To some, Winston-Salem, North Carolina is a city where a historical tobacco company was founded. To Winston-Salem native Jamaica Gainey, Winston is a place of love that isn’t perfect but attributes it to making her into the woman she is today.
Who is Jamaica Gainey?
Twenty-three year old, Ganiey grew up with a family that didn’t have everything financially but was filled with an abundance of love. Gainey who was very involved in the community and extracurricular activities year round, describes her upbringing as “eventful” and “intimate”. Gainey graduated from R.J Reynolds High School in 2014. She then started her adult-hood journey pursuing a Bachelor's Degree in Human Performance with a Minor in Sociology at Howard University. Gainey currently works at a Public Charter School in the Washington D.C area, where she resides.
On Thursday September 12th 2019, I sat down with Gainey to talk about her recent endeavor Exponential Growth. The non-profit, Exponential Growth, is an initiative founded by Gainey. “Our vision is to inspire the youth so that they have the courage to be a beacon of light in their communities.” As stated on their website. Gainey, who’s original career choice wasn’t within the Education field, immersed herself in Education, finding both a career and passion.
Gainey’s passion grew a determination to give back to her community. After successfully organizing the “100 Black Dolls Project”, Gainey felt she needed to brand herself through a platform. Exponential Growth is named after the exponential curve. The curve, which coincidentally is “J” shaped (like the founder’s first name) is a curve that goes on and on forever. “There is no limit to becoming whoever you are meant to be, as long as you are open to growth” Gainey says.
Gainey’s growth mindset is a key element in her success and failures with Exponential Growth. “In those times of wanting to give up, I realized the bigger picture. God put it into my heart personally and he gave it to me for a reason. He wouldn’t have gave it to me, if he thought I couldn’t do it.” Gainey reflects.
“Hopeful, Inspiring and Youthful”
Three words to describe Exponential Growth. Just like the exponential curve, Gainey has no desire to stop growing any time soon. In two years, she hopes to have an event every season and serve at least 500 of the youth in Winston-Salem, in hopes of truly becoming a beacon of light in her community.
The 2nd Annual “Dolls For Dolls” event will be held at Winston Lake YMCA. Check out the official flyer below.
For more information about upcoming events and ways to get involved, visit
https://growexponential.org/
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