Bonita Clemons
Dianne’s Call
Columbia, SC USA
"Stay true to who you know you are at your core."
Career Roadmap
Bonita's work combines: Food, Non-Profit Organizations, and Helping People
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Day In The Life
Skills &
Education
Advice for getting started
I wanted to be a gym teacher because I wanted to play for a living. The adults in my life discouraged me from that path because it wouldn't pay well. It felt like they knew what was best for me. At 18 years old, I didn't know I had the power to choose what was best for me. I listened to the adults and majored in business and economics instead. However, I didn't stay long in that career. No matter what you do, your true self will always eventually come out. That's exactly what happened for me.
Here's the path I took:
High School
Bachelor's Degree
Accounting and Economics
Benedict College
Graduate Degree
Public Health
University of South Carolina
Life & Career Milestones
My path in life took a while to figure out
1.
I earned my bachelor’s degree in accounting and economics from Benedict College.
2.
After graduating, I got a job as an internal auditor for a bank.
3.
I spent two years as an internal auditor before deciding to make a career change because I didn’t enjoy the environment.
4.
I tried many different jobs as I tried to find a space that felt right to me.
5.
I was in a car accident that put me in the hospital and caused me chronic pain for years—I eventually decided to replace medications with healthy food and get my Master of Public Health.
6.
When I lost my mom at age 42, I realized I wanted to help the community with their health issues by educating them about holistic health.
7.
I started Dianne’s Call, a nonprofit organization with a mission to optimize community health and connect families with fresh fruits and vegetables.
8.
I also have a for-profit company, Bonita Global, that connects farmers to resources.
Defining Moments
How I responded to discouragement
THE NOISE
You don't want to become a gym teacher. You'll make no money.
How I responded:
I wanted to be a gym teacher because I wanted to play for a living. The adults in my life discouraged me from that path because it wouldn't pay well. It felt like they knew what was best for me. At 18 years old, I didn't know I had the power to choose what was best for me. I listened to the adults and majored in business and economics instead. However, I didn't stay long in that career. No matter what you do, your true self will always eventually come out. That's exactly what happened for me.
Experiences and challenges that shaped me
I started my career as an internal auditor at a bank but quickly realized it wasn't for me. I tried many jobs while searching for the right fit. I used to be embarrassed but now I know that all of those jobs gave me the skills I needed to succeed.
I was in a car accident and had to have surgery. I was miserable and in pain for five years. I finally decided that I wanted to feel good again. I replaced medication with healthy food and got a Master of Public Health degree.
My mother passed away at age 42 after a stroke. Her passing led me to create a nonprofit to help other African American women with their health issues.