OUR DYNAMICTEAM
At the heart of our organization is a passionate and talented team dedicated to coaching girls towards being stable as young adults. Each leader brings unique expertise, creativity and lived experiences and together, we make things happen. This is the spirit behind our Mentorship Programs For Black Youth In Minneapolis, MN.
Meet the Team
Project DIVA International's culture is founded on the women - who are leading - intentionally staying in tune with the 'little girl' inside themselves. It's this same intentionality that grounds our mentoring work with Black girls across the Twin Cities.
In our organization, each leader is not above articulating and moving toward accomplishing their goals. Why? In order for our girls to take us seriously, we have to be active examples. Each adult is held accountable to being on a personal and professional development journey of her own along with the girls across the year - the standard we hold for anyone leading youth mentorship in Minnesota.
Enjoy learning about our leaders perspectives on life so that you get a better feel of the brilliance who is coaching these innovative and creative girls! Their leadership is what makes our Black youth mentoring programs stand out, and why families across Minneapolis and St. Paul continues to trust Project DIVA International as a home for youth development for Black girls in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Executive Director
Neda Kellogg
Fun Fact:
I love the Boondocks! The hood in me lives vicariously through Riley and the independent thinker in me lives vicariously through Hughey! LOL
My Thoughts on BE-ing:
I came across this quote that said, 'The definition of hell is - during your last couple of breaths, the person you became gets to meet the person you had the potential of Being.' I've chosen to leave this earth experiencing heaven instead of hell. I live with no regrets knowing that the person 'I AM' is the person I choose to BE right now and everyday until my last day on earth!
Marketing Director,
Self-Love & Leadership Facilitator
Keeya Allen
Fun Fact:
I love exploring new adventures, obtaining knowledge, and traveling throughout the world!
My Thoughts on BE-ing:
To me, relaxing and resting in ME equates to BE-ing. Often times, people will torture themselves in attempting to be something or someone they're not.
I am the best by being the best me. I always know that I am LOVED. I am enough. I am deserving of all things great. I am supported. I am capable. I am brilliant.
I am liberated. It is my birthright to LIVE, LOVE and to gracefully dance in my purpose.
Learning & Development Director
Business 369 Personal Finance Facilitator for the
6th - 8th Grade Girls
LaQuisha Hunnecook
Fun Fact:
My fun fact is that I LOVE hoodies that have my favorite childhood cartoons displayed.
My Thoughts on BE-ing:
I am the Being of my foundation. Without knowing my "WHY", I would never get to my ending. My Being is to stay grounded & connected, so that I am always READY for whatever.
Career Exploration Director
Martha Norris
Fun Fact:
I love to climb trees and I am very good at it. To be able to climb to the top of a tall pine, especially when the wind is blowing, is an amazing experience. I am cradled in the arms of the tree and can feel it dancing in the wind. At these times, I feel part of the energy of the cosmos.
My Thoughts on BE-ing:
I am a child of life and a global citizen. I firmly believe the words of Dr. King and I do my best to act on them, “We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.” I believe in love and live my marvelous life accordingly with great gratitude and zest!
Executive Assistant
Self-Discovery Coach
Iyonna Ross
Fun Fact:
I am a foodie! The emotions that I have when I am about to try new food is exhilarating for me because I am a picky eater. I might like it and I might not and I love being in the space of not knowing!
My Thoughts on BE-ing:
As I am settling into my 20’s I have this quote that I created, finding it profound. It reads, ‘Being able to make the decision to come out of your comfort zone to accomplish greater things is an accomplishment all on its own!’ As I am showing up in my truth more, this has been the blueprint for how I am transitioning into attaining the lifestyle I am continually envisioning.
Business 369 Personal Finance Facilitator for the
9 - 12th Grade Girls
Deedra Thomas
Fun Fact:
I sing and dance everyday! I love music and always have a song playing in my head. So, if you ever see me bobbing my head to a beat you can't hear, mind ya business, lol.
My Thoughts on BE-ing:
Everyday I wake up, I am given another chance to choose how I want to walk through this world. I choose to be the kind of woman my mother would be proud of. I choose to not judge myself nor others. I choose love, joy, kindness and peace. I choose to move with intention and purpose in pursuit of freedom.
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Entrepreneurs Are Us Facilitator
Deanna Murphy
Fun Fact:
Birthdays are holidays to me.
My Thoughts on BE-ing:
Rich isn’t monetary, it's having unlimited experiences with the things I love.
Impressions Magazine Executive Editor
Fareedah Hasan
Fun Fact:
I am a part of the 10% “lefty” population! - lol.
My Thoughts on BE-ing:
'BE-ing' to me is about staying true to your values, principles, boundaries, expectations and standards, even when working through those tough moments and conversations in this life.
99%
of our girls graduate from
high school
Over 5,000 Girls Transformed
86%
of our girls have increased their
financial literacy
<1%
teen pregnancy rate