HerShe Girl “Bridges” into Adulthood

Last Sunday, the HerShe Group invited over 75 guests to witness the first annual HerShe Bridging Ceremony designed and written by Hattie Winston, Lynn Claire Stuart and Kenadie Cobbin Richardson. This year, three HerShe girls will be transitioning from adolescence into adulthood; however, the ceremony honored one young lady – Erika Jones.

The ceremony began with all of the girls dressed in all-white entering the room. Twinkie Byrd was the regal mistress of ceremonies, director and also the one-on-one mentor of the young lady “bridging” into the adult world. As Twinkie began speaking from the podium, she held back tears as she contemplated the road that was completing and the road that was just beginning for her mentee.

As famed musician, Munyongo Jackson, played a determined drum beat, the younger girls who have yet to reach emancipation age showed their HerShe sister love by placing symbolic artifacts in a decorative box.   In this box, Erika received silver ribbons that represented each person in the HerShe community, a glass slipper symbolizing her ability to take her place in the world, an ankh symbolizing her faith and femininity, and a butterfly representing her transformation from a girl to a woman.

After all of the girls presented the HerShe prayer, pledge and song, Erika Jones was “sworn in” to adulthood by HerShe Group founder, Kenadie Cobbin Richardson. Erika promised to leave childish things behind and embrace all that it means to be a young adult woman.

Finally, the time came when she would physically bridge into society. With the HerShe community behind her and the community at-large in front of her, charismatic Rev. John Cager spoke words of wisdom and encouragement on behalf of the world she was now entering. He reminded her that her HerShe family would always be there and it would be up to her to include and involve her HerShe family with her new life as an adult. It was truly an amazing moment.

Kenadie would like to send a special THANK YOU to LYNN CLAIRE STUART who was the catalyst for this ceremony taking place. She worked tirelessly in her effort to create, perfect and format the ceremony especially for HerShe girls. She deserves all of the love and adoration from all 75 guests and especially HerShe Group’s founder, Kenadie Cobbin Richardson.

Nia Long Adopts HerShe as her Favorite Charity

Award-winning actress, Nia Long, adopted the HerShe Group as her all-time favorite charity. When asked why Long chose to passionately support the HerShe Group, Nia explains, “I had been contemplating several charities that I was considering to get involved with for about two years. But as I continued to get to know Kenadie, the HerShe girls, and the life-changing work that was being done, I realized that this is where I was meant to be. HerShe gives young women the guidance, skills, and love to move beyond unfortunate circumstances and create greatness for the future. I have dedicated my time, talent and resources to these girls and feel blessed to be accepted and appreciated. Together, we grow, laugh, cry and love!”

Nia’s friend, a HerShe volunteer (Daphne Wayans), invited Long to speak to the girls during HerShe’s first Camp Cinderella. This specialized camp for girls in foster care is held annually on Pepperdine University’s Malibu campus. During her talk, Nia spoke candidly about her own childhood struggles, the thrilling details of her rise in Hollywood as one of the industry’s most beautiful and talented leading ladies, and the importance of forgiveness.

Eight months later, the HerShe Group honored her with the nonprofit’s first ever Essence of Being Extraordinary Award. During her acceptance speech, Nia revealed, “I didn’t grow up in foster care, but there is a little HerShe in me, too.” She courageously shared circumstances in her life that she overcame to be successful.

She returned again that summer to HerShe’s Celebrity Barbecue Bash along with friends Sanaa Lathan and Regina Hall. Responding to their easy-going presence, a HerShe teen commented, “It was so cool hanging out with them. They really are just like regular people. I feel like I can talk to them about anything.”

HerShe Group’s founder and executive director, Kenadie Cobbin-Richardson, enjoys working so closely with Nia and is more hopeful about the organization’s future than ever. She shares, “Because of Nia’s involvement, HerShe will be providing transformational programs for girls in foster care well into the future!”

Yahoo! Donates HerShe’s Largest Grant To-Date

The Yahoo! Employees Foundation (Yahoo!) demonstrated the highest level of confidence in HerShe Group’s innovative and effective programming by donating $32,000 -- the largest grant ever received by the nonprofit to-date.

Yahoo! was at first reluctant to award a grant that is 21% of the organization’s budget. Normal industry practice is 10 to 15%. However, the grants committee was so impressed with the organization’s proven track record of success; they saw their donation as an opportunity to help HerShe leverage larger donations from other companies as a result of their leadership contribution.

Christi Turner, a three-year veteran mentor and Yahoo! employee at the time, encouraged HerShe to apply for the grant. Only Yahoo! employees can submit grants for consideration and must champion the organization throughout the lengthy application process. “I love how HerShe helps to transform the lives of girls in foster care. I will do whatever I can to support the organization’s mission,” said Christi regarding her involvement.

Kenadie Cobbin-Richardson, HerShe Group’s founder and executive director is thankful for Christi’s leadership and initiative. Kenadie noted, “She exemplifies what being a part of the HerShe community is all about!”