WS Chronicle

By Brittany Leak and Dothula Baron

On Saturday, Nov. 16, My FACE held a meet and greet to welcome potential new participants to its MENTOR (Mentor, Empowerment, Nurturing, Transformation, Opportunities, and Responsibility) program. The event was held at the S.G. Atkins CDC and Enterprise Center. The main speakers were Shannon Brooks, My FACE treasurer, who spoke on financial literacy and Monica Jackson-Buxton, who shared a motivational talk, “Ultimate Wisdom,”  which focused on clarity, confidence, and commitment. The phenomenal information they shared was a blessing to everyone who attended. They both delivered powerful, uplifting messages. 

My FACE stands for Females Acting in Confidence and Empowerment. It is a nonprofit agency that was formed to train women in personal development and leadership, including communication, esteem-building, personal affirmation, responsibility, self-respect/honoring oneself, respect for others, acknowledging/encouraging other women, trust, relationship-building, team building and problem solving. Our mission is to improve and enhance the status and quality of life for women. My FACE board members include Brenda Sloan, Brittany Leak, Dothula Baron, Krystal Sheerin, Pamella Williams-Mack, Patricia Caldwell, Quanisha Silver, and Shannon Brooks. 

Historically, women of color have lagged behind the majority population, socially and economically, and thus have generally been powerless and disenfranchised. They have not been encouraged to be strong leaders. The vision is that all women of color will be prepared to live and thrive abundantly, proficiently, and effectively in the contemporary world.

MENTOR is a part of My FACE. It is a holistic program that provides mentors to unemployed/underemployed families. These mentors encourage heads of household to work toward improving themselves socially and professionally. They assist families in writing Family Empowerment Plans (FEPs), helping them follow through on those life plans, and keeping data on their progress. Mentors serve as coaches, counselors, trainers, advisors, support personnel, facilitators, and guides.

Monica Jackson-Buxton, Saturday’s motivational speaker, commented, “Today was truly AMAZING! I had the honor of being one of the keynote speakers at an inspiring event dedicated to mothers, hosted by a phenomenal nonprofit organization.”

Other women who attended also spoke highly of the event:

“The energy in the room was electric as we connected over food, prizes, Paparazzi jewelry, and life-changing workshops like the financial seminar by Shannon Brooks. We even had daycare available, ensuring mothers could fully engage and grow.”

“Being surrounded by women who are ready to elevate their potential was truly inspiring!”

“Together, we’re building stronger families, brighter futures, and unstoppable communities.”

Everyone who attended was truly inspired. Patricia Caldwell, a member of the My FACE Board of Directors, commented, “Today was awesome! I enjoyed every moment.” 

Mistresses of ceremony were Krystal Sheerin and Quanisha Silver, along with board members who organized the event, inviting speakers, planning the menu, decorating, and assembling gift bags and door prizes. Krystal, a former participant in the MENTOR Project, remarked, “Just because you are told no, doesn’t mean you give up. You keep going until you get your yes. My FACE is about helping you get your yes!”

The program committee, chaired by Sophia Kennedy, was the brainchild for the Meet and Greet. She gave an extraordinary presentation on “purpose” and how it contributes to one’s personal growth. Sophia shared that “My FACE unpacks the weights, to help you build mass and strength to carry you through to your destiny.” 

As with every other speaker, she was engaging and outstanding.

The afternoon ended with a few comments graciously given by Mercedes Jackson of the Shalom Project’s Flourish Project. 

MyFACE looks forward to having many more Meet and Greet events in the future!  

Brittany Leak and Dothula Baron are members of My FACE.