Woman Philanthropists: Chanel Benjamin of They Love My Splash On How To Leave A Lasting Legacy With A Successful Nonprofit Organization

The contributions of women philanthropists have reshaped communities and catalyzed change, yet their stories often remain untold. Women bring unique perspectives and approaches to philanthropy, using their resources, networks, and influence to address a wide range of global challenges — from education and healthcare to social justice and environmental sustainability. How do these women navigate the complexities of philanthropy to achieve meaningful impact? In this interview series, we are talking to diverse women philanthropists who have initiated impactful projects or led significant charitable endeavors, to share their insights and inspire others to take initiative and help solve pressing global and local issues. As a part of this series, we had the pleasure of interviewing Chanel Benjamin.

Chanel Benjamin is the Founder of They Love My Splash® LLC, a creative agency that offers an ingenious vision through authenticity in branding, Public Relations, and digital marketing for emerging and established businesses to connect with the community. Chanel started on her path in 2008 and she has built a network to utilize her entrepreneurship to combat social issues. By creating initiatives such as: the #KickBackAgainstBullying sneaker drive servicing families in local shelters, the #iSmileForAngele Legacy Scholarship to assist graduating High School seniors first year college experience, and community mental health check-ins. Her work speaks for itself as she enhances every project that she touches with her unique forward thinking approach. Last year she procured over $73,000 in-kind resources for community events to give to underserved families for Back to School, wellness, Basketball, educational, and appreciation purposes. Harlem is happy to have you inspire, empower, and be an agent of change.

Thank you for making time to visit with us about a ‘top of mind’ topic. Our readers would like to get to know you a bit better. Can you please tell us about one or two life experiences that most shaped who you are today?

A life experience that has shaped who I am today has been my response to overcoming adversity, pivoting, and challenging myself to surpass any boundary set in my path. Knowing me or getting to know me is that Basketball plays a huge role in how the trajectory of my life and career was formulated. From experiencing my passion of playing basketball be derailed on multiple occasions due to an injury at the highest level was not only tough physically it had a mental and physiological effect as well. Imagine working extremely hard to get to the exact point of reaping your rewards within grasp and it dissipates in a blink of an eye. It is very frustrating, disheartening and I felt defeated. As recently as last year, on the road to recovery from a minor setback with physical therapy was a process that challenged me physically and mentally as I had to readapt my body to resume simple tasks. As my mind was overthinking my body’s mechanics were restructuring at a slower pace than I was normally accustomed to. In return it became a mind over matter theory that put me to the test of healing and shedding insight on my strength.

My injury became a blessing in disguise as it was an opportunity to pivot in advancing my other skills within Multimedia as it was my area of study in college. It birthed a different aspect to my portfolio and the depth of understanding the range of exploration to a wide range field to narrow down what area I shined the most in to pursue. Growing up, I always tethered between Basketball, Media, and Music and I always chose Basketball because it was taking me further than my other interests. Opportunities were always presented as I would be recommended for advancement in the other areas. I always had to balance my time between them as I was preparing for my future while excelling presently. I always kept my options open.

I had a position in a music studio that I cut short to travel and play basketball. I was committed to the game that broadened my horizons and taught me so many lessons about life. I prioritized Basketball because who knew that bouncing a ball without any formal training, basketball camps, or playing on an organized team (until being under the wings of Edwin Rosa and Apache) would be such a constant in my life. I simply paid attention to detail while observing the Knicks games and mimicked the moves in the park and even there I had to earn respect. As I was always the only female to play with the guys. First there’s resistance, then you prove yourself by having a teachable moment (faking someone out or making someone fall), and then there is respect. Basketball provided a safe haven, discipline, and a chance to lead with my talent. When Mr. Rosa handed me my first pair of team sneakers (they were Black hi-top Air Force ones with the velcro strap) that started my affinity for collecting them at an early age. I later became a score keeper (thanks to Shiny — he exposed me to other opportunities within the realm of basketball and taught me key financial literacy lessons).

