Today we’d like to introduce you to Tiara Smith.
Hi Tiara, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I have always been very passionate about serving and leading our female youth down the right path for success. A native of Mobile, AL, I grew up in a household where education was of paramount importance. I was heavily involved in performing arts as a child and continued throughout high school, which earned me a vocal scholarship to Stillman College in Tuscaloosa, AL. where I earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management. I continued my education by obtaining a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Walden University. I knew that the accomplishments that I had achieved came because I had mentors and developmental programs that taught me to believe in myself and go for the things I wanted in life. I began my path of mentoring and helping female youth 15 years ago as a modeling and etiquette instructor. This came with being a friend, mentor, counselor and motivator for the girls that I came in contact with. Seeing the girls flourish and be successful in school and other endeavors made my heart proud.
Over the years, I continued my mission to share my knowledge and provide invaluable experiences as a cheerleading coach and high school auxiliary mentor to young girls. I quickly realized that mentoring and teaching female youth was my true calling and passion. Through these encounters, I felt it necessary to provide support for the female youth outside of the home. Understanding the importance of life skills such as cultural and emotional awareness, etiquette, and dealing with relationships, I knew this organization was necessary. This is when (SHE) was born. I never looked at myself as a small business owner, but I recognize that is how others see me. I am simply doing the work I have been called to do. If that means operating a business to make it happen, then I accept the challenge, which is why Strengthening Her Evolution, Inc is in business today!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Starting any new business venture has its ups and downs. As a new non-profit, our journey is just beginning. By continuing to do the work in the community with our girls, we will influence the support we need to grow. Strengthening Her Evolution’s goal is to increase our impact in the lives of female youth each year. In order to provide our free workshops, resources and camps, we need the help of donations to make things happen.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Strengthening Her Evolution, Inc. (SHE) is a 501c3 that was created to aid & empower our underserved female youth in areas not covered in traditional schools. Our mission at SHE is to provide girls with the tools & resources needed to develop character, self-esteem & ensure the girls understand cultural awareness & economic conditions in their society & globally. Our organization engages girls as well as their mothers through programs & workshops aiming to overcome at-risk conditions, breaking the cycle of poverty, crime, & low educational attainment. SHE focuses on underserved, high-risk neighborhoods as our core service areas. We acknowledge the probability of parents encountering significant problems related to employment, education, self-sufficiency, or a healthy lifestyle, which trickles down to the youth in these areas. SHE’s programs serve ages 8 to 16, the interactive activities & projects will develop the skills needed to function & be successful in an ever-changing society. SHE evaluates & builds vital developmental skills through our five SHE fundamentals: developing character, developing self-esteem, building effective communication, understanding cultural awareness, & understanding economic conditions. We offer a specialized curriculum addressing areas such as: History & Evolution of the Female, Financial Literacy, The Economy & its Effect on Society, Etiquette/Appearance, Life Skills for SHE, Culture & Diversity Awareness, Effective Communication, S.T.E.A.M. & more.
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
If you would like to support our organization, please visit www.s-h-e.us/get-involved
Contact Info:
- Website: www.s-h-e.us
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StrengtheningHer
Image Credits
Ashley Gibbs
