Who are you? What do you do?

My name is Amarimba Leah Charles. I am the Director of TALLOM (This Awesome Little Light Of Mine) Foundation Inc.

What’s your mission?

I challenge girls and young women to defy their circumstances and live a life not defined by limitations.

Why not just be great at what you do? Why give back?

Having experience poverty as a child I know what it feels like to not have basic needs. One of my most memorable childhood memories was being a girl guide and going to the St Mary's Children Orphanage during the Christmas season. My troop performed for the children, sang carols and distributed gifts. It was a gratifying experience to give back although I didn’t have for myself. Giving back feels good especially if its results in the smiling face of a child.

I feel closest to TALLOM Foundation. It is an organization that was birthed out of my love, desire and passion to give back. In 2015, in lieu of a 40th birthday celebration, I hosted a holiday party for families living in homeless shelters. During the festivities one of the mom’s came up to me in tears and said, thank you for making me feel human again. The love and gratitude I felt on that day is indescribable. I also have a strong connection to similar grassroots organizations like What About The Children, Inc., whose mission is to empower youth to become future leaders through social development and educational growth. They also serve the Brownsville and Ocean Hill communities in Brooklyn.

Are there specific people that had a big influence on your desire to give back, if so who are they and how did they influence you?

Both my grandmother and mother have been influential in my desire to give back. I also admire my daughter Adia who has literally taken the gloves off her hands and given them to someone less fortunate. I believe giving back in ingrained in my family’s blood.

If you could ask for 3 things in this world what would it be?

If I could ask for three things they would be:

1. No child should ever have to experience hunger pangs.

2. We truly love our neighbors as we love ourselves.

3. I wish we would treat the earth like it’s the only home that we have.

What’s your life motto?

It is more blessed to give than to receive.

You can learn more about Amarimba and her mission at: