We Exist Because The Need Exists
Welcome to Doing Impeccable Greatness (D.I.G.), a nonprofit organization dedicated to the mission of creating a culture of success and providing support to former foster youth as they navigate the challenges of adulthood. Our mission is to empower these young youth by offering them access to local programs that help them gain valuable life experience and support.
We recognize that former foster youth face unique challenges when transitioning out of foster care, including the lack of resources, limited support networks, and difficulty finding stable housing and employment. We believe that every Former Foster Youth deserves the opportunity to succeed and build a better future for themselves, regardless of their circumstances. That's why we work tirelessly to provide former foster youth with access to programs and resources that can help them achieve their goals.
At D.I.G., we believe that education is key to addressing the problems that former foster children face once leaving foster care. We strive to educate the public about these challenges, including the high rates of homelessness, unemployment, and incarceration among former foster youth. By raising awareness of these issues, we hope to inspire individuals and organizations to take action and support our mission.
Our organization is built on the principles of compassion, empathy, and dedication to making a positive impact on the world. We believe in providing a holistic approach to our programs, recognizing that each young adult's well-being is interconnected with their physical, emotional, and social health. Our goal is to create a community where former foster youth can thrive and build a brighter future for themselves.
We are grateful for the support of our donors, volunteers, and partners who share our passion for creating a culture of success and supporting former foster youth. Together, we can help these youth overcome the challenges they face and achieve their full potential. Join us in our mission to empower former foster youth and create a brighter future for all.
Meet Our Board of Directors
KENISE M. HEARD
Fulton County Case Manager--Treasurer
I, Kenise Heard, am a native of Decatur, Georgia. Kenise graduated from Georgia State University with a bachelor’s degree in Sociology. Kenise also attended Seed Faith Christian College, where she received her bachelor’s and master’s degree in Theology.
Presently, Kenise serves in many capacities, she is on the finance committee at 1244 Ministries. Kenise has volunteered to feed the homeless, The Women of Gil Gal, Toys for Tots, Mothers Making a Change, Blood drives, back to school (bashes), and more. Evangelist Kenise has a true passion for helping.
For approximately seven (7) years, Kenise has been employed at The Department of Family and Children Services, where she has advanced to a Supervisor in Fulton County. She previously served as a Cobb County foster care case manager for four (4) years. She was also the team leader for a year during her time in OFI (Office of Financial Independence) assisting with food stamps, Medicaid, and TANF.
Kenise’s true passion help those in need. She has stood on that her mother embedded in her mind and heart. “You may not be able to help everyone, but don’t hurt them either.”
BODUNDE OLUBADEWO, M.P.A., MSW
Founder of Aligned Inside LLC-----Vice-President
A motivated and experienced Social Work Professional with over 25 years in human services, Bodunde Olubadewo, MSW is the founder and lead counselor of Aligned Inside, LLC.
At the young age of 11, Ms. Olubadewo answered the call to work with children in her first role as a tutor in her elementary school library. Since then, she has enjoyed productive roles as a special education teacher at the middle and high school levels and in test remediation for Kaplan Test Prep Inc. She also served as a Juvenile Probation Officer in the Clayton County Juvenile Court for 8 years. Ms. Olubadewo volunteers as a Sunday school teacher and grant writer at the Evangelical Church of West Africa.
Ms. Olubadewo is a grass-roots organizer, supportive and motivating to both peers and clients, and a graduate of both the University of Georgia and the Xavier University of Louisiana. She is a published author, co-authoring the “3 16” Anthology with Jill Capri-Sims. She is also the former owner of Lavendar Events, a prominent event and wedding planning company in the Atlanta Area. Passionate about identifying effective treatment options for social issues, she is creative and tireless in assisting clients and their family/friends through social, legal, and mental health issues, referrals, benefits, and support groups.
Ms. Olubadewo is currently a Social Services Specialist working on highly sensitive crisis interventions in the Veterans Administration. She lives in the Tucker, GA area with her daughter, Ayobami, who is following in her footsteps at UGA. They enjoy traveling, hiking the Atlanta Beltline and participating in events with Atlanta’s thriving West African community.
MESALE SOLOMON-MENDES
Global Chief Human Resources Officer, McLarens---Secretary
Mesale Solomon-Mendes is the Global Chief Human Resources Officer for McLarens. She has been in the workforce for more than 20 years in various operations and HR leadership roles in various industries and companies like Ford Motor Company, Miller Brewing Company, and Avis Budget Group before entering the insurance industry. Mesale enjoys building teams and helping organizations reach their potential by leveraging their talent as a competitive advantage.
Mesale holds a Master of Public Administration from Clark Atlanta University and a Bachelor of Science from Western Michigan University.
Mesale was born in Ethiopia to Eritrean parents during a civil war. At age 8, her family eventually escaped to The Sudan, where they lived for a year, first as refugees and eventually with family. After a year, they made their way to the US with the help of many. A focus on education drove her – and that drive is still going strong.
She is a wife to Dwight and Mom to Alexander (21) and Gabriel (18)
Mesale has a lot of passion for children's and women’s causes and sits on several boards that allow her to serve both.
