She's Me Is More Than a Program. It's a Promise.

Sometimes I look at a young Black girl and I don't just see her circumstances. I see myself.

I grew up in foster care. I never really had a mother figure — no woman to teach me and guide me through the basic necessities and rules of life, from a young girl, to a young lady, to a young woman. It was hard. It still is hard some days. I still struggle to this day, but I'm learning as I go, and I'm still becoming.

Here's what I want every girl to know: I couldn't control the hand I was dealt — but I'm the one dealing them now. I'm pushing through. I'm learning, even as I write this. I'm growing into the most powerful Black woman I can be.

Through my work as a deputy sheriff, I have crossed paths with young Black girls from many different backgrounds and circumstances. Some are hurting. Some are misunderstood. Some are simply trying to figure out who they are.

She's Me isn't just for them. This opportunity isn't just about teaching young girls — I'm learning in the process too, and I hope to learn something from others. We grow together.

I'm a mother of two girls of my own, and I'm ready to do this — for them, and for every girl who needs someone in her corner.

That's why She's Me exists.

I'm still growing. I'm still learning. I'm still becoming.

But I've learned enough to know that reaching back matters.

She's Me is my way of reaching back.