Today we’d like to introduce you to Aaliyah Pichon.
Hi Aaliyah, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
I started the Domino Effect; Start The Reaction during the COVID-19 pandemic. I remember it being such a scary and uncertain time. I felt fortunate that my parents were still able to work and make ends meet, but for many, that was not the case. With all of the businesses closing I was concerned about those who depended on shelters to meet their basic needs, and I knew that there was an increase in food and shelter insecurity due to all of the businesses closing and jobs lost. I decided I wanted to do a community service project and that for my birthday I would ask my friends and families for donations. I was talking to my mom about all that I wanted to do, and it seemed like a lot for one project, so she suggested that I make these service projects recurring and form a non-profit. That night my little sisters helped me decide on a name and the Domino Effect; Start The Reaction was born. I reached out to my grandmother who has a lot of community service project experience through her church to help guide me on the dos and don’t and how to maximize the amount of supplies we could get with our donations. My first project was 50 care packages, consisting of a blanket, socks, gloves, a hat, deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrushes, band aids, soap, a towel, bottled water, juice pouches, cheese crackers fruit snacks, reusable and disposable mask, tissue, antibacterial wipes, menstrual products, and resource pamphlets. I was also able to partner with the National Junior Honor Society at Bobby Summers Middle School to make individualized Christmas cards for each package. I received a lot of support from family and friends and the project was a huge success. We did have some leftover supplies and snacks that my family and I used to make smaller packages to keep in our cars so we could hand them out whenever we saw someone in need. My second project was a sack lunch drive where we made 100 sack lunches with two sandwiches, chips, fruit snacks, water, juice, and condiments. When my family and I are out making deliveries, we always make sure to ask the package recipients what they need so we can adapt the care package supplies to their needs the next time around. This most recent project was another care package drive where we were able to 60 care packages. I have an amazing team that helps me with my projects and fundraising. My mom, grandma, grandpa, stepdad, and 2 little sisters help me with my package assembly and distribution and my best friend helps me fundraise at school. Going to school 26 hours away from where my non-profit operates definitely poses its challenges, but it’s a challenge I have been able to make the most of. I sell merchandise in the student center and at campus events to help raise money for projects and spread the message of the Domino Effect; Start The Reaction. I am so thankful to my campus community, friends, and family for supporting me and my non-profit efforts. I will never forget one of the first people I ever gave a care package to had been homeless since Hurricane Katrina, they lost everything and weren’t able to get back on their feet. My family and I are also Hurricane Katrina survivors and it really put in perspective for me just how easily your life can change. The stories and people I have helped and all of the people I know I wasn’t able to help keeps pushing me to do more. The Domino Effect; Start The Reaction has two parts for a reason. I want to do good in my community and help those around me. However, I don’t want it to stop with me. I want my actions to inspire others to do acts of kindness in their communities as well. The Domino Effect; Start The Reaction is hoping to start a reaction of change, that people see others in need they go out of their way to help. I plan to launch an educational aspect of the non-profit to help others learn how to efficiently plan their own community service projects and even how to make a change on an individual scale.
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?
There have definitely been some bumps in the road. The vision for the Domino Effect; Start The Reaction wasn’t always clear. It wasn’t really until my first project that I knew I wanted to focus on helping the homeless. Very early into my non-profit journey, I was approached by a corporate company to sponsor one of my early project ideas to collect toys and coats for kids. With me being so new I hadn’t yet had an opportunity to register with the state or get my 501c(3). I quickly pulled that together only to be informed by the company that they no longer wanted to partner but they would still be using my project idea. I was a little disappointed but didn’t let it stop me from continuing my non-profit efforts. It has also been a huge challenge to navigate of the paperwork, filings, and taxes associated with running a non-profit. However, I am learning and growing every day. Another challenge has been time and distance since I am a full-time college student and go to school out of state. But I have been able to adapt and make the most of my time and circumstances. I will be graduating in a few months and can’t wait to open up more free time to devote to my non-profit.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am full-time student and am currently employed through on-campus services and internships for student mentorship, voter and civic engagement, and health equity. I am also on the Executive Board for many organizations such as Political Science Club, Student Success Services, Student Government, and Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc. I will be graduating at the end of this semester and plan to attend law school and am considering a master’s in public policy so I can bring about legal and systemic change for those in need.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
Growing up I was a very shy kid, but I was always willing to lend a hand and work until the task was done. However, if you would have told me I would be leading my own organization, I probably wouldn’t believe you. I have always been passionate about service and activism.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @dominoeffectstr
- Twitter: @DominoEffectSTR
Image Credits
Angela Sessions
