In this interview spotlight, I take a detour from the usual. I chat with Dawn Witte author of the book BE and founder of the Desire To Inspire Foundation.
I chose to interview Dawn because her foundation is doing great (and much needed) work for humanity. Her book, BE, is also a work that should be consumed and applied by each one of us. Dawn’s passion and love of helping others is undeniable.
Full Q&A along with links below.
Tell us a bit about yourself. Where are you from? What motivated you to become an author and become involved with Desire to Inspire?
Love is what motivates me in all I do. I grew up in a small town in Ohio and have lived in the Los Angeles area for over thirty years.
I was a stay at home mother of two daughters and a lot of rescue animals for most of my adult life. I loved being a mom and because of the many volunteer positions I have held I have learned that I absolutely love children. The thought of a child living without bare necessities and the love of a parent absolutely breaks my heart. I have served as a PTA President, Assistant AYSO soccer coach, National Charity League President, Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA), and many other volunteer positions that allowed me to work with a diverse population of children, but I wanted to do more. When my daughters were in college, I asked myself what I wanted to do with my life, and loving people was the one thing I was certain I knew how to do, so I set about doing just that by creating my foundation and writing my books.
Every experience I have had has taught me so much about people and has enabled me to see that we are all similar regardless of where we are from, how much we have or how we were raised. What we have in common is far greater than any perceived differences we may have and that everyone has a special light that, if acknowledged and encouraged, can shine brightly.
Can you explain Desire To Inspire’s mission and how it makes a difference?
I initially started The Desire to Inspire Foundation because I wanted to shine a bright light on the amazing people doing inspired work in the world. I was hearing so much animosity and vitriol in the news that I wanted to share the stories of the many, many people who are spending their time and resources to enrich the lives of others. The world is a hopeful place if you choose to look in the right places.
After my first visit to Africa, I fell in love with the people I met and it really helped me define who I wanted to help which is my “WHY.” The children hold such a special place in my heart, and I am determined to help them see their light and bring their own unique and special gifts into the world while helping others. I truly believe that we can change the world if we each put a little more love and kindness into the world.
We are currently building two community centers that will combine real world training with transformational life coaching principles to help people find and use their gifts and talents to support themselves, their families, their communities, and beyond. Our highest vision is to help each unique individual BEcome BEYOND Sustainable and making the world a happier and more hopeful place in the process by extending the ripple of kindness farther than we alone can reach.
Our hope is to create programs to help people find their purpose. The word Vocation comes from the Latin root word, “Vocari,” meaning, one’s calling. When you consider your calling, what you “Do for a living,” becomes something far greater than a mere job. Your calling is the thing you were put on this earth to do. When one can put their own talents, skills, and gifts to use in the world, helping themselves as they help others, they will have not only fulfilled their purpose, but they have lived into their calling.
What was the initial motivation behind your book, Be? In other words, what led you to writing it?
My daughters inspired me to write my book. I wanted them to always know that who they “BE” in the world comes back to them, that everyone’s life has challenges and being strong will help them persevere. I wanted them to understand the importance of being grateful for the life they have, to be inspired so that they can share their great passions with the world and that kindness and love are currencies more valuable than money. I wanted them to always know to be true to who they are and genuine about who that is in the world. And I wanted them to choose happiness because it puts out a special energy into the world that brings about even more happiness.
Name one or two challenges you are facing in this over saturated, digital age? How is technology helping you? Are there any downsides?
As with anything, technology can be used for positive or negative depending on how it is used. Because of technology and social media, I have been able to connect with and stay connected to people from all around the world. I think it is absolutely amazing and am so grateful that we live in a time where this is even possible. For me the biggest challenges I face are not remembering all of my passwords but mostly, not being able to help everyone who asks me for it. The needs are so great and my time and resources are limited, but each and every day more people are joining my efforts and we are making strides to be able to extend our reach to more people each and every day.
Let’s change course for a second. What was the last book you read?
The book I am currently reading is “The Healing Wisdom of Africa,” by Malidoma Patrice Some. I want to learn and know all I can about religions, philosophies, and spirituality from different cultures and throughout history.
Which do you prefer? eBooks? Paperbacks? Hardcovers?
Sorry e-books but there is nothing like holding a book and turning the pages. I love hardcovers but I think paperbacks win that contest because they are easier to travel with and I can take a few with me on long flights.
Where is the best place to connect with you and Desire To Inspire Online? How can people get involved or donate?
Our website is www.desiretoinspirefoundation.org and we are on Facebook and Instagram. I love hearing from people who are making the world a better place so they can email me directly at dawnawitte@gmail.com or info@desiretoinspirefoundation.org.
Anything else before we sign off?
Thank you so much for the opportunity to share my passions with you and your readers. The “BE…” planner will be available on April 27 and the skincare line we are creating should be available by the holidays. I am so excited about these products because they will help me raise the funds needed to continue our work while creating jobs for people on the ground in the areas we serve as well as bringing the amazing natural ingredients of Africa to the US market.
