Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Therese Myers. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Therese, appreciate you joining us today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

YES GIRLS CREATE, INC is a nonprofit youth mentorship organization dedicated to uniting girls 8 – 18 years old through creative collaborative events. We host monthly labs where girls receive hands-on training and mentoring from adult women who creative positive impact in the community.

Understanding that my daughters, nieces and other women need a community to connect with. This is how Yes Girls Create was birthed. I knew I wanted my girls to have a view into what the world holds, and that they could be anything they imagined. I knew that i could not give them everything they needed. I also knew that there was something burning inside of me to live a life that would be impactful. Yes Girls Create was birthed when I said Yes to this calling after attending a transformation leadership program in the summer of 2018.

I knew that i had a strong family support system, over 2 decades of leadership skills and knowledge, but I still had self doubt of how I could make a non profit organization work and be successful. What i knew for sure was (is) that GOD called this to be. I stepped out on faith on so many levels, pushed back my fears and called upon women in my community to embark on this journey. Literally, the world was waiting for Yes Girls Create. I know this because each connection that is meant to be apart of this journey answers the call with “YES”. We are changing the world one girl at a time.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am Therese Myers, the Founder of Yes Girls Create, a New York-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit girls mentor group. My journey into this field was inspired by a deep-seated passion for creativity and a commitment to empowering young girls. My background in leadership and Management, coupled with my experiences in community engagement, led me to establish Yes Girls Create. The idea was born out of a desire to provide a space where girls could freely express their creativity, develop their talents, and build confidence in a supportive and nurturing environment.

Yes Girls Create offers a variety of services and creative experiences aimed at girls aged 8 to 18. Our cornerstone programs include monthly labs and workshops where girls receive hands-on training in various creative disciplines, ranging from visual arts and music to digital media and performance arts. These labs are led by adult women creatives who serve as mentors and role models, providing valuable insights and guidance.

We also run the LeadHer Summer Enrichment Program, where we hire summer interns to lead and mentor younger girls. This initiative not only empowers the interns with leadership skills but also provides the younger girls with inspiring figures who are closer to their age.

One of the primary problems we solve for our clients, the young girls, is the lack of accessible platforms for creative exploration and personal development. We offer them a safe space to experiment, learn, and grow, both as creatives and as individuals. Additionally, we address the need for mentorship and positive role models, especially for those from underrepresented communities.

What sets Yes Girls Create apart is our emphasis on “Creativity without Limitation.” We believe in the limitless potential of each girl and strive to remove any barriers that might hinder their creative and personal growth. Our approach is inclusive, hands-on, and tailored to meet the diverse needs and interests of our members.

I am most proud of the impact we’ve had on the lives of the girls we’ve worked with. Seeing their growth in confidence, skill, and self-expression is incredibly rewarding. It’s a testament to the power of creativity and mentorship in shaping young minds.

For potential clients, followers, and Ambassadors, I want them to know that Yes Girls Create is more than just an organization – it’s a movement. It’s a community that celebrates and nurtures the creative spirit in every girl. We are committed to making a lasting difference, one girl at a time, and we welcome everyone who shares our vision to join us in this journey. We are committed to Empowering our girls to dream!

Whether you’re a parent looking for a nurturing environment for your daughter, a potential volunteer or mentor wanting to make a difference, or a supporter interested in contributing to a meaningful cause, Yes Girls Create offers you the opportunity to be part of something special, history making. Together, we can help shape a future where every girl has the chance to realize her creative potential and make her mark on the world.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

PIVOT took on an entire new meaning for YGC during the pandemic. It would have been so easy to give up and not continue on this mission. I was really knocking at the door of doubt and closure. During the pandemic I made the conscience choice to package all the supplies and mail the experience to my members and girls all over the world.

I would never have thought that being virtual could be connective and impactful. While being in person is truly transformational, During this time and stage of our growth, the virtual side keep girls in a space that they either had the chance to experience YGC for the first time or stay connected to us during a rough time in history. We did it and continue to push past obstacles.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

Embarking on this journey there have been so many “Unlearned” moments. The most important one is “You can NOT do it alone”. Often as leaders, women and founders we would just like to be head down and push forward. We are worried about being a burden or perhaps someone taking our ideas.

I have come to learn that what is for you is solely for you. No one can take what is destined to be. I have learned to lean into those who see past me and into the mission .Those who are “givers”. Those who understand this calling is bigger than us. Those who want to be apart of what GOD has called to be. Those who want to be apart of history (herstory). I am so thankful that i moved out my way and pushed myself to ask for help (well most times), cultivated relationships, brainstormed with those who see and understand the mission. Most importantly I have unlearned that self doubt does not mean quit, It means keep pushing.

We can not and should not embark on life alone. It gets lonely in some spaces. We need our tribe around us uplifting each other. I will say we can not take everyone with us but we have to discern when people are in the pursuit of our mission or theirs when we connect with them.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.yesgirlscreateinc.org
• Instagram: yesgirlscreate_inc
• Facebook: YesGirlsCreate_inc
• Linkedin: Thereselmyers
• Youtube: YesGirlsCreate_ygc
• Other: To contact us to be a sponsor, Experience leader or parent partner call 510.999.4475 To learn about our upcoming Be Well Be Creative Girls Conference at St. John University on 2.24.24 contact us Today. Photography credits StacyBePhotography www.Stacybephotography.com

Image Credits
Photography StacyBePhotography www.stacybephotography.com instagram & LinkedIn @stacybephtography please disregard image attached. System would not allow me to bypass this section.