Meet Lady:
In her own words –
“Growing up I always wanted a mentor like some of the other kids had. I never thought that I would even BE a mentor.
When I was in the City Year program I fell in love with mentoring and the kids. Working with the kids just came naturally to me. I began to build great bonds with my students. When I realized that I was pretty good at this I knew I wanted to continue this work, but not in a classroom setting.
I found My Block My Hood My City and I loved what they stood for. This organization was presented to me by my team leader at the time. She felt I was the best candidate for the job because of the great impact I had on my City Year students. My Block My Hood My City has a program called “Explorers” in high schools that are located in divested communities. We work with freshman, sophomores, juniors and seniors. Each school gets to go on one exploration per month. These explorations are meant to encourage students to think outside the box and understand that there are many things out there. It’s also an opportunity to visit and see other communities and all Chicago has to offer. I am the Program Coordinator for the Explorers Program. That’s just my title but I consider myself the Mentor for the program. Being able to step into someone’s life willingly and when they become receptive of that, has to be the best feeling ever. My kids are my world. They help better me everyday. I love being able to be someone in their lives that they can count on, and they know I’m coming! I do this because I love being able to be there for someone. I work with 120 kids and what I do for one I will certainly do for all. They’re the reason I get up everyday. They gave me a purpose I didn’t even know I had.
Being in my position the number one thing I have to be is understanding and willing to listen and not just hear them. I make sure they know they have a voice and that it can be heard. I try to be adaptive in every moment with my kids so I can become exactly what/who they need in every moment.
They say once you find your purpose on earth you found the key to life. Well, I got the keys 💪🏾!”
*** Please follow along on instagram as well and learn more about Lady. 52 Phenomenal Women has now completed its second year! This is week 52 of 52.2.
Participants in this project will be supporting the efforts of Dress for Success Worldwide – Central. We are all stronger together and it is my sincere hope that we will be inspired by each other’s stories. Now is the time to celebrate as well as encourage one another. Tell your story!