Meet Mignon Hooper!

Mignon is one of our newest board members, but she’s been making a difference with StreetWise for nearly 10 years. Keep reading to discover what she loves most about being a part of StreetWise’s work. 

 

How did you first hear about StreetWise, and how long have you been serving?

My first exposure to StreetWise was our Keller Williams Red Day in 2014. Not long after, I also got to hear Terry speak through one of our Keller Williams Market Center meetings. He was doing a dollar bill exercise – and I actually still have that dollar. I’ve been on StreetWise’s board for almost a year now. 

 

What made you want to get involved, and what other organizations are you a part of?

I’d started becoming more and more aware of the fact that there are kids and families that are hungry right here in the United States. And with StreetWise being faith-based and wanting to help people – not give them just a handout, but actually giving them a hand up, I was moved – also because they were really focused on helping people become employed. 

I’ve also been a part of Kares 4 Kids – which was founded by Marcie Fair, the owner of Keller Williams Atlanta Partners –  as well as their partner churches. I’m just really drawn to this [nonprofit] model.

 

What would you want people to know about StreetWise?

I think it’s important for people to know more about the Mobile Food Pantry. I don’t think there’s enough knowledge out there of the impact StreetWise truly has on the community. I also think there’s just an ignorance of the need; it can take your breath away [to see firsthand]. 

 

What do you love about serving on the board?

I love that I have a chance to give a different perspective: a female and a realtor’s perspective. I get the chance to work with people who are moving in and out of the area all the time, so I get a lot more exposure to the public. I was also the PTO president for a few years and was heavily involved in my son’s school, which also showed me the many needs.

 

What’s your dream for StreetWise?

For them to be super involved in helping our youth become young adults who are able to live their lives independent of organizations like StreetWise. Especially for those coming out of the foster care system who are now completely on their own, there’s such a need. The people I’ve had a chance to be exposed to over the years have really helped me see things that I’d never have seen otherwise.

 

Tell us a little bit about you: your family, career, hobbies, etc.

My husband and I have been married for 23 years, and our son is 22 years old, double majoring in music performance and music education at University of Georgia. I’m a mental and business performance coach; I just love helping people get out of their own way and into the success that they deserve to have! I also play tennis.