Tina Carter | YWCA Women of Excellence Honoree
What inspires you to get up and do the work?
It is easy to work in ministry with Pastor S.C. & 1st Lady Jeanette Mitchell who are the kindest people I know. Open Arms Outreach is a mission ministry, and I am all about helping to empower and grow the ministry. This is passion filled with excitement and challenges but full of rewards from on high.
What have you learned about yourself through the challenges you have overcome?
Through my own challenges I found that I am resilient, and I have unconditional love for people. God has empowered me with a forgiving heart. I have been made better without becoming bitter.
How do you take care of yourself?
I spend quality time with my daughters, laugh and talk with friends and on Saturdays if I have nothing to do, I do not create anything for me to do. I use that time to just relax with Lifetime movies and popcorn.
What is the best advice you've ever been given? Or what advice do you have for others?
My father always told us " The only thing you have is your good name, protect your good name" I live my life with that in mind. Some advice I give out too many people is "It is not what people call you, but what you answer too".
What is your vision for our community? Has it changed through the pandemic and racial justice reckoning of recent years?
My vision for our community is that we will do better. In light of all that we have seen and heard we can no longer turn away from the injustices of systemic racism. We live in a great city, and we are a Christian nation, I believe if we hold unto the true biblical principles of Christ our mandate will be to love our neighbors as ourselves.
The mission of YWCA is to eliminate racism, empower women and promote peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all. What does YWCA's mission mean to you?
YWCA has been in the forefront of tackling social issues. I have a passion for women's ministry our motto was "Women Empowering Women, Women Empowering themselves." God bless you for all the hard work you do.
