Words by Kyra Donahoo
Talk about a come-up, Nola-native Sevetri Wilson is a 22-year-old woman who has defied the means of her upbringing and created advancements for her career solely on her own. No one said being raised in a household by a single mother with five other siblings would be easy, but Wilson didn’t allow that to stop her grind especially after losing both of her parents at age 22. The woman of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., is a first-generation college student who attended Louisiana State University, receiving her BA in Mass Communication/Journalism and MA in History (concentration in US and Global Underdeveloped Populations). Her hustle didn’t go unnoticed as she received over $100,000 in scholarships and numerous awards, which include: the Nobel Prize for Public Service — Jefferson Award 2010, Woman of Excellence in Business Award — Louisiana Legislature (Women’s Caucus), and the NAACP Great Expectations Award to name a few.
But wait, the grind never stops. After earning her master’s degree in 2009, Wilson founded her first company, Solid Ground Innovations (SGI), a strategic communications firm that assists corporations, government entities, and nonprofit foundations in growing their identities through advertising, branding, and social media. With her tenacious efforts, she was able to grow SGI into a multi-million dollar company at 22-years-old. Additionally, in 2016, Wilson launched a start-up tech company, ExemptMeNow, that assists nonprofits with filing the necessary paperwork to obtain 501(c)(3) status. Not only has she capitalized as an entrepreneur, but she was able to raise $2 million for her tech company with no connections or investment capital.
Ms. Wilson is the definition of a boss lady and serves as an inspiration for young women and people who have not always lived an “ideal” life. She never lost sight of her final destination and continues to surpass her expectations and goals. That young Black woman from the Nola is continuing to make major moves, not only for herself but for her community.
