Today we’d like to introduce you to the Chisholm Leadership Academy and some of its board members, including founder Ashlyn Shockley Martin, Macon Superior Court Judge Verda Colvin, and Marva Tutt, principal of Hephzibah High School in Richmond County.
So, before we jump into specific questions, why don’t you give us some details about the organization’s work.
ASM: The Chisholm Leadership Academy (CLA) is a statewide nonprofit organization that leverages culturally responsive civic education, mentorship, and experiential instruction to inspire middle and high school girls of color to pursue bold careers in public service. We plan to serve girls in six regions – Albany, Atlanta, Augusta, Columbus, Macon, and Savannah – and to educate 500 scholars by 2025. Our work is inspired by the fearless leadership of Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm, the first Black woman to serve in the United States House of Representatives.
The organization was founded in the spring of 2018 and officially launched in 2019 with an International Day of the Girl Celebration that featured Georgia Court of Appeals Judge Carla Wong McMillian, State Representative Bee Nguyen, and March for Our Lives leader Nurah Abdulhaqq. In 2020, we will host a Day at The Capitol, summer and fall programs, and launch a mentorship initiative.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
ASM: CLA has been incredibly well-received by elected officials, parents, and future scholars. The founding board planned to host 20 girls at our launch event and more than 60 girls registered for the program. Like many nonprofits, we are always looking for additional financial support. We are committed to serving a diverse cohort, including girls from socioeconomic backgrounds, so donor cultivation and stewardship has been important.
Our civic education and political training program is designed to serve all middle and high school girls of color, but our board isn’t representative of all of the communities that we serve. We want to change that. We’ve done extensive outreach to Latina and Asian women and will continue to diversify our board of directors and convene an advisory board that reflects the many groups that we serve. It’s one of our 2020 priorities.
What prompted you to join the board?
VC: I joined the board of the Chisholm Leadership Academy because I recognize that strong women can help empower and cultivate girls to become women who are fearless and compelled to change their community and change the world. It is a wonderful cause. I am the fortunate one, to see this work in action.
How do you think that the program will benefit girls in your community?
MT: I hope that CLA will transform the lives of girls who participate in the program through awareness of how public service works and how they can become more involved in the process of shaping public policy. I also want young ladies to know it’s never too EARLY to think about running for public office.
The Chisholm Leadership Academy is the state’s only nonprofit organization that provides culturally responsive civic education to girls of color.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.chisholmleadershipacademy.org
- Email: info@chisholmleadershipacademy.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chisholmleaders/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChisholmLeaders/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/chisholmleaders
Suggest a story: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
