Our Story, Mission and vision
The Genesis of SheIs
SheIs emerged from a place of deep conviction and personal experience, birthed by Suretta, a visionary who saw the need for a sanctuary of empowerment for women. The journey began with a simple yet powerful idea: a gathering of women from diverse backgrounds, celebrating the strength and beauty of womanhood. This idea took form during a poignant Mother’s Day brunch, in memory of Suretta’s late mother, laying the foundation for what SheIs would become – a haven of support, inspiration, and sisterhood.
Our Mission: Empowering Every Dream
At the core of SheIs lies our unwavering mission: to empower women and young girls to dream without boundaries, to nurture their ambitions, and to overcome obstacles collectively. We believe in the transformative power of community, education, and mentorship, and are dedicated to providing a platform where every woman and girl can flourish.
Vision for the Future
At SheIs, we envision a world where womanhood is not just celebrated but empowered, where every dream finds its wings, and every woman’s potential is recognized and nurtured. Our ambitious plan to bring this vision to life includes establishing a unique space: a coffee house – the Inspire Blend Café.
Inspire Blend Café: A Hub of Empowerment and Growth
- For Women: By day, the Inspire Blend Café will serve as a sanctuary of empowerment for women, offering finance classes, healing workshops, financial advising, child care classes, and a supportive community space for sharing and learning.
- For Young Girls: In the evenings, the café transforms into a haven for young girls, providing self-esteem classes, self-defense training, journaling workshops, mentorship programs, and creative expression activities.
The Inspire Blend Café will be more than just a coffee shop; it’s where empowerment is brewed and served daily. It’s a dynamic, nurturing environment where women and girls can engage in skill development, receive mentorship and coaching, and connect with a supportive community. Our dream is to see the Inspire Blend Café become a reality, creating a tangible space for empowerment, where every visit inspires, and every interaction fosters growth and confidence.
This coffee house will be a cornerstone of our mission, offering much more than a place for relaxation and casual meet-ups. It will be a dynamic hub of empowerment, providing:
- Finance Classes: Empowering women with financial literacy for independence and security.
- Healing Workshops: Facilitating personal growth and emotional healing tailored to women’s unique experiences.
- Financial Advising: Access to expert financial advice on investments, savings, and budgeting.
- Child Care Classes: Essential skills and knowledge for effective parenting and child-rearing.
- Supportive Community Space: A judgment-free zone for women to connect, share experiences, and build supportive networks.
- Skill Development Sessions: Enhancing career and personal development skills for women from various backgrounds.
- Mentorship and Coaching: Offering personalized guidance and support, these programs will pair women with experienced mentors and coaches to help navigate personal and professional challenges.
In this coffee house, every woman will find a place to learn, grow, and connect. It’s where empowerment is not just discussed but actively practiced, through mentorship,
A Journey Through Loss and Discovery
The path that led Suretta to create SheIs was marked by profound personal challenges. Losing her mother at the tender age of 11 to breast cancer, and with her father grappling with health issues, Suretta faced the daunting task of navigating womanhood in the midst of loss and uncertainty. She had to redefine her dreams in a world that often seemed stacked against her, questioning how one can dare to dream when so much has been lost.
Finding Strength in Community
This journey was not one she walked alone. Suretta found solace and strength in the community of her sister and grandmother. They became her guiding lights, helping her to dream amidst the shadows of loss. This experience deeply ingrained in her the importance of a supportive community – a sanctuary for those who, like her, had to face life’s adversities without a traditional support system.
Building a Community of Empowerment
Suretta’s experiences led her to a pivotal realization: there are many girls and women who lack this essential support. She knew the incredible power a nurturing community could hold, especially for those who have faced significant loss or hardship. Motivated by this, she founded SheIs, a community that offers what she once yearned for – a space that inspires, empowers, and celebrates every woman and girl, regardless of their background or the challenges they have faced.
SheIs: A Tribute to Resilience and Hope
In SheIs, Suretta has created more than just an organization; she has established a haven for hope and resilience. It’s a community that stands as a testament to the belief that no matter the odds, with the right support and empowerment, every woman and girl can redefine their narrative. It’s a place where dreams are reignited, and where the legacy of loss transforms into a legacy of strength and empowerment.
Beyond her roles as a teacher and mother, Suretta has created a haven for women to connect, learn, and grow. She founded the annual ‘SheIs’ Mother’s Day brunch—an empowering event celebrating women from diverse backgrounds. Her passion for uplifting women led to the launch of ‘SheIs DreamingBold,’ a program dedicated to nurturing the dreams of young girls and women. Additionally, she established the ‘SheIs Mentorship Program,’ offering guidance and support to the next generation of leaders.
Suretta’s life story is a powerful reminder that through unwavering faith and boundless love, one can triumph over even the most profound challenges and emerge stronger, poised to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. Her journey is an inspiration, a testament to the indomitable human spirit, and a shining example of the enduring power of faith and love.