Impact Update: Charissa Mattera
During your time in the Generation Distinct Cohort, you worked to uncover the wrong you were born to make right. Can you share what that wrong is and how you discovered it through your cohort experience?
During my time in the cohort, I was able to narrow down what I was passionate about, and how I felt God calling me to use that passion for His purpose in my life. The wrong I discovered was the current identity crisis that exists in Gen Z today, due to the overwhelming desire to root one’s identity in emotions, feelings, and desires, rather than in something bigger than oneself. The cohort helped me realize that I exist to restore hope in a generation who’s lost their identity. I knew I felt called to evangelize to the lost, however, my cohort helped me clarify the message I would focus on in doing so. It also helped me clarify the method in which I would do this, which was by providing life giving messages of hope, that lead others to root their identity in something solid, something bigger than themselves. I created social media and posting schedule goals to help me with this purpose, so that I could start by being a positive influence within the community that I have already fostered online. I also had a goal to write 5 new talks that I would be able to share as encouragement for people to boldly be who they were born to be.
Are you living out the purpose you discovered after graduating from your Generation Distinct Cohort?
Right now I do believe that I am living out the purpose that Gen D helped me discover. I have been posting everyday consistently since I made my content calendar goal and I have been able to reach over 2 million people online every month by using the strategy Gen D helped me to formulate. I have also had the pleasure of delivering four different talks at three different conferences this year. I have received many testimonials about how both the talks and various social media posts have encouraged people to live for something bigger than themselves.
What is a powerful moment or story that stands out to you where you saw your work or ministry make a tangible Gospel impact on someone’s life?
A moment that stands out to me is finding out that there was a mother of a young teenage girl, looking for a content creator online who could be a positive influence on her daughter, while also being relatable and fun for her daughter to connect to. A friend of this mother recommended my page, and the mother was so happy to discover it and said this was exactly what she was looking for. This is what I hope to do for so many young women.
After completing the Cohort, how has the Generation Distinct Coalition continued to support and inspire you in your mission?
The continued support from Generation Distinct, after graduating a cohort, could very much be my favorite part of the whole experience. This is a community that you never move on from, and who is constantly looking for ways to bring opportunity and light to your life. The coalition community is a resource unmatched by any organization. I have met countless peers and mentors that have continued to shape my walk with Christ and aid me in living out my calling. Through the constant support from the community, it is clear that every single person involved in Generation Distinct, matters deeply to them.
After finishing the Leadership Development Program, you’ve now taken on the role of a Cohort Leader, helping us multiply the impact potential of our cohorts. How has leading others through the same process impacted you personally?
One of the things I learned from Generation Distinct is that it is so important to give back what you have learned. That’s what I feel I am doing through leading others in this cohort. My time throughout my cohort was so impactful, and I’d like to take that same impact and release it onto others. It’s incredibly fulfilling to share the wealth received from countless mentors, peers, and leaders, with those I am currently leading in a cohort.
As you continue on your journey, what are the next steps in living out your purpose, and how do you plan to expand your impact?
As I continue on in my journey, I am in the process of starting an evangelistic ministry to help deal with the current identity crisis that the next generation is facing. I am hoping to expand my “I exist" statement, to build something beyond myself or beyond my personal brand, and create an organization that can far exceed my own social platform.