Vision
We envision a world where all Black girls experience wholeness in their minds and bodies and feel empowered to walk confidently in every area of their lives.
Mission
We serve to establish a safe and nurturing foundation for Black girls journeying towards queendom.
How HIGH
is your crown?
WHO WE ARE
Queenin' It believes in a holistic and tailored approach to mentoring that empowers Black girls aged 12-17 on their journey to queendom. Our unique dosage module ensures an intimate and supportive environment, with a low mentor-to-girl ratio of two mentors per site and small group sizes ranging from 10 to 12 girls. This allows for personalized attention, fostering meaningful connections between mentors and mentees.
Our curated curriculum is the heartbeat of our program, revolving around three foundational pillars: self-care and wellness, self-conceptualization, and academic success. We recognize that these pillars are crucial in shaping a well-rounded and empowered individual. Through engaging activities, discussions, and mentorship, we equip our mentees with the tools they need to navigate their teenage years with confidence and resilience.
What sets us apart is our commitment to understanding the unique experiences of Black girls. We acknowledge the intersectionality of their identities and the challenges they may face. To bridge this understanding, our mentors are not just guides; they are reflections of the journey. Our mentors are Black women who intimately understand the nuances, triumphs, and struggles of being a Black girl. Their experiences mirror those of our mentees, creating a bond founded on shared stories, cultural understanding, and a shared commitment to growth.
In essence, our approach goes beyond traditional mentoring. It's a transformative journey where each girl is seen, heard, and guided towards her queendom, guided by mentors who have walked a similar path and emerged as queens in their own right.
Our Approach
Our community
Queenin' It is dedicated to centering the experiences of Black girls aged 12-17 years old, recognizing this critical juncture as a transformative phase in their lives. As girls are navigating between self-discovery and societal expectations, creating spaces of safety, support and guidance is vital .
With this, we believe in the strength of collaboration. Through partnerships with organizations that share our vision, we aim to create a web of support that envelops these young girls. We seek allies who believe in the transformative power of mentorship, education, and empowerment, and who understand that advocating for Black girlhood is an investment in a brighter future for all.
Creating safe spaces for Black girls, by Black girls.
Our Team
OH HEY. I'm Layla
MEET THE FOUNDER
Meet Layla Ellaisy, a Howard University alumna and passionate advocate for youth development, education, and most importantly, healing. With her Bachelor of Arts degree in Community Development, she embarked on a journey that would ultimately lead her to establish Queenin’ It.
Growing up as a timid black girl, Layla often felt her voice was drowned out by the noise of the world. She knew firsthand the powerlessness of a voice unheard. However, she transformed her shyness into strength and started Queenin It to help young black girls discover their own voices and unlock their incredible potential.
By day, Layla serves as a Community Partnership Manager at the National Women's Law Center,a gender justice organization. Here, she tirelessly champions the voices of black and brown girls in schools across the country, making sure that their voices are not only heard but respected and valued.
Beyond her advocacy work, Layla is a podcasting enthusiast and the host behind the Life be Lifein’ podcast, where she talks about all things healing, movement, ebbing and flowing through the twists of life. She also enjoys candle making, traveling, journaling, being a proud dog mama to her furbaby, ReCee and of course, everything Jesus lol.
Layla's journey is a testament to the transformative power of finding one's voice and using it to inspire change. Through Queenin It and her advocacy work, she's committed to uplifting young queens and reminding us all of the incredible potential that lies within each voice, waiting to make a difference.
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