Today we’d like to introduce you to Dishambra McQueen.
Dishambra McQueen, a native of Dallas, TX is a versatile, fearless, ambitious, and vibrant actress, model, motivational speaker, and entrepreneur… I’m no stranger to the everyday struggles of life.
As a child, I was diagnosed with server dyslexia and a speech impediment. This made things very difficult for her growing up and my adulthood. Not being able to count money, read and being afraid to speak om public. Sometimes I even hated to hear my voice. However, as an adult, it has motivated me to work even harder. Despite my mishaps, I knew I had to find a way to overcome them. I got on YouTube and self-taught myself how to speak clearer and read better.
At the age of 28, I found herself homeless after working for a family member who lost their business which meant I lost everything too. I was sleeping in my truck at Walmart, living house to house and sleeping in a vacant house. At the time the only source of food I had was the food I stole from Walmart. I wore big clothes that was my way of sneaking food out of the store. I end of getting a $10 gym membership so I could take showers. I am working at (UPS) warehouse only making an average of $125.00 a week.
During the time, I was homeless it was summertime, and it was very difficult to sleep in the heat. I was only so frustrated and angry because I didn’t understand how I had gotten myself in that type of situation. One day, I needed some gas money to make it from (Walmart) where I lived to (UPS) where I worked. I remember searching through my entire truck looking for just enough gas money. Lucky I was able to find enough pennies for a gallon of gas, I drove to the gas station that was nearby.
Once I arrived at the gas station, I went inside and gave the cashier my only source of income, which was my pennies. I gave the cashier the pennies, and in return, he threw the pennies at me and said ‘THESE PENNIES ARE TO DIRTY, I’m not taking these dirty pennies”! I looked at him in disbelief, hurt and soon to be angry. I said “Well give me my pennies I’ll go clean them, where’s the restroom? I went to the restroom and started to scrub the pennies because I knew that was all I had in order to make it work.
Then for the first time since being homeless, I broke down and tears. While crying my pennies fell down in the drain. I tried my best to recover them, but I only was able to save a few. I tool the pennies back out to the cashier and threw them at him and told him to put them on the pump and I walked out.
Once I got back in the truck from pumping the little to nothing gas, I cried out to GOD. I said, God, I’m so tired of living this way. I said, “Can you please help me?” I said God “I’m not looking for a fancy home, I’m not looking to live downtown. I said all I want to be able to do is to lay my head down on a pillow in my own place. I then made a promise to God. I said if you bless me I promise to do three things for you.
1. I will tell my story around the world
2. I will help people just like me
3. I will minister for you.
After making those promises, I drove off and proceeded to work. Nothing happened for the next week. Then one day I was on my way in the building to get cleared off by security, so I could enter the building. But then I get a phone call. I answered the phone.
ME: “Hello”
Caller: ‘ Hello Ms.McQueen this is Dawn, and I’m calling because we saw your resume in indeed and want to see if you’re available for an HR Coordinator.
ME: Absolutely I am, I said when would you like for me to come in”?
Caller: Can you come in right now
ME: (take a moment to think) Yes I can ma’am, I’m out shopping.. if you give me a moment I can change and be on my way.
Long story short, I called UPS and told them I had care problems, and I went on the interview. That day I was hired on the spot. Once I received the 1st check, I worked on promise #1. I keep my vow. Once I was able to take care of MYSELF again, I would help other people enduring the same hardship. She did just that by forming the “McQueen Foundation.” Which now have served over 10,000 homeless individuals and help house five individuals.
McQueen Foundation is currently on tour around the world hosting homeless parties which include… singing, dancing, massages, nail services, hair services for the women, haircuts, top of the line food. Our goal is to give the homeless the same things that we have. We bring it all to them right outside where they are. My inspirational journey of homelessness allows me to give others hope by sharing my story.
While doing this, I also speak, encourages and inspires both the homeless and those with disabilities. She lets them know that no matter how difficult the journey, they too can accomplish anything they put their minds to. It’s because of those adversities that I refuse to allow any of it to stop me from dreaming big and reaching my goals. She is a firm believer that through a combination of hard work and faith in God anything is achievable.
I am now an author with my first book The McQueen Foundation beginners guide how to help the homeless. I’m also a mentor, ordained minister, and a massage therapist (Touched By A Queen. Never losing sight of her promise to God, I inspire everywhere I go and strives daily to impact the lives of others, no matter what I’m doing. I’m a true example that no matter how high the odds are stacked against you, you can achieve anything your heart desires.
Has it been a smooth road?
No, It hasn’t been a smooth rode. We always have that little voice inside our head that we have to learn how to control or avoid. The doubting, the fear of the unknown, the what if’s. My biggest struggle is feeling I’m not working hard enough, feeling I could have done better. Being upset because I feel I’ve wasted so many years of my life. I had to realize that what belongs to me will come.
Long as every day, I mean every day I’m giving life my all… Life will produce my desires. I had to go through those tuff moments in my life to be the woman I am today. Everything happens for a reason, and when something ” ” bad happens somehow we have to find the lesson in it. I learned my lesson in my struggle, and now It’s safe to say. I’m grateful for it
We’d love to hear more about what you do.
The McQueen Foundation stands out because of the effort that we put into our outside events. We serve the homeless is very high standard. We make sure our homeless friends are entertained well. I have professional singers that come out.
We have professional dancers, we have a massage therapist, we have nail technicians, men and women hair stylest, bands, Dj’s, poetry, guest speakers. Our decorations are my favorite. We don’t have these events in buildings. We go to the homeless world, their homes. We bring royalty to our friend’s doorstep.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
I believe any city is a good place to help the homeless. They are everywhere. I recommend everyone to try and do something for the homeless. It doesn’t have to be a non-profit. Do it with your family, friends, and co-workers.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.mcqueenfoundation.com
- Phone: 469-732-2801
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jusmcqueen
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/McQueenCare
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
