An Interview with Michelle Power, the leader of Pawsitively 4 Pink
Pawsitively 4 Pink is a non-profit organization that helps low-income and under-served women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer. Pawsitively 4 Pink aims to alleviate the financial obstacles that women face through their battle with cancer. In 2021, the organization helped ten women with grants ranging from $500 to $1,800 each month depending on the woman’s needs.
What makes this organization so special is that P4P continues to help women up to 6 months after their treatment. The organization was founded in 2018 by an impressive and passionate leader that pours her heart into everything she does while steering this organization and changing the world one day at a time. So, who is she? We sat down to chat with the Power behind Pawsitiviely 4 Pink, the incredible Michelle Power.
What inspired you to start P4P?
My mother and all of the enormously strong women around me who led a battle against terminal illnesses. The battle against illnesses like breast cancer is extremely tiring on every level. Having witnessed their struggle, including both their physical pain and their fear of not being able to fulfill financial responsibilities and obligations, inspired me to create a means of making life easier. This is when Pawsitively 4 Pink came to life. I started Pawsitively 4 Pink to give back to a community that I, myself, grew up in and to impact the lives of these amazing women who are already physically, mentally, and emotionally processing their diagnosis of breast cancer and should not have to worry about their basic needs.
What motivates you to keep on going? How do you push through hard times?
The answer is simple. This organization thrives on the idea of helping women with breast cancer, and they have become our biggest motivator. Personally speaking, these strong women never fail to motivate me. Being able to meet them at least once during their time of diagnosis and staying in touch with them throughout their treatment has enabled me to see our impact. Hearing that the support we give them is life-altering warms my heart and provides me with the energy needed to do the job.
Hard times are inevitable, and coming from a lower socio-economic class, I have personally learned how to push through hard times. The shame and embarrassment of not being able to afford even the basics push me so that no other woman has to experience those feelings. Especially, when they did nothing to cause their diagnosis.
What are the mistakes you’ve learned during this journey?
I have learned so many lessons since starting down this journey known as Pawsitively 4 Pink. Two lessons stand out the most. One is that you have to believe in yourself and the other is to not take things personally. I have heard “no” countless times. Rejection can be hard to accept. Honestly, it took me four years to reach a point where the response wasn’t as important as the request. Everything is worth the ask! The reasons a business or individual says “no” are endless, and 99% of the time have nothing to do with the person who asks. So, now I just ask.
What are your habits for success?
For me, success has come from purpose, passion, and persistence. I am one of the most persistent women that you will meet. If I don’t know something, I will research, research, research. When people say that I can’t, it pushes me even harder to learn more and find a way to make Pawsitively 4 Pink the business that I want it to be. One habit that always proves to be most helpful but not always the easiest for me, is having faith that everything turns out the way it’s supposed to.
What is the best piece of advice you can give?
Allow yourself to be vulnerable. That vulnerability is going to enhance any relationship and those relationships are going to help you flourish. They are going to bring you to places that you otherwise wouldn’t go.
What is a personality trait you believe that every leader should have?
This is definitely a question that I can’t answer generally, but personally speaking, authenticity and integrity are what makes me a good leader. I think it’s really important to establish genuine and good relationships with people. Relationships are the meaning of life and are essential in business. Integrity is equally important. A person’s word is everything. There are times you might promise something and then not be able to deliver on that promise, that’s normal, the important thing is, to be honest about it. It’s okay to say “listen I just can’t do it” and let the other person know that you’ve tried your absolute best to achieve what you promised. This will only foster your relationships.
What’s your proudest moment in P4P?
My proudest moment is abstract. The success that we have had in just a few short years is very satisfying but knowing that my mother is looking down on me with a smile on her face and saying “that’s my girl” is the best thing that I could ever ask for.
Finally, we would like to thank Michelle for sharing her heart with us during this interview and for all the wonderful efforts that she keeps on putting in. The success of this organization lies in a wonderful leader and generous people like yourself. Thank you for reading this and for being interested in this incredible journey.
Pawsitivetly 4 Pink is making the lives of underserved women with breast cancer easier every day. The impact that this organization is having is incredible and it’s only possible through your donations. There are several ways for you to get involved with Pawsitively 4 Pink. Your support, in any possible way, is always much needed and appreciated. Be part of our amazing journey.