, ages 13-19. I advocate for mental health and domestic violence advocate who believes in empowering those who feel voiceless. My advocacy is authentically brought about by the obstacles I faced and overcome such as alcohol/drug addiction, homelessness, childhood trauma, and criminal mentality. My walk is a testimony I do not mind sharing with others; believing if it can help someone, why not tell the story?

I am a realtor, public speaker, and published author of two books entitled “Auto Pilot” & “Failures Not an option”. At the grassroots level, I put in work within the community. I engage with those in the community who share similar interests in serving and advocating for those in need. Those needs include mental health awareness, allocating resources, and education.

The mission of the organization is to inspire others that have experienced challenges on their journey.  Ultimately, endeavors to guide those on their own journey in the circle of life.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
I had a dark past consumed with sex, money, crime, and numerous psychiatric hospital admissions for my diagnoses of severe depression and schizophrenia.

I dealt with the loss of my mother when I was four years old as well as verbal and physical abuse from family/friends of the family. I began drinking alcohol at 12 years old by the age of 13 I was drinking every day. I dropped out of school in 9th grade and began a life of crime and addiction.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a licensed realtor in Raleigh, North Carolina. I specialize in locating (selling or buying) residential and commercial properties. I began New Perspective Solutions LLC in 2020. The staff and I assist mental health and substance abuse recovery programs consumers transition into society successfully by teaching them social, personal, and life skills.

The unique aspect of NPS is that every staff member has overcome some form of addiction and has been abstinent from addiction for at least 5 years. The business that I am most proud of is the non-profit I began in 2017, “Failures Not an Option Organization”. We mentor at-risk males, youth ages 13-19 we teach them personal development economic education and conflict resolution.

This by far is one of the most rewarding services I have provided. Witnessing, the growth in the young men we mentor is a feeling word could never describe. Knowing they have chances and resources that weren’t provided to the young men in my era gives me a sense of pride.

So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
Failures Not an Option Organization, always open to collaborating with other organizations that are making a difference in the community/world.

We always have opportunities for volunteers and sponsors for our annual School drives and adopt families for the holiday program. We never have too many mentors or fundraiser organizers.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: Fno4life.com
• Instagram: @dion_wingate_robinhood
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yourrealtordwingate/

Image Credits
Lamont Johnson and Jay Humble