MEET MIKKI

Mikaylah “Mikki” Grace Norfolk, Founder of We Rise Up 4 Kids (WRU4K), started this foundation at just 8 years of age, after her own experience with bullying escalated and changed her life forever. Mikaylah has been an overcomer since she was born at 29 weeks and spent 2 months in the NICU fighting for her life. Her keen sense of intelligence, witty personality, love for all humankind, and a regal presence that naturally draws people to her. Mikaylah is talented artist with a strong appreciation for nature. Mikki is passionate about advocating for those who have been marginalized, specifically Black Lives Matter and LGBTQIAP+ communities. She is passionate about the impact that litter has on the community and is committed to cleaning as many areas of the community as possible so kids have a safe place to play.

Mikaylah has a passion for others and was determined to turn this tremendous trial that unexpectedly derailed her life into a victorious opportunity to help others who have been impacted by the effects of bullying while focusing on all trauma that youth experience. Having the heart that she does and recognizing the things that helped her make it through, it made sense to her to establish an organization that afforded other young people who have experienced various types of trauma the opportunity to detach from the troubles that they have experienced and engage in activities that enhance & promote their well-being while offering them an escape from the negativity. It is her sincere hope that We Rise Up 4 Kids will inspire youth to continue pushing through despite their circumstances, recognizing that they are not alone and what they have experienced will not endure forever while providing them with the necessary supports to thrive. Since its inception, We Rise Up 4 Kids has reached more than 3,000 people in our community and served more than 300 community members through the provision of events, resources (e.g., connections to mental health and legal services), hygiene items for youth at St. Vincent Children’s Home, hundreds toys and books for Head Start and Early Head Start children, and more. As the Founder of We Rise Up 4 Kids, she has remained committed to evolving as she identifies additional needs and to that effect, Mikki has determined it appropriate for WRU4K to increase access to quality mental health services for underserved youth who may be uninsured or underinsured. This takes place through the provision of training for mental health professionals, establishing agreements with mental health providers to cover the costs of co-payments, sliding scale fees, and comprehensive mental health evaluations in an effort to ensure that underserved youth in our community have access to quality resources.

Mikki has been featured on several platforms because of her heartfelt commitment to serving our community in this capacity. Such features have included: Praise 95.1 and St. Louis American Shero of the Week, Student Standout in Town and Style magazine, St. Louis Public Radio, KSDK, Fox 2 Now with Kim Hudson, and STL TV to name a few.

Mikaylah is a member of Shalom Church (City of Peace) where she has received a tremendous amount of love and support her entire life. She believes that everyone deserves to be treated with love and respect and is intentional about making all whom she comes in contact with know that they are valued and welcomed. Mikaylah is currently a 5th grader at The Wilson School where she excels in all educational areas. Mikaylah enjoys ballet and has truly been inspired by Misty Copeland. She has read books and researched all that she could find related to Misty’s journey, as she envisions what her own journey could look like. Mikaylah previously enjoyed participating as a member of the Bellefontaine Community Center Swim Team and has been enamored with Simone Manuel since she saw her win in the recent 2016 Olympics and continues to follow the news that details her amazing journey. Mikaylah’s dream is to meet both Misty and Simone one day. Mikaylah enjoys reading books and some of her favorite books are: Junie B. Jones, Judy Blume, The Baby Sitters Club, anything about African Americans who have done amazing things! Mikaylah loves traveling, watching YouTube videos, watching and creating Tik Tok videos, drawing, listening to pop music, hanging with her friends (in person and via Zoom), roller skating, jumping on her trampoline, hanging with her parents, and watching Miranda Sings (one of her idols she had the opportunity to recently meet 😊). As a self-proclaimed diva, no matter what Mikaylah is doing, she is sure to be dressed fashionably!

Through the blessing of 5 grandparents and a host of other supporters which includes family members, her Pastor, church members, and a multitude of friends, Mikaylah has continued to thrive and looks forward to the new experiences that await her along her journey.