Business owner, community leader, President of the Lynwood Chamber of Commerce, Past President of PWN, current Board Member of PWN, Board Member of Crisis Center of South Suburbia, Glenwood-Lynwood Library Trustee, Lynwood Police Pension Board Trustee, Daughter, Sister, Wife, Mother, Grandmother, and friend to so many. The hats that this woman wears are many but so are her passions for serving others. As a nine-year member of PWN, Doranita has served the members of this organization in so many capacities that they would be almost impossible to list! When she began her business 26 years ago; with nothing but faith and a prayer, she made and has kept her promise to “always reach back” no matter how far you go.

When asked about what she wanted to be when she was a little girl growing up on the southside of Chicago, she responded that she always played “store”. She was a business owner back then! “My Aunt owned a record store on the Southside and I would be there sometimes when it was closed so I could pretend I was a salesperson and working the counter” she laughed, “I would take part of my school lunch money and buy candy, then resell to my classmates.” Her and a friend even found some odds n’ ends to create a make-shift counter to stand behind! Always thinking and always working…

Being the youngest of 4 siblings and the only girl she admits to being somewhat of a tomboy growing up. “I loved sports. I played football, softball, and basketball. I played basketball in High School through my junior year, but in my senior year, my Mom wanted her girlie-girl so I complied and didn’t go on and play.”

After graduating from Willibrord CHS, she enrolled at Olive-Harvey College with a focus on some basics, but thanks to a professor there she was encouraged to go into print journalism. She enrolled in Columbia College with that in mind. Once there, and sampling different aspects of that profession, she switched her major to broadcast journalism. “I didn’t really want to be in front of a microphone or a camera”, she added, “I preferred behind the scenes like directing or producing.” With a BA in Journalism, she landed a job at 101.9 The Mix. “I started out at the reception desk, just to get my foot in the door”, she said “but I still had a part time job working in an insurance office.” While at the radio station, one of her bosses told her that they thought she’d really be good at sales, so she moved into the position of National Sales Assistant. We never know the steps we take in certain moments of our lives, will eventually lead us to where our true passion is.

Doranita has always been very open about being a survivor of domestic abuse and when she found herself on her own with 2 small children, she knew she needed a complete life change. It was at this lowest point in her life that she openly admits, “I prayed. I asked God to guide me in the right direction and to stand with me.” This was the point where she made the decision to open her own insurance agency and where she heard the words, “always reach back”. “I really stepped out in faith and for the first several years, whatever money I made, I used to pay staff but I kept on working hard, and giving back, and here I am 26 years later doing what I love and what I was always supposed to do”, Tyler states.

When asked where her fire comes from and what inspires her to do what she does, there was barely a pause, “Being a survivor of domestic violence I understand the importance of being able to be an inspiration for others, that is why I share my story. I want to inspire others who feel down and out. To be able to serve others is an honor and I realize I am blessed, so I want to be a blessing to someone else.”  When it comes to her career it’s obvious to most who know her, “I love my career, my team which is like my family, and to help them grow and inspire them to do much more than they think they can.” When she speaks of her clients it’s like she is talking about family. “I specialize in building relationships with people, not just selling them a product of some kind. I love to engage with them and guide them to protecting their futures.” In our conversation she talked about a family that she has served for years. She had the opportunity to watch their children grow up, and now one of the girls; grown up herself, has reached out to her for help with her own insurance. “Being alongside my clients in all of their life decisions is a blessing – getting married, buying a house or car, saving for the future and protecting that future – being a part of their dreams is such a reward,” she shares.

When asked what the worst part of her career is, almost sorrowfully she stated, “when I’ve advised someone, and they put off making that decision and then something unfortunate happens and they weren’t prepared. I hate having that conversation. It’s really our goal to put Go Fund Me out of business when it comes to a family being prepared.”  Doranita and her team are always available to come and speak to church groups, employees, women’s groups, etc.  about how to be prepared for the future no matter what may happen.

When asked what advice she’d give to other women entrepreneurs she stated, “I would tell them to know their why! There will be some hard days ahead and if you know your “why”, you’re more driven and less likely to give up. One other thing is always to be willing to reach back and bring someone else up.” When talking about how she’d like to be remembered she responded, “I know it sounds cliché but that I loved genuinely. That I made a difference in people’s lives.” It’s this writer’s opinion that without a doubt, Doranita will always be remembered that way and more! I asked if there was something that no one knows about you? “I’ve held a variety of sales positions over the course of my career but one of the most challenging was working at one of the oldest cemeteries in Chicago – Oakwood Cemetery. I was in the pre-needs departments selling burial plots!” I bet that’s not something anyone knew before!

As for Doranita’s parting thoughts to PWN members, “This organization is a great resource and inspiration. Get to know the members and build solid relationships. Be intentional about getting involved and come back and get engaged in the group.” Doranita is also one of our premier sponsors for the organization and we are all grateful for all she has poured into PWN over the past 9 years.

Doranita was blessed to find the love of her life, Andre, and they’ve been married now for 22 years. She has 2 children and 4 grandchildren between the ages of 6 months and 10 years old.