Making a difference in the lives of others is something that Charlene Carmichael strives to do daily. She believes in being a blessing to others.
Charlene is a native of Dillon County. Charlene is the daughter of Mary Grandison and the late James Grandison, Sr. She is a loving mother of four wonderful children–Ta’Norre, age 18; Ta’Niyah, age 15; Lauryn, age 8; and Gregory Jr. , age 4; and the wife of Gregory Carmichael. She has an associate’s degree in Medical Billing in Coding, Bachelor’s Degree in Health Care Administration and will complete her master’s degree in Health Administration with a minor in Psychology in early July of 2025. She has been a Tax preparer/ CPA for 15 years serving SC, NC, and FL and is the founder of Girls With Knowledge Mentoring Group / 2.0.
In 2021 Charlene had a vision, and she dwelled on this vision for over a year before the vision became a reality. Living in the city of Dillon Charlene soon realized that kids were appearing to stray away from their purpose in life and full potential to be the best version of themselves. Charlene wanted to do something to make a difference and help the community. She reached out to several friends, family and local leaders to determine what could be done to help the community. Through their guidance, leadership and mentoring Charlene launched Girls with Knowledge Mentoring Group in August of 2022, a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization.
Charlene is on a mission, and her goal is to empower young females ages 7-18 to embrace who they are and reach their full potential in life. Charlene has been doing just that over the past couple of years. Serving the Pee Dee Area is what’s next on her agenda, and she hopes to do this in the future. With the help of the community and fellow board members, “we are going to make a difference!,” Charlene says.
What inspired Charlene to make a difference? Over the years, Charlene looked at her community and how things have begun to change. Charlene realized that people could change their lives if they change their way of thinking. “What better way to stop than to attempt to change this behavior and start with our youth. You must believe you can change. You must believe you can make a difference. You must be willing to put in the work to make a difference no matter how hard or long it takes. You can read all the books you want, you can have the greatest teacher ever, but to do things sometimes you must be your own book, your own leader and teacher,” said Charlene. “My goal was to make a positive impact on the lives of teenage females. I devised a plan and worked towards it with the help of my team and community. Some doors closed, but a lot more opened, and I was not afraid of failure because I believe if one effort doesn’t work, it means there is a better alternative. I have had numerous positive life experiences, and my goals gathered many people along the way who also shared that vision and goal. I am satisfied and thankful for the vision I have achieved by making a difference.”
How does Charlene make a difference in the lives of others? “I can honestly say passing positive energy and knowledge has had a huge impact on others,“ said Charlene. “You never know how much small gestures mean to other people. Showing kindness, the willingness to listen, and the willingness to help in any way is how many people know who I am.” Charlene continued, “I am a blessed individual, so my thing is to bless others, I may go to any local restaurant I will pay for the person behind me at least once a week. I live by making others happy. I thrive by being a difference maker. If I can make a difference in one life a week or month, I know that I have done the work that God wants me to do. It took me years to realize my purpose and now that I have found it, I must share it with others because that is what I’ve been called upon to do. When I can see others get their drive and thrive back it makes me work a little harder to help someone else.”
What would Charlene say to others about the impact they can have in the community? “We all as a community want to see change. Spread kindness and love, lend a helping hand whenever possible, volunteer and give back to your community. Support local businesses. Communities thrive when their community members support each other. Just by doing one or two of those things may cause a domino effect, inspiring others to do the same and create a more positive and empathetic community,” Charlene said.
BLACK HISTORY MONTH DIFFERENCE MAKERS: Charlene Carmichael Believes In Being A Blessing To Others
