Meet Emory Dinner of Soles4Souls in Wheat Ridge

Today we’d like to introduce you to Emory Dinner.

Emory, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Well, it has been more of a meander, rather than a straight line. But isn’t that the best kind of journey?

I was born and raised in Greeley, CO, earned my B.A. from KU in Environmental Policy, followed by a Masters in Teaching from the University of Northern Colorado.

Following, I taught 3rd grade at Asbury Elementary in Denver Public Schools for ten years. I loved my time at an incredible school, filled with student-engagement and a supportive community. However, a job opportunity came knocking on my email. International development has always been a real passion, and as luck would have it, I got the chance to join Soles4Souls. Currently, I am the Colorado Director of Soles4Souls. At Soles4Souls, we turn unwanted shoes and clothing into opportunity by keeping them from going to waste and putting them to good use – providing relief, creating jobs, and empowering people to break the cycle of poverty.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
What an excellent question! In the past, I always felt that I had to do everything in perfect order to move towards my dreams. I thought I had to pick the perfect major in college, have the ideal first job, and the perfect mentor. Over the years, I have learned that is not true at all. Instead, the winding path of life usually presents the “right” opportunities when you are ready for them. Although I never really used my B.A., it created a course of careers that led me to my current position. I’m not perfect, but better at trusting the process and believing that the process is the journey that matters.

Soles4Souls – what should we know? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
At Soles4Souls, we turn unwanted shoes into opportunity by keeping them from going to waste and putting them to good use – providing relief, creating jobs and empowering people to break the cycle of poverty.

As the Director of Operations in Colorado, I wear many hats! Primarily, I am a connector. I have the opportunity to help those who want to make an impact, do so! I help individuals, civic groups, CSR teams, and small businesses host shoe drives to create change in the world, one pair at a time! It is that easy!

I also oversee our Colorado presence and impact. In fact, we have been able to distribute 1,000 NEW pairs of shoes to Colorado frontline workers and 500 pairs to students experiencing homelessness. To do this, I engage Soles4Souls supporters, support individual and group volunteers, run and manage the Soles4Souls Colorado warehouse. The facets of the job are entertaining and inspiring! Let’s face it. I never thought I would learn to drive a forklift! Always something new!

As a non-profit, we are known for our integrity and transparency. We also fully believe that everyone can live their best life when given the opportunity. The gently-worn shoes collected go into our micro-enterprise program, which helps women living in extreme poverty in Haiti, Honduras, Guatemala, and Transnistria set up small shoe stores. This small, but mighty shoe business, along with business training, from Boulder-based, Street Business School, provides the women opportunity to create sustainable economic income for themselves and their families! The sale of 1 pair of shoes can provide enough income to feed a family of 4 for a week!

We also work as a liaison between brands and communities to provide new footwear to those in need.

What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
My proudest moment would be taking the leap to switch careers. Teaching was a passion and an honor. My years teaching were some of the best, and it felt risky to leave. Many teachers, falsely believe that their skills are non-transferable; however, I am proud that I was able to know my worth and had the courage to listen to my inner self. I am still very close to my past students, co-teachers, and families; however, this new career has fulfilled and challenged me in new ways. I am appreciative of the opportunity and of my ability to be courageous.

Pricing:

• To donate gently-worn shoes, visit: www.soles4souls.org
• To volunteer: email me emoryd@soles4souls.org
• To get involved providing shoes to those in need, donate here: soles4souls.org/?form=give

Contact Info:

• Website: www.soles4souls.org
• Phone: 615-289-0416
• Email: EmoryD@Soles4Souls.org
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/soles4soulscolorado/

Suggest a story: VoyageDenver is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.