Positively Empowering and Restoring
Ladies Self-Esteem, Inc.
Impacting the Lives of Young Girls in Urban Communities Through Engaging Mentorship
Impacting the Lives of Young Girls in Urban Communities Through Engaging Mentorship
Develop positive relationships with your mentors and friends here at PEARLS, and be in the company of women who will inspire you to be the best version of your authentic self!
Cleveland's Girls Mentoring and
Empowerment Group
Dynamic and Engaging Programs for Young Women
Cleveland's Girls Mentoring and
Empowerment Group
Dynamic and Engaging Programs for Young Women
Positively Empowering and Restoring Ladies Self-Esteem, Inc. (PEARLS) is a mentoring and empowerment group that services girls ages 11-14. We are a traveling school and neighborhood-based program designed to meet girls where they are—both figuratively and literally. In addition to our group program, we also offer 1 to 1 mentoring.
Facilitated by women who are passionate about redefining and reshaping the young urban girl, at PEARLS we truly believe in meeting our participants where they are. Our desire is to pour into our girls through intimate conversations and engaging activities in a safe and creative space.
The Birth of PEARLS
The Birth of PEARLS
Cleveland is reshaping as a city and our desire is to ensure that our girls are reshaping by embracing their uniqueness. PEARLS was created as an outreach attempt to young girls from urban communities and non-traditional backgrounds. We believe that girls deserve positive guidance that will help to steer them down the path of individual freedom with the focus on self-esteem and empowerment, success and gaining the level of pride that they shouldn’t be afraid to walk in.
Mission Statement
Mission Statement
To nurture authenticity and self-love within young girls in urban communities through mentoring, education, engagement, and empowerment
Vision Statement
Vision Statement
We envision every girl receiving the chance to experience positive mentorship through sincere and effective individual connections and engaging group programs
Meet Our Team
Brittney A. Smith, PEARLS Founder
Meet Our Team
Brittney A. Smith, PEARLS Founder
Hi! My name is Brittney and I am the creator of the PEARLS, Inc. girls mentoring group. I too, like many of the young girls that we service, proudly grew up in the heart of Cleveland. As a young girl, I remember the pressure to “be” and most times it wasn’t a healthy pressure. It was pressure to try to be someone I knew that I wasn’t.
I know how uncomfortable that feeling is, and I am sure that it is even more challenging for the youth today. PEARLS was created to help young urban girls create the skills needed to combat challenges that can affect their esteem, help to develop healthy social and behavioral skills and nurture their uniqueness.
With almost 10 years of working with youth in various capacities, I am excited to continue this journey! I am an avid Clevelander, Community Developer and Program Manager by trade, an active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and an all-around lover of people and youth!
Welcome to the PEARLS Experience!
Shanna Owensby, Board Member
Shanna Owensby, Board Member
Shanna Owensby, presently a Behavioral Health Social Worker and Entrepreneur. Shanna fell into social work because of her passion for helping people from a young age. After 10 years of experience working in social services, she recognized that her great passion is bringing healing and growth to individuals as well as developing and supporting our communities.
Shanna believes in empowering people and young girls especially to be their best and find healthy perceptions of themselves and the world around them. Empowered little girls become powerful women. Powerful women can do anything we put our minds to achieving.
Courtney L. Green, Board Member
Courtney L. Green, Board Member
Courtney Lg, is a Cleveland native and CMSD graduate. She most recently has the pleasure of working at her Alma Mater John Hay High School, and enjoys every minute of being back. Courtney loves to work with youth in her community, which is Glenville where she grew up and currently resides. Courtney is extremely proud to serve her community and youth that may need help connecting to resources.
Courtney loves volunteering, studying natural herbal medicine, traveling, spending time with her loved ones, attending concerts and church, and most recent chilling in the park. Her belief is for you to think of her as bridge to help you get to another place that you need to be. Courtney's motto is: I am here to serve you, because I used to be you!!!
Clarissa S. russell, Board Member
Clarissa S. russell, Board Member
Clarissa S. Russell has served for the past 20 years as a health education advocate for adult mental health and youth. Clarissa has demonstrated commitment to the advancement of "high risk" and marginalized youth by introducing and mentoring them through their inner education journey for the advancement of our community has called her to serve in various roles. Clarissa serves in several roles including Manager of Regional Admissions for Easter Michigan University and Program Director for All About Your Health. Clarissa is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and loves foster parenting, volunteering, and traveling.
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