GILLETTE, Wyo. — MaLinda Perry, founder of Happy Girls Don’t Do That, took her pain and transformed it into a positivity movement.
Perry, according to her nonprofit’s website, was bullied throughout school and her years in corporate America. She had to learn how to walk with full leg casts before wearing leg braces and “the most hideous corrective shoes that no one should be forced to wear.”
“I remember once I asked my mom why I never became a mean girl because there were so many of them in my life,” she said in her website’s account of how the organization, Happy Girls Don’t Do That, began. “She responded by simply saying, ‘Because your positivity would never allow it.’”
The nonprofit, which is dedicated to empowering people to be positive and accountable, celebrated its launch Oct. 24 at the FUEL Business Incubator in Gillette with the Campbell County Chamber of Commerce.
Friendship and happiness are integral to the organization in both visionary and practical ways. According to board president Jim Hastings, Perry essentially informed the board members that they would be leaders of the organization. The other board members are Susan Barnes, Tristan Acuna, Trinitie Jenkins, Denton Knapp and Ian Scott.
“Nobody said no, so they either were as crazy as me or as happy about starting something that we knew would go global,” Perry said.
Chapters have already begun in other parts of the world, Perry said. The nonprofit is currently crowdfunding for launching chapters in Wyoming. To donate, click here.
Happy Girls Don’t Do That’s upcoming events include a “Pretty in Pink” 1980s-themed gala Dec. 30 at the Campbell County Rockpile Museum, 900 W. 2nd St., Gillette. A positivity conference will take place Feb. 9 and 10, 2024, at the Gillette College Technical Education Center, 3251 S. 4-J Road, Gillette. About 10 presenters, both from Wyoming and across the world, will focus on topics related to happiness, gratitude and positivity at the conference.
Campbell County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Gail Lofing said she believes the organization is a good thing and that she hopes it will have a positive impact.
Energy Capital Economic Development’s FUEL business incubator is located at 345 Sinclair Ave., Gillette. The organization’s office is Suite 10 of the incubator. To learn more, call 307-689-8505 or email happygirlsdontdothat@gmail.com.
Happy Girls Don’t Do That is also on Facebook here and here.