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Growing Up in “Giving” Family Creates Lifelong Servant Leader: Meet Renita White, Founder and CEO Behind Of Color, Inc.
In honor of Black History Month, we are proud to feature Renita White, a trailblazing leader and founder of Of Color Inc. Her journey exemplifies resilience and commitment to community service. GlobalMindED met Renita when she was honored by AARP in Washington, D.C. for her outstanding work. AARP is a GlobalMindED partner and sponsor.
Tell us about your personal and professional journey.
I learned to value community service from my grandparents and parents, who often let unemployed patrons run tabs in the family grocery store, even though they knew they’d likely never see the money. When I went off to college, I initially pursued a path in medicine. To earn some extra money, I worked at the Urban League in Peoria, Illinois, using my math and science knowledge to tutor grade school children from impoverished communities. That experience was transformative, and those children helped me discover my true calling. I changed my major to Psychology and embarked on a new trajectory. I spent my entire career in nonprofits, helping large agencies expand their offerings. However, I always felt these agencies could be doing more, and as an executive, I was often removed from the people we served. Passing long lines of Chicagoans outside food pantries and job centers, even in the bitter cold, made me realize I could use my skills to help more directly. This realization led me to found the nonprofit, Of Color Inc.
What pivotal experiences shaped your current path?
I had an “aha” moment when I reflected on my work as an executive. Despite being highly productive and hardworking, I received little recognition and lesser pay. As a woman of color, speaking of my successes often led to criticism, and I was expected to remain silent while others took credit for my work. After years of struggling with this, I decided to help people in a different way. I left my executive role to start my own social service agency. With support from mentors, friends, family, and funding partners, I felt confident in my ability to succeed. My passion for helping others became the cornerstone of my purpose.
What are the most valuable lessons you've learned about yourself through your life and career?
I’ve learned the importance of listening to those wiser than me, as mentors have been key to my positive journey. Growing up in a giving family instilled in me the value of always giving back. I also learned the significance of continuous learning. My mom and grandmother taught me that knowledge is something no one can take away, so I’ve always sought opportunities to build on my knowledge. Helping others has consistently brought positive outcomes in my life, and I believe great things come back to us when we serve others selflessly.
What drives your desire to contribute and make a difference?
From my childhood days, I’ve always wanted to help those who were marginalized or excluded. I think often about how society alienates the impoverished, and I’m driven to support people in achieving their potential. One memorable experience involved helping a 60-year-old veteran who became homeless and unemployed. Within a few months, we helped him secure a job and a home, which was deeply rewarding. Our clients come from diverse backgrounds, and I named my organization Of Color to reflect that inclusivity.
If you could go back and advise your younger self, what would it be?
I would tell my younger self to slow down and take time to see the world and people more clearly. I would advise never giving up on dreams, despite barriers, and finding ways to overcome them. My biggest barrier was my mental limitation, as I was initially hesitant to leave a good job with a high salary. However, believing in myself and taking the leap ultimately brought happiness. I’d also remind my younger self not to fear hard work, a lesson ingrained in me by my grandparents.
How can GlobalMindED support your aspirations and help you achieve your goals?
I would greatly appreciate GlobalMindED’s efforts to share our story, raising awareness about who we are and what we do.
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