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In honor of Black History Month, we are thrilled to feature Simone Gordon, a nationally recognized community leader, activist, and philanthropist known as “The Black Fairy Godmother.” With a heartfelt mission to uplift marginalized women and families in crisis, Simone has transformed countless lives through her innovative approach to philanthropy and community engagement. Her deeply personal journey as a single mother raising a child with severe autism inspired her to establish The Black Fairy Godmother Foundation, which focuses on emergency relief, domestic violence advocacy, and empowerment for women of color and families in underserved communities. Join us as we explore Simone’s inspiring work and the impact she continues to make in her community.

What inspired you to become The Black Fairy Godmother?

Simone: The Black Fairy Godmother was inspired by my own personal experiences and my desire to help others in times of need. As a single mother raising a son with autism, I faced numerous challenges, including financial hardship and limited access to resources. When I found myself in need, I reached out to social media for help and received an outpouring of support from strangers. This experience transformed my life and motivated me to create a network that could do the same for others.

You are known as The Black Fairy Godmother, but what is the mission statement for your organization?

Simone: The foundation’s mission is to provide emergency assistance and community support to marginalized families, particularly women of color, through direct aid, advocacy, and resource mobilization. The foundation focuses on helping individuals facing crises—whether it’s utility assistance, access to food, medical care, or educational support—empowering them to achieve stability and rebuild their lives.

Do you believe in work-life balance? If so, how do you maintain it?

Simone: Yes, work-life balance is essential—especially in advocacy work, where burnout is common. Maintaining it requires setting boundaries, prioritizing self-care, and leaning on a support system.

What’s your best piece of advice for those looking to start their own nonprofit?

Simone: The best piece of advice for starting a nonprofit is to lead with purpose and be ready to put in the work.

 

What role do volunteers play in your organization, and how can people get involved?

Simone: Volunteers are the heart and soul of The Black Fairy Godmother Foundation. They play a crucial role in helping the organization deliver its mission on a daily basis. People can get involved by organizing fundraisers and donation drives to support families in crisis, providing mentorship and emotional support to single mothers and survivors, and assisting with administrative tasks to keep operations running smoothly.

 

How can our viewers remain connected:

Simone: https://www.instagram.com/theblackfairygodmotherofficial?igsh=bHZ6dWlobHdkN2hu

Photo Credits: The Black Fairy Godmother