What inspired your journey as a founder and leader in this space?

My childhood experiences in kinship foster care and growing up in Bed-Stuy profoundly shaped my desire to support girls who faced similar challenges. Despite the love and effort from my grandmother, the lack of extracurricular activities and resources left me struggling with self-confidence and self-esteem. I made a promise to myself: when I grew up, I would ensure that girls like me had access to the opportunities I was denied. My goal was to help them recognize their potential and make informed choices for their lives, armed with confidence and a strong sense of self-belief.

As a woman, what does leadership mean to you? How would you describe your leadership style and approach?

Leadership, to me, means leading by example and fostering a culture where everyone can learn from each other. Coming from corporate America, I've seen the power of mutual leadership and strive to apply this in my organization. My leadership style is holistic; I lead with intention, purpose, and clarity. By assigning roles based on individuals' talents and strengths, we create an environment of support and kindness. It's crucial for me to demonstrate to the girls we mentor how to communicate effectively and lead with compassion, preparing them to be the leaders of tomorrow.

What piece of advice would you give to women and girls aspiring to leadership roles?

Reflect on your purpose, because purpose becomes passion and if you work within that purpose and passion, you can manifest all that you aspire to achieve. I emphasize the importance of belief in oneself, the dedication to put in the necessary work, and the power of manifestation. So envision your goals, work hard, and believe in your ability to achieve them. This is the mindset to manifest your dreams into reality.

Looking ahead, what impact do you hope to achieve through your work with your organization?

In the short term, I hope to see our mentees grow in confidence and self-esteem, becoming self-aware and driven individuals. Long-term, my vision for Felicia's Promise is to provide a comprehensive support system for young girls, offering a space where they can access all the resources needed to succeed in life. From coding to financial literacy, we want to facilitate their growth into confident, capable, and financially independent women. Ultimately, the goal is to establish a physical space that serves as a nurturing ground for our girls, enabling them to achieve their dreams and, in turn, give back to the community that supported their journey.