Posts tagged "organization"

Meet She’s All That!

The key to life is to be so confident that you encourage others to be confident as well and that is exactly what She’s All That! does. This powerful organization was founded by Conchetta Jones in after hearing the young ladies she was mentoring using the term in a negative way about other girls. They would say “she thinks she’s all that” whenever another young lady aspired to be the best she could be. Conchetta wanted girls to realize that thinking ‘she’s all that’ is not a negative thing but a very positive way to think.

She’s All That! was founded on the premise that every young woman should have access to programs and activities that would inspire, empower and educate. To empower, inspire and educate girls through informative workshops, cultural outings and real world experiences. Girls learn life skills, self-esteem, integrity, relationship building, conflict resolution, health and fitness and etiquette lessons.

Let’s get to know more about She’s All That!

ch

She’s All That! is an influential organization that encourages, empowers and motivates young ladies, what made you want to create this platform for empowerment?

For over 10 years I worked with girls from my church and in the school system. I would listen to how they interacted with each other. There was a lot of negativity. Some girls were shunned if they did not wear the “right” clothes, or if they hung out with the “wrong” person. There was a code to how a girl was supposed to act to be considered “cool” I would watch as girls would be uncomfortable, but go along with the crowd anyway. They were too afraid to go against the “in crowd”. There was a lack of values among the young women. They looked up to the women in the Reality television shows. I created She’s All That! as a way to give girls a safe space to be themselves. During our workshops we give them skills that help them to say no and to stand up for themselves. They understand that they don’t have to follow the “in crowd” to be popular.

Your organization embraces the term ‘she’s all that’ as a positive statement, how do you help make the mental shift to girls to accept their power and love who they are?

During my school stint, I found out that a girl thought she was “all that” if she did positive things, like go to class, do her homework, be respectful, not hang out or sleep around. This disturbed me. When working with our girls we challenge them to stand in their power. I urge them to think that they are all that. Because they are. They are precious, priceless. I urge them to think before they make any decisions. And to let the decision be hers. Because good or bad her decision will come with consequences, and she should be willing to accept that. We do a lot of self-esteem activities, affirmations and journaling.

c1

We tend to pull characteristics from others in our lives or from people we admire, who inspires you and why?

Right now I am blessed to be surrounded by women who are movers and shakers. They are everyday women who are doing big things. From them I am inspired to never give up (Caprice O’Bryant) to go after what I want (Felicia Houston) to speak boldly (La”Keisha Gray-Sewell) to love hard (Da-Nay Macklin) to make sure I have foundation before elevation (Monique Caradine) to give and to support others (Peggy Riggins, Keana Jones, Priscilla Williams) to never stop hustling (Cara Aljoe) to take time for self and breathe (Crystal Iris) to share resources freely (Tiffany Fincher). To look for the beauty in the simple things (Iris Connor) and to see God’s hand in everything (Jakki Smith). And my dream team, Angela, Roxanne and Shanta who support me in everything I do. These are just a few of the powerful women in my everyday life.

c3

If you had to give one piece of advice to teen girls who are struggling with being comfortable in their own skin, what would it be?

The message that the media sends of what is beautiful is all smoke and mirrors. That that level of perfection is created by a team of people and photoshop. Do not compare yourself with something that is not real and is impossible or dangerous to attain. I urge them to love and to appreciate their own unique beauty.

c2

Working with youth both parties learn from each other, what’s one trait you have learned from working with girls?

To live in the moment and to dream big.

We’re all about empowerment at C.O.R.E Mag, what does EMPOWERMENT mean to you + your organization?

Empowerment means having the courage to live your own reality. To dress how you like, do the things you want to do, to have the confidence to stand up for yourself and to not feel like you have to follow the crowd.

Check out more here!

She’s All That!

Facebook

Meet True Belles!

Inspiration is contagious, right? Of course it is and True Belles is sprinkling it everywhere! As a community based organization, True Belles has a mission to recondition the minds of young girls teaching them to be individuals of tact, class and integrity through learning to love, respect and accept themselves! This empowering organization seeks to be productive in their lives so that they in turn become productive within their own lives and the lives of others.

True Belles is a community based youth development program that serve young girls 7-14 years of age. Their sole purpose is to enhance lives by providing the proper tools that will produce life long success. True Belles was formed under the the proverb ‘it takes a village to raise a child.’ They understand that children are faced with many negative influences and experiences and for that reason alone it takes more than a mom and (or) dad to teach a child the ways of life.

Let’s get to know True Belles a little better…

CORE2

True Belles reconditions the minds of young girls teaching them to be individuals of tact, class and integrity through learning to love, respect and accept themselves. What made you launch this empowering organization?
The inspiration behind the True Belles Mentoring Program is none other than my Belle herself, Miss Tiana Reed, who noticed a very disturbing preview of an upcoming reality show that depicted black females as being less than ladylike. Understanding that television is of a great influence to young girls such as herself, she decided that together we should provide an alternative to the negativity by coming up with something positive.
Your organization offers a  variety of programs for  girls – Discover, Lead, Serve.  How does each program shape the success for girls?
 Though each individual segment serves its own purpose, only together will it truly shape success. When girls are taught how to tap in and discover all the great qualities that are innate, they become strong, confident and bold which sets them up for to become leaders that will at some point serve their communities.
CORE3
If you had to give one piece of advice to girls  who are struggling with being comfortable in their own skin, what would it be? 
My advice to  girls who struggle being comfortable in their own skin is this: Puzzles come with many defining pieces. In order to see the full beauty of the puzzle, each piece has its own part to play and is equally important so understand that just like that puzzle piece, you have your own shape, size and color and no matter how different you may seem to others, you have an important place in this beautiful puzzle that we call our world; embrace your position. You are fearfully and wonderfully made.
We tend to pull characteristics from others in our lives or from people we admire, who inspires you and why?
 I am inspired by so many great individuals however, my current inspiration comes from our Fist Lady, Michelle Obama!! Mrs. Obama is everything that a Belle is known for. She is beautiful, smart, innovative and classy but yet an all around, down to earth, fun girl.
CORE1
Working with youth both parties learn from each other, what’s one trait you have learned from working with girls?
 Working with today’s young girls I have learned to be resilient. Young girls have it hard and they go through so much but they somehow manage to shake it off and bounce back time and time again.
We’re all about empowerment at C.O.R.E Mag, what does EMPOWERMENT mean to you + your organization?
What empowerment means to myself and my organization is simple, it is nothing more than unadulterated awareness. They say that when the student is ready, the teacher will appear so when you open your mind to accept all of life’s great lesson you allow those new and powerful awarenesses to be untainted.
Fun Faves! Song? Food? Artist? Celeb Crush?
Favorite song: Pieces of me by Ledisi
     Favorite Food: All things Mexican
     Favorite Artist: India Arie
     Celeb Crush: The Game
Check out more here…