Being disciplined in a hobby opened so many doors that it translated to business opportunities. Although I was devastated I prevailed because I planted seeds beyond just playing Basketball. Due to everyone solely seeing me as a basketball player resulted in me creating my own opportunities to build a portfolio and highlight my talent beyond the court. As the saying goes, I was more than an athlete. I excelled in my studies, branding, and knowing how to communicate efficiently. I stayed relevant because of my diligence, personality, business savvy, work ethic, and integrity. Educating myself on how to develop my own business, trademarking my catch phrases, and exploring creating my own lane simply by personifying the definition of one of my catchphrases RADTASTIC SPLASHERY® — leaving a lasting impression.

When I speak on overcoming adversity there was always a roadblock within getting to the next step of something I was building towards. However, my unwavering self motivation to succeed to prove to myself was imperative. I didn’t allow anyone to put limitations on me. This reoccurring chapter was already written; it was my time to actively seek it. My journey was destined and I belonged in every room I stepped in whether I was the only woman or the youngest. I had a plan and I was determined to see it through. The response I had to losing, starting over again and that resilience propelled me in ways unimaginable. If I quit then I would not know how much I enjoy creating, the support I had or how much I was willing to push until I received the results I intended. The primary focus had to become more invested in my mental health because being responsible for the success, growth, and vision of your business starts with your well being.

You are a successful leader. Which three character traits do you think were most instrumental to your success? We would love to hear a few stories or examples.

As a successful leader the three character traits that are the most instrumental in my success are my: diligence, perseverance, and commitment. My work speaks for itself because of my consistency and diligence as the efforts, passion, and love for what I curate. It is essential for being solution oriented within Harlem and has expanded to other communities for advancement. Most importantly humanizing, breaking through the peaks and valleys of life. It is OK to pivot if something does not work for you, it is OK to pause if the load gets too heavy, and it is OK to set boundaries that will allow you to flourish.

Most of the initiatives I create or are involved in are personal full circle moments whether it is a direct or indirect correlation. Also, knowing that giving someone the opportunity to do, feel, or look good is the starting point to seeing the world differently. By hosting community food distributions and the #KickBackAgainstBullying Sneaker Drive we are combating insecurities within the community. By collecting gently worn sneakers and new socks then donating them to shelters as a reminder that they are valued. Children should not feel isolated because of their current situation or be judged for not being able to afford name brand clothing or footwear. Just as food is a necessity no one should be without due to an unfortunate circumstance.

They Love My Splash® LLC is literally the blueprint of how I am breaking the barriers to give back to the community by creating a plan of action that allows me to be authentic, joyous, and to display humanity in my response to life and the lessons I have learned along the way. They Love My Successful Plan in Life Adjusting and Securing Happiness through Legacy Love Curation. After major setbacks, tragedy, and at one point being overlooked in the earlier stage of my career because I didn’t have enough experience. The encounter inspired me to create a business that expounded on my interests while gaining experience and prompted me to become well versed to tailor my business to being a one stop shop. I was already involved in my community and it ignited a fire in me to do more in a unique way while learning the ins and outs of maintaining a business.

Leading to me creating sectors that assisted me in my recovery from grief, unaddressed trauma, and healing that allowed me to grow through it all. They Love My Splash® LLC is a creative agency that offers an ingenious vision through authenticity in branding, Public Relations, and digital marketing for emerging and established businesses to connect with the community. In which has an entertainment, sports and education sector for youth under Chanel Speedy® and #iSmileForAngele is our initiative, Scholarship, and mental health sector.

Investing in myself financially and being self taught allowed me to make mistakes, reevaluate, and adjust in real time. By picking up both a still and video camera, I placed myself at events from my point of view, later edited, and then pitched myself into gigs. I was planting seeds that I knew I was passionate about and could cultivate at any point in the future if I just started. What did that look like? It was hosting music showcases, educating the artists with Music Business 101 tips, performing Spoken Word, writing for myself and others, recording/mixing/mastering 3 albums, directing projects, being invited to speak on panels/podcasts/radio shows, being a Lead Photographer, and being a part of music rollouts just to name a few. Sometimes, I feel as if I lived 3 lifetimes with all of the credentials I have gained.

