What are you truly passionate about? What sparks you? Two questions Stacey Mackinnon would ask her clients, two questions that drew her closer to her life’s calling, two questions that opened up a world dedicated to transforming the lives of young girls through Help Her Fly. A non-profit organization dedicated to empowering young women through guidance, mentorship and bursary opportunities in a safe and positive environment.
Stacey’s journey towards founding Help Her Fly was not a conventional one. With a thriving career as a registered nurse spanning over two decades, Stacey felt a persistent tug at her heartstrings, a call to do more, to make a difference beyond the confines of traditional healthcare. Reflecting on her journey, Stacey shares, “It’s been quite a long journey; it’s been 20 years where there’s been this part of me that’s longed to do more, create impact and do something meaningful.” This longing for deeper impact led her to explore avenues beyond the boundaries of her profession, seeking ways to empower women to discover their passions and lead fulfilling lives.
Stacey began her entrepreneurial venture with a coaching program aimed at cultivating joy and encouraging women to pursue their passions. I would ask, “What are you passionate about? What Sparks you? and people just didn’t know,” she says, “I’m very fortunate that I’ve lived a life full of passion and interest; I really wanted to help other women discover that.” Stacey worked on this coaching program for two and a half years, feeling that similar pull to discover more. “I realized it was just time to sit back and stop pouring my energy into that and allow this space for whatever the “more” was that I felt called to do.”
The inception of Help Her Fly can be traced back to a pivotal moment during a self-development event in San Diego in 2017, where Stacey received the heartbreaking news of her cousin’s passing. At the crossroads of grief and growth, Stacey chose the path of personal transformation.
“I connected with a spiritual mentor – a kundalini yoga and meditation instructor- and worked with her for about 6 months. Through working with her, meditation, and allowing the space to be present without feeling the need to be busy, the idea of Help Her Fly came to me. Since then, there’s been so much flow. I can see the difference between all the effort I put into the coaching business and not receiving much out of it versus putting the work in to help her fly.” says Stacey.
The idea started with Stacey wanting to support local organizations by providing funding. Inspired by a project at another volunteer organization she was working with, Stacey began to collect empties to gather funds. “It doesn’t cost people money, and it’s just as simple as asking for their donation of empties,” says Stacey. Through this initiative, she realized she could adopt this model to create something that speaks to the community’s needs. “I would hear people talk about their kids in school and the cost of university skyrocketing, and it was also a pandemic, so there’s a financial burden on people. That’s where the idea came from to create a bursary for girls attending post-secondary school,” explains Stacey.
Rooted in the belief that every girl deserves the opportunity to soar, Help Her Fly fosters self-esteem, confidence, and mental well-being among young women. Central to Help Her Fly’s initiatives is its Girls’ Program, a carefully crafted curriculum designed to equip elementary school girls with essential life skills and resilience. With topics ranging from mindfulness to emotional intelligence, the Program empowers participants to navigate the complexities of adolescence with grace and self-assurance. Stacey emphasizes the importance of creating a safe and nurturing environment for the girls to freely express themselves and cultivate meaningful connections. “We want to make sure we foster a positive environment where these girls feel accepted and can process their emotions freely without judgment,” she shares.
What sets Help Her Fly apart is its holistic approach to empowerment, addressing the multifaceted needs of young girls beyond academic success. The organization lays a strong foundation for girls to thrive in all aspects of their lives by instilling self-love, empathy, and teamwork. Stacey envisions Help Her Fly as more than just a program—it’s a lifelong journey of empowerment, extending support to women at different stages of their lives. “The grand vision of Help Her Fly is an organization and a space to empower females across their entire lifespan,” emphasizing her commitment to creating a ripple effect of empowerment and transformation.
In her pursuit of empowering girls, Stacey found a supportive ally in the Libro Social Enterprise Coaching Program at EPICentre, sponsored by Libro Credit Union. Through specialized coaching, networking opportunities, and tailored workshops, Stacey gained invaluable insights and resources to propel Help Her Fly to greater heights. Reflecting on her experience in the Program, she expresses gratitude for its mentorship and camaraderie, stressing the importance of community and collaboration in driving meaningful change. “I’m not a registered not-for-profit, so I found there’s not a lot of support for businesses with my model,” she acknowledges, highlighting the significance of programs like these in nurturing social enterprises and fostering collective impact.
As Help Her Fly spreads its wings and continues to create a positive impact among young women, Stacey remains committed to making a difference. With plans to expand the organization’s reach and develop new initiatives to support girls at every stage of their journey, she inspires others to believe in the power of their dreams. “An empowered woman can change the world,” she declares.
To learn more about Help Her Fly, please visit their website: www.helpherfly.com