Today we’d like to introduce you to Francine Gadsden
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My name is FranCine Gadsden, and I am the proud founder of Afro Puff Gurl Prep Academy, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to empowering Black and Brown girls ages 6-18.
My journey began at the early age of 10 when I was introduced to the world of fashion through a sewing class in school. This experience ignited a passion within me for creativity and self-expression. As I grew older, I realized how powerful it was to have a skill and a creative outlet, and I wanted to share that gift with others, especially young girls who look like me.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The idea for Afro Puff Gurl Prep Academy came to me as I noticed a lack of resources and support for Black and Brown girls in my community. I wanted to create a space where they could learn, grow, and be inspired. In the beginning, it was challenging to get the word out and secure funding. However, I was determined to make a difference. I started small, organizing workshops and events with the help of a few dedicated donors and volunteers that shared my vision.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
As the word spread about our mission, more people began to support our cause. We launched several programs focusing on leadership, academic excellence, and personal development. One of our most successful initiatives is our annual Empowerment Summit, which provides free admission to all attendees. To fund this, we sell t-shirts and other merchandise, which has been a great way to raise funds and spread our message.
Over the last year, we have seen incredible transformations in the girls who participate in our programs. For instance, one of our participants came to us shy and unsure of herself. Through our mentorship program, she discovered her passion for doing hair and now style her brother’s locs. Stories like hers remind me why I started this journey and motivate me to keep going.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
What matters most to me is the empowerment and upliftment of Black and Brown girls. This mission is deeply personal to me, rooted in my own experiences and the challenges I faced growing up. I want to create opportunities and provide resources that many young girls may not have access to otherwise. By doing so, I hope to inspire confidence, resilience, and ambition in the next generation.
I believe that every girl deserves to see herself represented and to have role models who look like her. Representation matters because it shapes our self-perception and our aspirations. When girls see successful women who share their background, it broadens their horizons and helps them dream bigger.
Moreover, the empowerment of young girls has a ripple effect on families, communities, and society as a whole. Educated and confident girls grow into empowered women who can drive change, break barriers, and contribute positively to the world. By investing in these girls, we are investing in a brighter and more equitable future.
This mission drives me every day and keeps me motivated to overcome any obstacles that come my way. It is the foundation of Afro Puff Gurl Prep Academy and the reason why I am committed to continuing this work.
Pricing:
- $35.00
Contact Info:
- Website: https://apgpa.org
- Instagram: afropuffgurl.prepacademy
- Facebook: apgpa