What became of those planted seeds? OPPORTUNITY! Which led to being booked for hosting gigs in other States, becoming an author, being listed on The Recording Academy ballot, ASCAP Member, becoming a Grammy Voting Member, MWBE certified, recognized as a Community Hero, and Mentoring the Youth with implemented writing classes. (I’ll stop there because we will be here all day lol). All because I did not let the decision of those who told me I didn’t have experience deter me. It pushed me in the direction to create what was needed of me and for my community and challenged me to build a foundation to not wait for an opportunity but to create it.

What’s the most interesting discovery you’ve made since you started leading your organization?

The most interesting discovery that I have made is that human connection is important because the impact you make directly and even indirectly at times is the most satisfying. When we have in-person events and communicate and interact with the attendees as you see their reaction or smile to all of your strategic planning come to fruition. Mental health community check-ins are necessary to impact the well being to gauge who needs support or motivating words or the essence of collaboration. Everyone deserves to be and feel seen as self care is a priority. Uniting is the source of power within itself that can make a difference in the community as you address the issues that exist.

It becomes evident that unaddressed trauma is very prevalent in everyone’s life and offering resources to combat that is imperative. Also, food insecurity is an issue as inflation is rising. Providing food, clothes, footwear or smiles to others is something that I do not take for granted. I am fortunate to have a strong support system and I know that that is not the case for everyone. People are appreciative of gestures that they may stress over in silence. Which leads to testimonials of “you just don’t know how you have helped me.” From my point of view this work is purposeful, intentional, and necessary as we all need the bare necessities to survive. However, once you get the resources you need. We all deserve to transition upwards of living by just surviving while alleviating that specific stressor so you can LIVE!

Can you please tell our readers more about how you or your organization intends to make a significant social impact?

The significance of continuing to make a social impact by investing in students’ education by providing #iSmileForAngele Legacy Scholarships in honor of my grandma’s life are significant to me. Investing in future leaders’ education is motivation within itself. To know that you are a part of a young person’s journey or even offering opportunities that are slowly becoming obsolete brings me joy. Especially because it is attached to my grandma’s legacy, of whom I would watch gather my cousins on the porch in St. Maarten after school and assist them with their Homework. Education was always important to my grandma, just as fostering community, and lending a helping hand. So it is my honor to continue her legacy by enhancing the lives of young people. I love to say my grandmother gave my life purpose, a greater purpose.

I also want to continue to incorporate American Sign Language education as I have a firsthand connection with seeing the perspective through my sister’s eyes. It brings forth the topics of: mindfulness, awareness, and sensitivity to trying to understand the sentiments leading to feeling isolated, unaccommodated, frustration, and being misunderstood. Continuing to partner with other organizations and likeminds to provide events and initiatives by providing: Mental Health Awareness, Community Building, Career exploration, Multimedia, ASL inclusion, Sports, youth financial education, and life preparation are always the goal.

What makes you feel passionate about this cause more than any other?

I am passionate about any cause I am connected to because more than ever guidance is needed to offer options that span beyond just sports. Being solution oriented helps me to directly impact in a positive way. It is an exemplary way to show that even though one person’s point of view of you not having experience in a particular field does not exclude you from making a difference. You can always gain experience from receiving an opportunity or someone taking a chance to mentor you. In the event that those two options are not accessible to you. Make yourself available to gain experience by taking the initiative to push your narrative to gain experience by creating opportunities for yourself.

Passion fuels you and following up with an action paves the way to opening doors that you may not have thought of simply by caring to be an agent of change. Being that the cause that I am the most passionate about and more connected to is in honor of my grandma it is a motivational tool. There was a point in 2014 before I started the #iSmileForAngele initiative of putting smiles on others faces or starting the #iSmileForAngele Legacy Scholarship, saying it was a daily mantra for me. So knowing that a daily mantra transformed into a movement to assist young students as a tribute to my grandma’s legacy is more necessary. As the daily mantra progressed and making others smile a lot of realizations set in. I had to prioritize addressing my grieving stages that were reintroduced to me in undergoing the motions of dealing with an unfortunate transition in my family of the matriarch.

