BY JATIKA HUDSON, GUEST WRITER TO THE TIMES
ORLANDO – GIRLS UP, a new program under MAN UP Mentoring, Inc., debuted at this year’s 10th Anniversary Gala held on September 21, 2024 at the Grand Bohemian Hotel Downtown. Joined by their program director, the young ladies of GIRLS UP epitomized beauty, elegance and class as they were introduced to long-time supporters of the Orlando-based youth mentoring organization.
Nadya Stevens, was hand selected to be the program director for the new female group. Stevens served as a former mentor with MAN UP from 2016-2018. Although she loved working with the organization, the timing was off for her at first. Looking back, she realizes working with youth who ongoingly face traumatic experiences forced her to confront the traumas of her own childhood head on.
During her six-year hiatus from MAN UP she sought out a mentor for her personal and professional development and began to lean into her faith, in search of peace. She also became a doting mom to Amir her “son” shine. Since Stevens never envisioned becoming a single mom, she was even more committed to breaking the generational trauma for the sake of her son and began therapy. “The resounding love for my son brought me closer to my family and fueled me even more to invest in my wellbeing,” she said.
According to Stevens, she knows all too well the challenges many of the young ladies’ face are daunting and could be seen as hindrances. However, Stevens and her team consistently remind the mentees that giving up on themselves, their dreams and their futures is not an option. GIRLS UP places a heavy focus on building the girls’ self-esteem, self-love and self-confidence. Studies show the benefits of doing so will begin to permeate other areas of their lives, such as their grades, choices and decision-making.
Morriah, a 15-year-old mentee is grateful for this experience and is already encouraged by what she’s seen and learned so far. She was one of the mentees who completed the requirements to attend the milestone event. In preparation for the gala, she went gown shopping for the first time, attended a fine-dining and etiquette workshop, that included a four-course meal hosted by Tia Young Image & Etiquette and The Grand Bohemian Hotel. In her words, “These were all first-time experiences, it opened my eyes to so many possibilities.”
Morriah felt famous when attendees spoke to her about being involved in the program. She has even stayed in contact with one of the honoree’s and has found receiving text messages from her elder, Mrs. Ross to be very encouraging and uplifting, especially on tough days.
“I saw and talked to so many people and they made me feel special,” the aspiring weightlifter recalls. With all of the attention she received, she also realized a new lesson she needs to learn. “I want to learn how to be more confident when I’m speaking out in front of the crowd,” she shares. “Sometimes I just sit down because I get embarrassed.”
A couple of Morriah’s seven siblings have participated in MAN UP, and she’s seen the life changes they’ve made. She explained how being a part of the mentoring program and seeing the changes in her brothers encourages her to take the program very seriously.
Steven has noticed one of the biggest issues the young ladies face is the need for mental health support and understanding the importance of education.
“Mental health is something that the girls struggle with,” she expressed. “It presents itself in different ways. Whether it’s using drugs, or not going to school, getting into trouble, or fighting with their parents. These are mental health issues we are chipping away at during each session.”
When I asked Stevens what were key milestones that encouraged her to stay the course, she went on to share, “Purchasing me and Amir’s first home in October 2020, graduating from UCF with my bachelor’s in communications the following Spring, and in August of 2021 being promoted to Networking and Service Manager after 7 years with, PepsiCo.”
Today, she is the Business Data Manger for PepsiCo, all while volunteering as the Program Director of GIRLS UP, with a staff of three volunteers. Weekly they are shaping the lives of 15 young ladies who are seeking love, support and guidance
Through GIRLS UP, Stevens is now able to channel the strength she once used for survival into a renewed energy, “one that helps young ladies that resemble the old me, see the best version of themselves.”
About GIRLS UP: Established in February of 2024, under the banner of MAN UP Mentoring, Inc. The program for female mentees ages 12 through completion of high school meets every Tuesday evening. At Ivey Lane Park Recreation Center and serves the same mission as MAN UP: to continually improve the quality of life for at-risk youth by providing educational, mentoring and social services that will equip them to lead inspiring lives. To learn more about MAN UP Mentoring, Inc. visit manupmentoring.com
About MAN UP Mentoring, Inc.: MAN UP Mentoring, Inc. (MAN UP) is a community-based 501c (3) organization primarily serving at-risk youth ages 11 through completion of high school or the equivalent across Metro Orlando, with a focus on delinquency prevention and intervention by providing social, educational and mentoring services. Established in 2014 by Orlando natives, brother and sister duo Christopher and Samantha Wallace. Currently, it is managed by an executive director, contractors, and a full-time staff of volunteers. MAN UP is overseen by a Board of Directors with more than 150 years of law enforcement and civilian experience, as well as advisors from the Orange County Public-school System and social workers. To learn more visit manupmentoring.com
