Founder of 3D Girls Inc. Talk black girls, tribe and well -being

Raioni Madison-Jones is a former educator who became a non-profit leader who saw an opportunity to have a greater impact on the youth of Atlanta. She aimed 3D Girls Inc. On to authorize girls of color through science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics, while also concentrated mental health and well -being.

Her vision came back to life this summer with the four-week camp of 3D girls. That girls exposure offered to voice career and hands-on learning, while well-being practices such as meditation and mentoring are also introduced that have been designed to build resilience.

Jones spoke with Black undertaking About her transition from the class to the non -profit sector, the “1,000 Strong for 3D Girls” campaign, and why organizations such as 3D Girls Inc. more important than ever.

What led to your transition from the class to building a non -profit?

I really went through a spiritual process of fasting and praying and believe God for what my next steps would be. I was accepted in a Fellowship program. The stress in the workplace was just a bit too much. I put all my eggs in the Fellowship basket and since then I have not been back.

Do you still see yourself as a teacher?

I will never stop being a teacher. I don’t just have the [3D Girls Inc.] Program, but I learn other non -profit leaders how to use your experience and benefit from their knowledge to create a company.

Why did you choose to combine stem and well -being?

We have created a unique curriculum model in which we focus on the social and emotional development of young girls. We are a voice -based program, but to make sure that they are sure that they are confident in tackling science, technology, engineering and mathematics, it is important that they know how to deal. You may be the only girl in this space that you absolutely love, but it feels uncomfortable. When girls begin to understand at younger centuries and know what trust is and how they can step into a room and feel resilient … they have a voice. They can argue for themselves.

What have you seen from this summer’s camp?

We had 65 girls who participated in the program this summer and they had so many experiences. We had the Georgia Bureau of Investigations who came to teach them about analyzing data about the crime scene. We had our fathers on the Velddag, where our fathers had to come and hang around with their daughters. We had the fire brigade, a black woman who operates as a chef. That representation is important. We have done a braid camp. Every day is different. We offered a chance that we had 30 sessions of STEM -enrichment, 124 hours of academic enrichment and afternoon meditation sessions.

Why is it urgent to invest in black girls in voice and mental health?

There has been a de-prioritization of dei, after-school programming and extracurricular programming. You literally tell us that there is no place for us in this country. And we have to fight. Our mission at 3D Girls Inc. is to train, empower and argue. It will always be important until there is a fair playing field for young women.

Are you expanding past Atlanta?

We are at six school locations. We are expanding in Clayton County, an suburbs outside of Atlanta. We also have a digital platform with which we can navigate across borders. Last fall we have an international program in Lima, Peru, and it Really well worked out. We are looking for global partners to implement our digital platform program and to train global leaders who argue for girls and education.

How can people 3D Girls, Inc. to support?

We have the “1,000 Strong for 3D” campaign, asks [1,000 people to each give $100 to fund after-school and summer programs.] But even more important, we want to expand those global partnerships. A percent of the financing goes to black-serving organizations, led by women, in the philanthropy space. If you are interested in learning about our philanthropic initiatives, how you can involve your business entity, or how you can involve your small company in helping us to elevate our voice, I would like to have a one-on-one conversation and share more resources.

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