By doing the work of going to therapy, developing a self care routine, focusing more on healing, meditation, attending a transformative Breakthrough Breathwork & Coaching session with Rosanna Gill, and taking time away from my high pressure job at the time. I started to journal, started doing more of the activities, and completing passion projects that I loved. I felt so accomplished when I finally finished my poetry anthology, started to travel more again, and I did everything on my own time. (I love timepieces/watches and I stopped wearing them for a while) so I did not limit myself to a particular time frame of enjoyment. I was going with the flow of where my journey was leading me. I was able to feel more, be more present, and feel free.

By repeating iSmileForAngele (Don’t forget to smile today) daily overtime it became iSmileForChanel which is a sign of resilience and to keep GOing. For so long I was stuck in the shell of myself that I became lost. I had to regain awareness of myself again to readjust to life as it was still moving forward. That is when I regained the power to be my best self once again. It’s a sense of carrying a torch of importance because you value the outcome. “This is dedication, hard work, plus patience.” — Nipsey Hussle

Without naming names, could you share a story about an individual who benefitted from your initiatives?

Youth of all ages have benefited from our initiatives just by showing up, supporting their interest, exposure to alternative options, and providing opportunities. By offering care packages throughout the year that aligns with school, self care, and wellness supplies motivates the students to continue working hard in receiving good grades as it is an incentive. It also gives the students a sense of accomplishment, appreciation, and acknowledgement to boost their confidence.

Serving on the Board of the 501(c)(3) non-profit organization G.R.A.C.E. (Granting Resources And Community Enrichment) Incorporated in the Communications and Public Relations position which allows me to assist in empowering the community through service and support. Through organizing Annual Back to School Block Parties in Harlem and Atlanta to celebrate the importance of education, support, and engaging activities for youth and their families. Understanding the constraints many families face at the beginning of each school year, we alleviate costs, ease stress, and hardships some may encounter. We directly impact both communities by ensuring families are prepared for the new school year. We provide entertainment, school supplies, haircuts, and resources. In December our Holiday Toy Distribution collaborative efforts allow us to give back to the children of our community by spreading holiday cheer, by providing photo opportunities with Santa, gift distribution, bouncy houses, alongside arts and craft and a Kwanzaa station.

We all want to help and to live a life of purpose. What are three actions anyone could take to help address the root cause of the problem you’re trying to solve?

My goal is always to be intentional, purposeful, and impactful when I get involved in the delivery of advancement in mental health awareness, sports, career exploration, and financial education. Three actions that anyone can become proactive in are: invest in one young person’s life because support goes a long way, pass on information as you learn, and always be willing to be teachable as times change. Being present even if it is just to lend a listening ear or attending an extracurricular function makes a difference. Checking in with your loved ones and those you meet allows the way and asking how you can be of support if they have an idea to step out of their comfort zone. Sometimes the motivation lies in you creating an event or gathering that extensions of support come out in groves because your work is important and relatable. The main key is knowing that starting is a direction and it doesn’t have to be fine-tuned. Those are the adjustments you can make later and expound on because now you have experience to know how to integrate more or strategize to make it better.

Based on your experience, what are the “5 Things You Need To Create A Successful & Effective Nonprofit That Leaves A Lasting Legacy?”

1 . Appoint a board that understands your vision and add to the overall cultivation of the mission as you grow. Building a team around your mission and also that is within their expertise that allows you to think outside of what you initially wanted with their help to build it out into something greater than you envisioned.

2 . Create a clear mission to be impactful. Having a plan and mapping out your 5 year goals and strategizing how to accomplish your mission. It is important to be clear on formulating what the nonprofit represents to build sustainability, a connection, and outline how you plan to be impactful in the community.

3 . Listening. By listening to the concerns within the community and acting in response to an occurrence or ongoing issue not only shows you are there to lend your support. It also displays that you care for the progression of the neighborhood as a whole.

