ESSENCE OF A LADY, INC. is a sustainable 501(c)3 nonprofit organization since May, 1989. Our vision is to help all women and girls gain maximum healthy lifestyles and build generational wealth. Our mission is to educate, mentor and empower youth to develop career, leadership, entrepreneurial and social skills to graduate from high school and excel in life. Founder, Dr. JoAnn Ajayi-Scott has worked toward this vision and mission by recruiting over 400 professional and entrepreneurial adults to join our network of philanthropists to give time, talent and treasure (money), to support mentoring programming, field trips and special events since inception. Additionally, over 1000 youth from 2nd to 12th grade have participated in the educational and mentoring activities in 3 states, and 6 school districts. Essence of a Lady provides a wholistic approach to youth development. We have school, community and now faith-based mentoring programs to support youth’s mental, physical, emotional and spiritual development. With partnerships around the country, our youth and strategic partners are exposed to opportunities to learn, grow and make lifetime connections. These opportunities allow youth to build relationships and get one-to-one mentors for lifelong nonjudgmental support. It also affords high school graduates scholarship and apprenticeship opportunities. Professional and entrepreneurial women build friendships and gain opportunities to connect and grow their businesses from connections also. Finally, Essence of a Lady has been many distinguished awards for community leadership, philanthropy and humanitarian work. Most Notable was the Congressional recognition and Presidential Lifetime Achievement for over 5,000 hours of community service. To join our network of philanthropists, become a partner, sponsor or donor, go to www.eladies.org.