Exploring Life & Business with Delores Druilhet Morton of Step Up

Today we’d like to introduce you to Delores Druilhet Morton.

Hi Delores, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
My story is not a direct path, my journey has been filled with a few twists.

I’m originally from a small town on Louisiana’s Gulf Coast. Its picturesque landscape is filled with a lovely mix of sugar cane plantations, antebellum homes, trees heavy with Spanish moss, and slow-moving bayous. It was in Louisiana that the foundation for my career was poured. The values learned growing up as a preacher’s daughter and surrounded by a caring community helped lead me towards a career in the nonprofit sector that started off as an AmeriCorps member in my hometown.

The AmeriCorps service launched a career that has been rewarding and exciting. I look back at all the ways that I have been able to “make better happen” for students, families, individuals, communities, and companies, and am so appreciative of the opportunities. My AmeriCorps service in St. Mary Parish Louisiana, to my stint as the Executive Director of the Louisiana Association for Community Economic Development were formative years spent learning and leading in the housing and community development space in my home state. Before I left Louisiana, I transitioned to roles that were focused on creating new programming and building the capacity of nonprofit organizations.

The real transition came when I moved to Atlanta and took on a role at Points of Light that had me working nationally and globally rather than in state and local organizations. But there was a through line—when I joined the Points of Light team, I was still working on social justice issues, trying to figure out the best ways that human capital could be deployed to solve the most pressing issues faced in communities. Quickly, it became apparent that the challenges in Louisiana—equity in education, economic opportunity, health and wellness, and environmental health—were not unique to my state, or to the south, but are truly national and global issues. The task in front of me was clear, my mission was to identify ways that people (one of our greatest resources) could be at the center of creating change.

This was my purpose at Points of Light—identifying and recognizing citizen change-makers as well as finding ways to replicate their efforts more broadly. For fifteen years, I flourished and grew in the organization and the role, but realized that among all of the issues I had the opportunity to work on, I was most passionate about youth and education. So, I jumped at the chance to take on a role at City Year—which is what eventually brought me to Los Angeles. Now, my role at Step Up brings me to this intersection of engaging people (our mentors) as part of the solution to change education and economic opportunity outcomes in communities (our girls).

I miss the smells, sights, and sounds of the bayou, but have traded those for the beaches, mountains, and palm trees. California is definitely a different world! But I am so happy that my journey has landed me here.

This fall, Step Up has been able to expand programming to Nashville. We’re so grateful to be offering mentorship programs at KIPP Nashville Collegiate High School, LEAD Southeast High School, and Stratford STEM Magnet High School and I look forward to spending even more time here as we grow our Step Up community.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
That’s a great question. It has been only as smooth as the back roads in Louisiana—which if you have traveled you know are not smooth at all.

I shared with a student in our program a few weeks ago that twelve years passed between my high school graduation and my college graduation. And by the time I actually completed my undergraduate studies, I was married with three children. It would not be inaccurate to say that I took the scenic route through college.

This is relevant because, in some roles, I did not have the credentials that many of my counterparts in similar roles possessed. On more than one occasion, this challenge along with the issues associated with being a woman of color, resulted in my capabilities being called into question or even an outright dismissal. Unfortunately, acquiring the degree did not result in immediate change. I always felt like I had to work twice as hard, get as much training as possible, and even get more education. I frequently felt ignored and overlooked.

I have been fortunate to have had many mentors and advisors in my life who helped me navigate these difficult circumstances. They helped me to build my social capital and continue to be an important part of my professional and personal network.

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Step Up believes that all girls, and those who identify with girlhood, should have the opportunity to pursue their unique dreams.

We guide girls to their success.

Through structured programs, focused support, and inspiring connections, Step Up helps girls, and those who identify with girlhood, define and achieve their unique visions of success.

What matters most to you? Why?
Step Up is invigorated by the investment and support of the women of Nashville, who are committed to the advancement of the next generation of women leaders. We believe girls deserve to define and pursue success on their terms. We’re delighted to partner with this community to ensure those who follow will navigate life’s path with the necessary confidence, capabilities, and community.

Pricing:

• Step Up memberships begin at $75/per year.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.suwn.org
• Instagram: @stepupwomensnetwork
• Facebook: @stepupwomensnetwork
• Twitter: @suwn
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/stepupwn

Image Credits
Amy Tierney/Thrive Images