#OperationBlossom

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Operation Blossom

Who We are

#OperationBlossom is a one-on-one mentorship initiative for girls ages 12-18 years old. At a time when our communities are most vulnerable and our future is most precious, there is a need for prominent and influential women to sow into the young girls of our city. #OperationBlossom serves that purpose, here to harvest the leaders of tomorrow.

Our Mission

To empower girls ages 12-18 through a series of target-specific events and programming that consistently exposes them to uplifting and inspirational women who have been where they are and are now where they one day hope to be.

Our goal is to help our girls grow into successful, phenomenal women. We want to sow into them; we want to shine a light on them; we want to shower them with love and we want to watch them BLOSSOM!

Our Program

The #OperationBlossom program is created to support, empower and uplift each participant. #OperationBlossom mentees will have the unique opportunity to meet and form meaningful relationships with their dedicated mentor as well as the other mentees during a six month program packed with great activities and awesome experiences. Each mentee is paired with an #OperationBlossom mentor, who is selected based on several factors, including background, experiences and commonalities. Each mentee will meet with their mentor once a month to check-in on their progress and receive advice.

As an #OperationBlossom mentee, each girl will also enjoy some pretty awesome perks, including all expense paid field trips with #OperationBlossom including but not limited to back-to-school pamper sessions and movie nights. We will also use this opportunity to engage them in conversations about self-worth, confidence and service, while fostering their interest in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) and other non-traditional careers. We want to also use this platform to reward girls for academic excellence while also helping them to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

In addition to one on one meetings with their dedicated mentor, each mentee will have access to our exclusive #OperationBlossom Facebook page, where they can connect with the mentees of the program, communicate with mentors, and even receive homework help!

MENTEES

Mentees

Girls 12-18

OperationBlossom is looking for young girls ages 12 to 18 who are interested in gaining a once in a lifetime experience through our fun, exciting, and uplifting mentor program. We’d love for you to join us! We would love to have your young girl as part of our program. If you are interested in becoming an #OperationBlossom mentee for 2018, please apply below!

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MENTORS

Mentors

College Educated Women

We are also looking for college educated women to serve as mentors to our girls! If you are a committed, highly motivated woman looking to give back to her community by uplifting and building young women, this program is for you! Please apply below.

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APPLY

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Ready to take the next step as a mentee? Mentee Application

Mentors sign up today!

Mentor Application

Our Leaders

Tia Hawkins

A Chicago native, Tia graduated from Western Illinois University with a Bachelor of Science in Marketing and received her Master of Science degree in Integrated Marketing Communications from Roosevelt University. Since 2010, Tia has worked with a number of independent brands, helping emerging entrepreneurs reach their full potential and helping them turn their visions into realities. Serving as a brand consultant specializing in start-up branding, marketing and brand development, Tia offers advice from social media tactics to website design and promotional advertising to the overall do’s and don’ts of basic marketing.

Tia has worked with several nonprofits and other programs geared toward helping today’s youth reach their potential to be tomorrow’s leaders. #OperationBlossom was birthed from Tia’s passion to encourage and motivate young girls, from those she connects with every day to those she may never meet but strives to impact in a special way. She hopes you and your daughter will be influenced by our program and that it will be an experience you will never forget!

Erika Randle

Erika graduated from Southern Illinois University with a Bachelor of Arts in History in December 2015. As the President of her Undergraduate Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated and the President of National Pan-Hellenic Council at her Alma Mater, Erika worked with various groups from different backgrounds to advance their common goals. Erika has served in various roles that contribute directly to success of businesses and organizations, including Operations Manager and Life Skills Trainer, proving her track record for excellence and leadership.

Erika is a product of a Chicago mentor program, which she participated in as a young girl through her teenage years. Because of the active role her mentor played in her life, growth and development, Erika has a deep appreciation, understanding, and love for mentoring young girls. She brings a unique and much needed perspective to #OperationBlossom, and serves as its Assistant Director. It is her goal to ensure that each mentee receives the best experience and truly benefits from the relationship with her mentor, as Erika still does today.