Daily Inspiration: Meet Donesha Helen Marie

Today we’d like to introduce you to Donesha Helen Marie.

Hi Donesha, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My story began when I entered foster care at around 7 – 8 years old. Like many children in foster care, I experienced instability, but one of the biggest struggles I faced growing up was being bullied. I had very little confidence in myself. I didn’t always feel like I belonged, and I often questioned my worth.

Even through those challenges, I held onto one dream—I wanted to be a model. It may have seemed unrealistic to other people, but I refused to let my circumstances define what was possible for me. As I grew older, I began investing in myself, building my confidence, and taking opportunities that pushed me outside of my comfort zone.

Eventually, I signed with professional talent agencies and turned that childhood dream into reality. Since then, I’ve modeled in print campaigns, appeared in television commercials, and had the opportunity to walk the runway for celebrity designers. Modeling taught me so much more than how to be in front of a camera. It taught me confidence, resilience, professionalism, and the importance of believing in yourself even when no one else does.

Those experiences also helped me realize that every young person has gifts and talents—they just need someone to help them discover them. That realization became the inspiration behind founding Got Knack. I wanted to create an organization where young people, especially those who have experienced adversity, could discover their talents, develop confidence, and understand that their gifts can lead them to purpose.

Professionally, I chose to become a social worker because I wanted to give back to the community that shaped me. Today, I work as a case manager serving youth in foster care, helping them navigate independent living, education, employment, housing, and adulthood. Every day, I have the opportunity to encourage young people who may be facing some of the same challenges I once experienced.

Along the way, I became the first person in my family to earn a master’s degree, graduating with my Master of Social Work from Cleveland State University. Balancing graduate school, full-time work, nonprofit leadership, and community service wasn’t easy, but it reinforced something I’ve learned throughout my life: our circumstances do not determine our future.

Today, I wear many hats—as a social worker, nonprofit founder, model, actress, mentor, and community advocate—but they all share the same purpose. Everything I do is about helping people see what’s possible for themselves. My journey from a little girl in foster care with low self-esteem to someone who now empowers others has taught me that your story doesn’t have to end where it begins. Sometimes the very experiences that once made you feel powerless become the reason you’re able to change someone else’s life.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Not at all. My journey has been anything but smooth, and I think that’s what makes it meaningful.

As a child in foster care, I experienced both physical and sexual abuse. Those experiences had a lasting impact on how I viewed myself, the relationships I chose, and the decisions I made as a young adult. For a long time, I found myself in unhealthy relationships because I didn’t fully understand what healthy love, trust, and boundaries looked like. I made mistakes, and there were seasons where I had to learn difficult lessons the hard way.

Another challenge was growing up feeling different. I was often bullied and surrounded by people who made me feel like I wasn’t enough. At the time, I didn’t understand why I struggled socially or why I processed the world differently. It wasn’t until adulthood that I learned I am autistic. Receiving that diagnosis gave me clarity. It helped me understand that many of the things I had criticized myself for weren’t personal flaws—they were simply part of how my brain works. That understanding allowed me to extend grace to myself and embrace who I am instead of constantly trying to fit into spaces that weren’t built for me.

Building my nonprofit also came with unexpected obstacles. One of the moments that shaped me the most was when another organization took the grant funding for a city project I had spent months planning. It was incredibly discouraging. I questioned whether I should keep going because it felt like all of my hard work had been taken away. But instead of allowing that experience to stop me, it strengthened my resolve. I realized that no one could take my vision, my passion, or my purpose. If one door closed, I would find another way to serve my community.

Looking back, every obstacle taught me something. Foster care taught me resilience. Abuse taught me the importance of protecting and advocating for others. My autism diagnosis taught me self-acceptance. My setbacks in nonprofit work taught me perseverance and integrity. None of those experiences were easy, and I would never wish them on anyone. But they helped shape the leader I am today—someone who leads with empathy, authenticity, and an unwavering commitment to creating opportunities for others, especially young people who may be wondering if their circumstances will ever change.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Today, I wear several hats, but each one is rooted in the same mission: helping people recognize their worth and realize their potential.

I work as a social worker and case manager at a foster care agency, where I oversee foster homes, support foster families, monitor children’s well-being, assist with permanency planning and adoptions, and provide meaningful interventions that help children feel safe, supported, and connected. My current caseload ranges from children as young as 2 years old to youth who are 14. One of the most important parts of my work is building trust and genuine relationships with children who have experienced trauma and helping families create stable, nurturing environments where they can thrive.

