ABOUT US

 

The Atikal Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization launched in 2010. We empower underserved communities through artistic expression, education and civic engagement. Our services help our clients heal, feel valued and to reclaim their personal power.

Love is the driving factor in all that we do, from multimedia productions to publications and art projects. All of our work, at its core, reminds people what it means to be loved and feel alive. Through love, faith, and laughter, we are able to unlock the doors to the hearts of those who have suffered so much, thus healing their past and finding strength for their future.

 

Service and Collaboration is the Name of Our Game.

We collaborate with other nonprofit, for-profit, and government organizations to serve and educate survivors. Through our partnerships, we have built a community that celebrates those who have lived through adversity and overcome.  Our community leads by example through serving.

Our collaboration philosophy centers around mutually beneficial partnerships. which consists of:

  • creating experiences full of laughter and compassion,
  • addressing issues in artistic ways,
  • building many networks within the community,
  • serving the people who truly need it most.

Learn more about [our programs] or [join our team]!

 

Our Money Is Where Our Mouth Is!

Our organization is supported through sponsorship and private donors. 70% of our revenue comes from the sales and sponsorship of our annual signature calendars and 30% from donations….and YES, 100% of all funds raised support our programs and events.

 

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Proceeds from Calendar Sales

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Proceeds from Donations

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Proceeds Allocated to Programs

We envision a world where women enthusiastically live their lives and thrive in thier God-given purpose no matter the obstacles they face physically, mentally, emotionally, financially or spiritually.

Our Mission:

To honor and empower survivors of domestic violence and cancer through love, faith and service, using artistic expression, education, and legal advocacy.

Our Approach:

Expression – Through artistic expression, we are able to identify the root cause of a problem and begin the healing process.

Education – Understanding how to move beyond the trauma is critical in helping survivors develop solutions for a better tomorrow.

Engagement – Being fully present in the process allows people to heal their past and find strength for their future.

  1. Transformative Expression
    We believe that art gives people the freedom, tools, and strength to express their inner truths.
  2. Empowerment
    We believe in inspiring people to reclaim their personal power through education, sharing experiences, and deep connection.
  3. Collaboration
    We believe in facilitating collaboration between our stakeholders, partners and their networks to build a resilient community.
  4. Community
    We believe in positively impacting society through fostering relationships, creating safe spaces and serving one another.
  5. Love
    We believe in love that builds trust, encourages hope, transforms lives, and serves in faith.
  1. The Daily Record’s Leading Women Award
  2. PGSIF’s 40 Under Forty Award
  3. Cadillac’s Community Service Award
  4. PGCAC Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Fortitude Image Award
  5. Proclamation and Acknowledgement of Service from Prince George’s County Executive, Rushern Baker

The power of one’s voice can make the difference between a life well lived and one lived short of its purpose.  The Atikal Foundation was established by Kita Williams in 2009 as a way to give back to the community through artistic expression from her personal marketing and design business, Brand U Inc.  Additionally, she has lent her eye for design to several causes throughout the Washington Metropolitan area, but has a special affinity for inspiring others with her creative branding and design in her local base of Prince George’s County, MD.  These endeavors have led her to start a number of program initiatives including Raw Beauty, BLOCDV and Chat with a Lawyer – a collaboration with Founder and Host Wala Blegay – to honor and empower survivors of domestic violence and cancer diagnoses.

However, it was not just the artistic talent that caused Ms. Williams to flourish, but rather the triumph over circumstances beyond her control that led her to form this great organization.  As a child, she was molested by her stepfather, an experience that stole not only her voice, but her sense of self and understanding of the world around her.  In its place, she took on feelings of shame, guilt and misunderstanding of all she knew to be true.  To survive, Ms. Williams focused on becoming successful in the marketplace to mentally get beyond these experiences.  Soon, she became defined by her successes, winning numerous awards and accolades, without ever having confronted the trauma that lurked inside.  She did not realize her power or value until she started this nonprofit.  Through this venture and particularly her Raw Beauty initiative, Ms. Williams not only found her voice, but has been instrumental in giving other theirs as well.  

Beauty Partners

Over 19 Partners and counting! We collaborate with other nonprofit, for-profit, and government organizations to serve, educate and celebrate survivors. Together, we are building resilient communities.

Raw Beauty Ambassadors

Raw Beauty Ambassadors are charged with sharing the spirit of Raw Beauty; but more importantly, they demonstrate resilience and are reclaiming their personal power! Our Survivors have freed themselves of fear, guilt and shame through sharing their journeys in a safe space created by the Atikal Foundation. Through their testimonies, others who are suffering in silence find hope and strength for their future.

People Impacted

Over 7,000 People Impacted Since 2011. Countless families and communities are experiencing healing, establishing healthy relationships, leading by example and coming together to create safe spaces.