In the face of life’s challenges, some people choose to rise above their circumstances, using their experiences as fuel for their purpose. Theresa Poindexter, a nurse, entrepreneur, and now nonprofit leader, embodies this spirit of resilience and determination. Her story is one of perseverance, a deep sense of purpose, and a commitment to giving back to her community—particularly to those who, like her, have faced hardships.
When Theresa began her career, she had no idea it would eventually lead to owning multiple businesses and starting a nonprofit dedicated to supporting individuals dealing with trauma. Her journey is rooted in the experiences of her own family and her mother’s strength. Raised by a mother who emigrated from Trinidad and taught her the values of education and natural health, Theresa’s upbringing shaped her perspective on life.
“My mother was my rock,” Theresa shared. “She came from Trinidad and faced many challenges of her own, but she always emphasized education. Even when I was homeless and struggling, I remembered her words: ‘Education is something no one can take away from you.’ Those words stayed with me and pushed me to keep going, even when life seemed impossible.”
In 2022, Theresa won a New Pittsburgh Courier Class of 2022 Women of Excellence Awards Ceremony.
This award “celebrates the vision, leadership, exceptional achievements, and community service of local African American women. These are individuals who are businesspeople, philanthropists, entrepreneurs, and community leaders who are vital to the community.” Theresa was also a 2020 SITI Girl Pittsburgh Honors Unsung Hero Nominee. This nomination recognize a woman who has beat the odds. As you read more, you’ll certainly see why.
At just 15 years old, Theresa faced a critical turning point. After her mother developed dementia and was placed in an institution, her brother, who had taken on the role of caretaker, put Theresa out of the home and left her to fend for herself. Homeless and alone, Theresa found herself navigating the streets, struggling to survive.
“It was a rough time in my life,” Theresa recalled. “I was just a teenager, living from pillar to post. But even then, I knew I had to keep pushing forward. I got my first job and started working towards becoming a CNA, which was the first step in my healthcare career. I knew I needed to get an education. No matter what was happening around me, I wanted to honor what my mother had instilled in me.”
Theresa’s determination to succeed led her to a 30-year career in healthcare, where she excelled as a nurse and later started her own healthcare business. Working in the mental health field, she recognized a need for holistic care and launched a home care agency to support those with developmental disabilities. But Theresa didn’t stop there. She began educating others, teaching them how to open and operate their own home care agencies, sharing her knowledge to empower other healthcare professionals.
“One of my greatest joys has been teaching others how to build their own businesses. I love seeing people find their passion and turn it into something that helps others. Teaching is my calling,” she explained with a smile.
The challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic rekindled another passion: natural remedies. Drawing from the remedies her mother passed down to her, Theresa began experimenting with herbal solutions and soon found herself creating herbal tinctures and teas to support health and wellness. Her products quickly gained traction and are now available at local stores in Pittsburgh and on Amazon. This small success gave her the confidence to finally pursue her dream of starting a nonprofit.
“Starting the nonprofit was always in the back of my mind,” Theresa said thoughtfully. “I knew I wanted to support individuals facing trauma because I’ve been there. I know how it feels to be alone and to have nowhere to go. I wanted to create a space where people could feel safe and start rebuilding their lives.”
Theresa’s nonprofit, which she launched with the help of a local attorney, is still in its infancy, but she has big plans for its growth. Her goal is to create a supportive environment that not only offers child care but also empowers young mothers and those recovering from trauma. With a unique program focusing on financial empowerment, Theresa envisions a space where participants can save money, set goals, and work towards independence.
“I know what it’s like to struggle financially,” Theresa shared. “I want to help others avoid some of the pitfalls I faced by teaching them financial literacy and offering a program where they can put their copayments towards a personal goal. Whether it’s saving for a car, furthering their education, or starting a business—whatever it may be, I want them to have the tools to succeed.”
The daycare Theresa runs from her home is a crucial part of this vision, serving as a stepping stone to a larger facility when the time is right. She is determined to provide quality care and support for the children, as well as for their parents, many of whom are navigating challenging circumstances themselves.
As Theresa looks to the future, she remains focused on her mission to uplift and support her community. She continues to educate others on starting their own businesses and has taken her herbal business to new heights. She hopes that by sharing her story and her struggles, others will be inspired to push through their own challenges and achieve their dreams.
“Everyone goes through something, but it’s what you do with it that matters,” Theresa reflected. “I’m here for a reason, and I’m committed to using my experiences to make a difference in the lives of others. There’s strength in overcoming adversity, and I want people to know that they can make it through. If I did, they can too.”
Theresa’s story is a testament to the power of resilience and the impact one person can have when they channel their passion and experience into helping others. SITI Girl Magazine is honored to share her story and support her mission of giving back to the Pittsburgh community and beyond. Theresa’s unwavering dedication to lifting others up, despite her own trials, is a true inspiration and a reminder that with grit and determination, anything is possible.
Theresa is also the author of A Guide To Raising Black Children Using Highly Effective Parent Involvement Activities.
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