Widows of Opportunity™, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization located in Columbia, SC, was started in 2011 by Founder and President, Miss Kimberly Richardson. Her mission was to provide consistent support to widows that she did not receive after she lost her husband in 2003 in an auto accident. She started with a group of four widows as a part of a monthly support group that she hosted at her church. Miss Richardson continued this effort consistently as she reached out to bring in other widows to her organization. She used word-of-mouth, technology tools, and social media to bring awareness to the organization and to promote her efforts to the public. She posts motivational messages to the public on the Widows of Opportunity™ page that has attracted hundreds of followers across the globe. In 2013, Richardson became a motivational speaker, and participated in various conferences and speaking engagements to talk about her experiences and to promote her organization. As of today, the network of four widows that was started in Columbia has expanded to include over 100 widows across the country, including South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia, New York, New Jersey, Texas and abroad, including Africa and Australia. Widows of Opportunity™ has been profiled by various media outlets to bring exposure to the organization, including television and radio stations. Richardson has also been featured in IMARA Women’s Magazine, Shulamite Women's Magazine and other publications. Widows of Opportunity™ also partners with like-minded organizations to provide services to widows in need on an ongoing basis. Business Profile
• Founded Widows of Opportunity™ in 2011 (Founder and President)
• Started with four widows and currently have connected with approximately 100 widows, plus additional widows outside of Columbia area (including Texas, New York, New Jersey, Iowa, Georgia, and Africa)
• Partnered with the USC Law School to complete 501 (c)(3) paperwork for filing as a non-profit business
• Selected as featured business to be highlighted on Crowd Funder TV Show
• Featured in IMARA Women Magazine (September 2013)
• Participated in the following events as a guest speaker:
o Never Too Late To Be Great 2013 (SC)
o Ladies With A Purpose 2013 (SC)
o Against All Odds Summit (NC)
o Professional Women’s Mentorship Event (Ft. Jackson, SC)
o Atlanta, GA Support Group Meeting – November 2013
o Houston, TX Support Group Meeting – December 2013
• Interviewed with various media outlets (WIS TV, ABC Columbia, WACH FOX, Clear Channel Communications, OnPoint Media, Shadow Play Entertainment, etc.) to discuss the business and to gain exposure within the community
• Graduated from NXLevel Entrepreneur Course (sponsored by City of Columbia)
• Introduced the business to various South Carolina political leaders across the spectrum to discuss business opportunities (including Mayor Steve Benjamin and Columbia City Council Members, Richland County Council Chair Kelvin Washington and Council Members, SC Senator Joel Lourie)
• Introduced the business to Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott, Dr. Rebecca Eachern, Robert Nance from Congressman Jim Clyburn’s office, Kershaw County Coroner Johnny Feller, Richland County Coroner Gary Watts, Columbia Fire Chief Aubrey Jenkins
• Partnered with VA Medical Center to provide immediate, urgent care and assistance to desperate widows
• Partnered with SC Families of Highway Fatalities Group (SC Dept. of Public Safety)
