Power in the pivot

Marquetta Atkins-Woods ’14 expected that, by now, she’d be working in an advertising agency or marketing firm, not at all foreseeing a career as an entrepreneur, youth advocate and community educator taking shape. But, the communications alum will tell you, there is power in the pivot.

Atkins-Woods enrolled at Wichita State after graduating from high school but, upon receiving a kidney disease diagnosis her freshman year, withdrew from her studies to focus on her health. After having two children, years in the workforce and a world of experiences between, she pivoted again, returning to WSU and graduating in 2014.

Since launching her non-profit, Destination Innovation, Inc., in 2018, Atkins-Woods has grown the organization into a hub for community engagement, activism and youth empowerment. As executive director, she oversees its five core programs: Camp Destination Innovation, an annual summer camp aimed at introducing youth to entrepreneurship; Progeny, which seeks to reimagine the juvenile justice system; Cure Violence ICT, addressing gun violence in Wichita; Root the Power, a youth-led civic engagement organization; and, as of July, Rise Up For Youth, which provides mentorship for students across the city.

The alum doesn’t work for personal achievements or accolades—of which she has, deservedly, received many. Her motivation, her passion, has always been community. “I love my city, and I love the youth that we serve,” she says. “It’s all about creating healthier communities for them, showing them that they are supported and that they belong.”

She recalls times from her youth when her own path was unclear. “I know what it’s like to be young, trying to find your space but not knowing what doors to go through,” Atkins-Woods says. “I firmly believe that when we get young people into these spaces early on, they’ll know what doors they should walk through later.”

The proof is as close as her own team. Lovette Mba, a DI alum and mentee of Atkins-Woods since age 14, now runs Camp Destination Innovation as program manager. “When someone pours into you, you have that sense of responsibility to pour into others,” Atkins-Woods says.

The same could be said of Atkins-Woods’ time at Wichita State. “The people who make up this university—Alicia Thompson, Lou Hellman, Dr. Parcell and Sandy Sipes in the Elliott School, Dr. Rhatigan and so many more—have been a part of my journey from the time I first set foot on campus, to this very moment,” she says. “To the best of my abilities, I want to serve as a reminder that investing in someone, investing in our youth, yields the best returns.”

This year, the alum was selected by her peers to receive the Social Impact Award, honoring her work in establishing a community enterprise through Destination Innovation and her dedication to serving and uplifting youth. 

Join us in celebrating Marquetta Atkins-Woods at this year’s Heritage Gala on Oct. 9.