WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH SPECIAL REPORT: Former Memphis educator Mikka D. Atkins exemplifying a true servant’s heart as the face of The Metamorphosis Project
Andre Johnson 
“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for Me.’” (Matthew 25:40 NIV)
ASSUMING THE MIND OF CHRIST
Mikka D. Atkins doesn’t just profess she has a servant’s heart.
More than anything, she goes to great lengths to demonstrate it.
Every single chance she’s afforded the golden opportunity to do so.
Consider, for instance, the compelling, life-altering strides Atkins has made as the face of The Metamorphosis Project, her Memphis-based nonprofit organization that has become a fixture for customarily meeting the needs of the unhoused and hungry, particularly in the community by implementing responsive and transformative programming.
SALUTING WOMEN WHO SHAPE OUR WORLD
CHECK OUT ATKINS’ ORGANIZATION VIA ITS FACEBOOK PAGE
Since its inception in 2000, The Metamorphosis Project has “worked tirelessly to promote our cause,” said a spokesperson for the organization in a detailed synopsis about Atkins’ featured business endeavor at https://www.metamorphosisproject.info/blank-1.
“We are fortunate to have volunteers and staff from all walks of life who bring their unique expertise and resources into everything we do,” continued a spokesperson for The Metamorphosis Project. “This is what enables us to achieve our goals year after year. While there is always more that can be done, there is no doubt that we are making a significant impact. We don’t measure our success through just facts and figures, but through happy faces and heartwarming feedback. See how you can become part of the difference.”
As for what fueled her fervent desire to become a beloved and well-respected beacon of light in her community, Atkins, as part of Making Headline News’ Salute To Women’s History Month, said it all goes back to her faith-based upbringing.
THUS SAID THE LORD
SAVE THE DATE
“I am by nature a nurturer,” Atkins, 47, explained. “I have a heart to serve and help others. My grandfather was a pastor in North Memphis and, growing up, many individuals that were on drugs and alcohol, hungry, and unhoused came to the church. I know that at any given time, circumstances in my life could change and this could be me. Life has happened to many individuals that are unhoused and they just need some help to make changes.”
A retired Shelby County Schools teacher whose career in the education sector spanned some 21 years, Atkins also is an accomplished entrepreneur who owns Courier Service.
A native Temple, Texas, Atkins is a graduate of Memphis East High School. Consequently, she enrolled at LeMoyne-Owen College on scholarship, where she ultimately earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology.
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Having acquired a Masters of Art in Education from Union University, the former licensed science teacher and librarian also holds a Masters of Reading Instruction from Grand Canyon University and a Masters of Human Resource Management from Northcentral University.
A well-respected educator in her own right for more than two decades, Atkins doesn’t shy away from the notion that serving the community undoubtedly has become an integral part of the divine purpose for which God has created her.
“I love the fact that I have the ability to affect someone’s life in a positive manner,” Atkins told MHN. “It is my goal to show them the love of God through my actions and show them someone cares. Love is an action word. We can say that we love our city and community, but if we do not show love, we are not doing anything. Sometimes life happens and the unhoused and hungry seem to be the invisible and forgotten part of our community. I am naturally a nurturer. It is very important to talk, listen, and interact with them.”
As part of Making Headline News’ advance coverage of Bishop T. D. Jakes’ International Leadership Summit May 4-6 in Orlando, Atkins said her God-given competitive nature, by all accounts, has played a pivotal role in overseeing the day-to-day operations of her Mid-South-area nonprofit organization.
“I have always been competitive and driven by my desire to succeed,” Atkins said. “I am a goal-getter and I’m always striving to be better. I was raised by my mother, and she instilled in me the drive to dream big and work towards achieving those goals and to never give up. I come from an entrepreneurial family and the desire to own my own business was planted and nurtured by my grandfather. He owned several businesses and always talked about working for yourself.
“My mom is a very giving individual and has inspired me the most. She is blessed because she gives to others and helps many. I saw this growing up, and it became a part of me as well.”
Atkins announced The Metamorphosis Project on April 25 will be conducting a community-wide clothes drive, during which they will collect “gently used” clothes and shoes. Donations, she said, can be arranged via email at [email protected] or by calling the organization at 901.657.5300 for pickup.
Also, on April 29, The Metamorphosis Project will host what has been suitably dubbed a Day of Love.
PAYING IT FORWARD
“We will provide clothing, food, and Blessing Bags to the unhoused community,” Atkins said. “I have been doing this for 23 years. I started in 2000 serving the homeless. I would buy some food to pack some lunches and give them to the unhoused community. My son has been groomed to assist with this. He has grown up doing this. It is important that our children know the importance of paying it forward. As the years have gone by, I have managed to get others involved to share my vision to help others. It has grown since its inception.”
All of which essentially sums up why she doesn’t just profess she has a servant’s heart.
More than anything, she goes to great lengths to demonstrate it.
With God, her Helper, steering the way.
For more information about Mid-South Businesswoman Mikka D. Atkins of The Metamorphosis Project, to schedule her for a public appearance or speaking engagement, call 901.657.5300 or connect with her via Facebook or Instagram. Also, send email to: [email protected].
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Andre Johnson is the award-winning Founder and Publisher for Making Headline News. A 2000 graduate of the University of Memphis School of Journalism and a former staff reporter of sports for the Memphis Commercial Appeal newspaper, Johnson covers the NBA Southwest Division from Dallas, Texas. To reach Johnson, send email to [email protected] or to [email protected]. Also, follow him on Twitter @AJ_Journalist or Instagram at @makingheadlinenews.
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