"Oh baby, you’re destined for greatness!"
This statement is one that Ashley N. Company knew to be true, she took the daring plunge to leave her job at Frito Lay- to travel to 35 countries solo- and landed on to something both beautiful and necessary… I present to you Jelani Girls, Inc.
Jelani Girls Inc. founder, Ashley N. Company
What is Jelani? Jelani is Swahili for ‘greatness’. Jelani Girls, Inc. has done something pretty unique, they have found a way to build and mobilize both women and girls under one umbrella. Jelani Women, another part of the organization, is a paid membership program in which women are actively engaged in being the change they want to see in the world. LITERALLY. Through the funds raised by adult woman membership, the Jelani Girls Scholarship Fund is benefited. While both divisions operate separately, both the benefactors and benefiters meet each other in a few ways- the scholarship gala, the Jelani Women receptions and/or through the Jelani Women-Jelani Girl mentoring program.
Jelani Women service trip to Kenya, Africa November 2016, see JelaniGirls.org for more info.
*Jelani Girl handing out backpacks in Trinidad*
Who may volunteer:
For girls: 14-18 with one collegiate student 18-21; Women: Any woman over the age of 21.
A unique aspect about Jelani is that its service projects focus on the African Diaspora. They accomplish this by incorporating trips abroad to actively place their girls and members in the midst of their target of service- they go to Africa, Trinidad & Tobago and other places too! Fundraising and community engagement is majorly important to Jelani Girls, Inc. hence their annual 5K race and scholarship gala.
There are different ways to get involved, one of which is by joining as a committee member but if you want to do more here is what you need to know. CrystalSays.com asked their founder, Ashley, and this is what she said:
"We have proof of concept. Women are repeatedly participating with us on international trips and stating that the experience is life changing. Girls' grades are increasing, their hearts and minds are opening, their confidence and humility are steadily rising, but not enough people know we exist. The call to action is to share our program with someone you know today. Business partnerships are a great way to grow and have more people know about us."
If you like what Jelani is doing, don't be silent, spread the word Lovies!
How to Get Involved:
*Join Jelani Girls Inc as a committee member and use your expertise, skills and passions to support the Board of Directors in getting things done behind the scenes.
*Sign up for an incredible Jelani Women service trip, private or public.
*Donate as an individual contributor or as a member of Jelani Women.
