THE MISSION: Center of Attention (COA) provides a workspace and resources for ‘my black is beautiful’ teen girls to strategize an implementation plan, that focuses on career-building skills while exercising their creativity, passion, and confidence. 

THE VISION: Closes the gap between uncertainty and reassurance in the way black teen girls think of themselves and their capabilities. Through guiding our youth into new avenues, they can explore themselves, find their purpose, and help others. We are trying to build a community of strong women who are outspoken and knowledgeable about the things that matter. With an emphasis on creativity, mental health, and entrepreneurship, we believe this sisterhood can achieve great things.

THE PROCESS: Center Of Attention offers bi-monthly workshops geared towards networking, goal setting, and entrepreneurial skills for black teen girls. We provide workspace and resources for young girls along with members from the community with the purpose of guiding them into productive individualism. We want to help bring up a new generation of go-getters that are outspoken, passionate, and daring. A strong sense of purpose guides us to assist in building a more inclusive society that provides opportunities and supports new identities and ideas.

COA was originally started for the niece of one of our founders who was 13 years old at the time. She watched as she transitioned from a child to a young woman with the struggles that came along with it. Right then and there, she realized she needed to do more than just the typical auntie talk. Instead, she gave her an outlet where she could express herself, gain new experiences, find her purpose, and exercise creativity all while building a sisterhood where young girls could hold each other accountable. The vision behind this sisterhood is not about perpetuating a certain carbon copy but celebrating what makes each individual unique.

Nina had no issues with setting up shop in her own home as the first meeting was held in her backyard in October of 2017. With vision boards and in-depth conversations of what type of goals everyone wanted to achieve, a new adventure started to take form. One that works for the benefit of our youth while speaking their language. We communicated with teen black girls and found the questions that needed to be answered and the challenges that needed to be overcome. And that is where the Blueprint began.

Today, COA is a mentoring program that touches on the topics of self-love, mental health, sisterhood, community building, self-respect, respecting others, networking, skill-building, and much more. During the workshop, we give the chance for our teens to get creative, set goals, and prepare for the entrepreneurial world. 

Beginning with introducing them to certified volunteers in different fields of their interest whether it be cosmetology, art, or management. Our purpose is to open up space for teens to be as expressive as they want without fear of judgment or lack of understanding from others. We aim to continue to provide consistency, dedication, and strategies they can use to achieve a healthy, bright, and promising future of their choice.

We understand that our youth are more than just a statistic, that every teenager has a unique experience. Our goal is to provide a space for teenagers to express themselves and develop their own individual stories, with the help of our mentorship program.