4 . Building a dedicated team. Building a team is important because it eases the workload and their dedication to volunteering their time, skills, or business acumen can be of assistance while growing the nonprofit. Starting within your network is a great way to outsource and collaborate.

5 . Be steadfast in acquiring Partnerships, Fundraising and Grants. Fundraising and receiving for Grant funding will assist in making a greater contribution to the community. It is a tool to get the community behind you and to gain funds that otherwise would come directly out of your pocket.

How has the pandemic changed your definition of success?

The pandemic gave more insight to the different ways to be successful. Success has different interpretations depending on where you are in your life. For a long period of time success was owning a brick and mortar. When everything came to a halt you saw the rise of home based businesses and the creativity of how far you can stretch yourself to meet basic necessities rose. I hosted a Yoga and Mindfulness for children via Zoom as I noticed that us as adults had difficulty adapting to the new norm. In the same light children were as well, so addressing their stressors of being home all day, not being able to go outside as often, in such a rapid change offering parents to enroll their children in a creative activity as I partnered with a Yoga company. The children practiced mindfulness to prepare their mind and bodies as a fun filled narrative from the movie Frozen that was incorporated into yoga poses.

Also, introducing Dear Santa as we could not meet in-person I launched the initiative by nominating a child to write a letter to Santa and we spread holiday joy as their parents were not able to due to financial restraint. Partnering with Harlem Hospital to provide Bags and bandages and donate holiday gifts to in-patients who were in need. Success are the strides that you make in order to get to your ultimate goal and small victories equate to huge wins. Success can be a smile, a Thank you for thinking of me, a nod or fist bump to continue your journey. Success changes with your perspective and always is predicated on your tiers of what you expected versus the unexpected trajectory your work gravitates towards you afterwards. Just as success is being consistent not thinking of how far it will take you but knowing that someone is always rooting you on or watching your imprint of impact on the world.

How do you get inspired after an inevitable setback?

Inspiration is everywhere and the way of handling an inevitable setback to me is to attack it in a different way or put it down and return to it at a different time. It may be the best idea just that you are ahead of your time. Inspiration comes from understanding that one person’s ‘NO’ is another person’s ‘YES, how can I support you?’ Overtime, you begin to realize that not everyone will see your vision until it blossoms so you have to be impeccable with your word and follow through because it holds sentiment or because you want to create the change you want to see. The results become your fuel to see if it is something you are willing to pursue whether you receive don’t receive recognition for, don’t have the funds to execute your vision fully, you just have to remember starting is a direction. There is always room to grow where you can start because you will have the experience to guide you as to what worked, what didn’t work, what can be improved upon, and what you will not repeat again.

We are very blessed that very prominent leaders read this column. Is there a person in the world who you would like to talk to, to share the idea behind your non-profit? He, she, or they might just see this, especially if we tag them. :-)

I would like to speak to everyone who would love to partner, report, and collaborate to spread and bring more positivity to the world. Because you asked me to name a few off the top of my head: Michelle Obama, Lena Waithe, LeBron James, Ava DuVernay, Mark Cuban, Tamron Hall, MacKenzie Scott, Jimmy Donaldson aka MrBeast, and Shaquille O’Neal. I would like to bring more awareness to initiatives. I am looking forward to being introduced to people who are interested in expounding in the areas of mental health, storytelling, sports, advancing the community, providing scholarships, educating and mentoring the youth in financial literacy, career advancement, life after sports, internships, and acknowledging Student Athletes who are also scholars.

You’re doing important work. How can our readers follow your progress online?

Thank you. I appreciate that and I will continue to. You can follow my journey on my website www.theylovemysplash.com, contact me at hey@theylovemysplash.com, or stay updated in real time with us on Instagram @theylovemysplash and @harlemsgrace as we collaborate to empower the community.

Thank you for a meaningful conversation. We wish you continued success with your mission.

About The Interviewer: Vanessa Morcom is a millennial mom of three and founder of Morcom Media, a performance PR shop for thought leaders. She earned her degree in journalism and worked for Canada’s largest social enterprise. She can be reached at vanessa@morcom.media