I’m also a licensed foster parent, which has given me an even deeper appreciation for what children in foster care need—not just professionally, but personally. As someone who grew up in foster care, becoming a foster parent felt like coming full circle. After being diagnosed with Primary Ovarian Insufficiency (POI) and learning that I may not be able to have biological children, I realized that my calling to be a parent didn’t disappear—it simply looked different. Foster parenting has allowed me to open my home and my heart to children who need love, stability, and someone who believes in them.

Outside of my career, I am the founder and Executive Director of Got Knack, a nonprofit organization I created to help young people discover their talents, build confidence, and connect their gifts to their purpose. Through mentorship, educational programming, community events, wellness initiatives, and back-to-school resource fairs, we’ve served hundreds of youth and families throughout the Cleveland community. I believe every child has a gift; sometimes they just need someone to help them see it.

Another part of my journey is modeling and acting. Growing up, I was bullied and struggled with self-confidence, but I never let go of my dream of becoming a model. Today, I’m signed with professional talent agencies and have appeared in print campaigns, television commercials, and walked the runway for celebrity designers. What once felt impossible became one of the greatest reminders that our circumstances do not define our future. Modeling and acting have given me a platform to inspire others while teaching me confidence, resilience, and the courage to embrace who I am.

I’m currently working toward becoming a licensed therapist because I want to expand the ways I can serve children, youth, and families. My goal is to provide trauma-informed therapy that helps people heal, build resilience, and recognize their strengths. I want to continue advocating for children not only through case management and community programming but also through clinical practice.

What I’m most proud of isn’t one accomplishment—it’s the life I’ve built despite the obstacles I’ve faced. From growing up in foster care to earning my Master of Social Work, becoming a foster parent, founding a nonprofit, pursuing a career in modeling and acting, and dedicating my life to serving children and families, every chapter of my journey has reinforced one belief: our past does not determine our future.

What sets me apart is that I lead from both lived experience and professional expertise. I’ve experienced the foster care system as a child, I now work within it as a social worker, and I support it as a foster parent. That perspective allows me to connect with children and families in an authentic way. I don’t just understand the work—I live its mission every day. Whether I’m advocating for a child, mentoring a young person, leading a community initiative, or stepping in front of a camera, my purpose remains the same: to help people see what’s possible for their lives, even when they can’t yet see it for themselves.

In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
Over the next five to ten years, I hope to see a greater emphasis on mental health, especially within the Black community. More people are beginning to recognize that seeking therapy is a sign of strength, not weakness, and I believe that awareness will continue to grow. As conversations around trauma, emotional wellness, and healing become more common, I think we’ll see more individuals and families seeking support before they reach a crisis.

I also believe we’ll see stronger partnerships between social workers, therapists, nonprofits, schools, and community organizations. Lasting change doesn’t happen through one program or one person—it happens when communities come together to build relationships, create opportunities, and invest in one another.

My hope is that we’ll continue moving toward neighborhoods where people feel connected, supported, and empowered. When we educate people about their emotions, provide access to mental health resources, and create spaces where families and young people can thrive, we’re not just changing individual lives—we’re helping transform entire communities.

I hope to see the modeling and entertainment industry continue moving toward greater authenticity and inclusivity. I’d love to see more opportunities for full-figured models and less body shaming, with a stronger appreciation for natural bodies and the diversity of beauty. I think people are becoming more interested in seeing real, relatable individuals represented in campaigns rather than one narrow standard of beauty.

I also think beauty trends will continue to evolve. Makeup trends are constantly changing, and I believe we’ll continue to see people becoming more creative, expressive, and bold with their looks while also embracing more natural aesthetics. Fashion has always been cyclical, so I expect many past trends to continue making a comeback in new and modern ways.

At the same time, social media will continue to have a major influence on the industry. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok have changed how trends emerge, how talent is discovered, and how brands connect with audiences. While social media creates incredible opportunities, I also hope people remember to use it as inspiration rather than comparison. My hope is that the industry continues to celebrate individuality and encourages people to embrace who they are instead of chasing unrealistic standards.

Pricing:

• * Speaking engagements – Starting at $250 (pricing varies based on event type, audience size, and travel).
• Workshops and youth development programming – Custom pricing available based on the organization’s needs. $100-$500
• Community event planning and consulting – Custom quotes available. $30/hr -$5000
• Nonprofit consulting (grant writing, program development, community partnerships) – Pricing available upon request.
• Modeling and acting bookings – Rates vary depending on the project and are available through my talent agency or upon request.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Gotknack.org
• Instagram: https://Instagram.com/doneshahelenmarie
• Facebook: Doneshahelenmarie
• Youtube: Doneshahelenmarie