about The girls like me project
Mission:
Help African American girls ages 11-17 critically examine social, cultural, and political ideologies in media so that they will be able to overcome stigmas and negative stereotypes. We equip them with the tools and strategies to become influential, independent digital storytellers who transform their communities and foster global sisterhood.
Vision:
Girls Like Me Project believes that although African American girls are disproportionately targeted by devaluing stereotypes and media messages of misogyny, self-hate, and destructive behavior that adversely normalizes circumstances of poverty and violence; a strong sense of self-efficacy and awareness can transform them into change agents for social good.
Established 2012
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Established 2012 ~
the beginning
Since 2012, Girls Like Me Project Inc. has introduced more than 2,000 girls to International Day of the Girl, through our flagship program, Chicago Day of the Girl.
our impact
GLMPI has served more than
4,000 girls through our programming and events.
Girls have produced more than
30 pieces of independent
media content.
Received more than 100 hours of professional media training
Served as youth media correspondents for YWCA, True Star Chicago, and other major entities
Provided more than
40 paid summer youth job opportunities
leadershiip & Board
la’keisha gray-sewell, CEO
La'Keisha Gray-Sewell is a new media relations and strategic communications consultant by trade, and a girls advocate by life assignment. An internationally recognized urban girls advocate, a media literacy expert, and speaker, La'Keisha founded Girls Like Me Project Inc. to train girls in media literacy and empower them to navigate beyond negative media stereotypes to become global legacy builders.
A native of Chicago, La'Keisha has been honored for her work as a girls' advocate and social entrepreneur, including: being inducted into the Goldin Institute's Chicago Peace Fellows, featured on The Steve Harvey TV Show, Ebony Magazine, Moms Rising Radio, MyBrownBaby.com, and a WAOK/CBS to name a few. In 2018, La'Keisha released her highly acclaimed book "Move Beyond the Block", a memoir, empowerment, and homage celebration to women's history. La'Keisha advocates for girls and is unapologetic about steering the conversation and elevating the bar on raising healthy and liberated black girls.
andrea m. gray
Andrea M. Gray is a Social Worker who has dedicated her life to empowering and supporting disadvantaged children, individuals and their families. Andrea earned her B.S. in African-American Studies and her M.Ed. in Guidance and Counseling from Eastern Illinois University. Andrea began her Social Work career in 1995, and her work has largely been with the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services and the Illinois Department of Human Services. Andrea has held positions in Case Management, Case Management Supervision, Clinical Foster Care, Educational Advocacy, Adoptions and Foster Parent Licensing.
In January of 2023, Andrea realized a long-time dream of becoming an Herbalist. Andrea received her Community Herbalism Apprenticeship training with Urban Growers Collective. Prior to being appointed Board Secretary of GLMPI, Andrea was a dedicated volunteer for the organization. Andrea strongly believes in GLMPI and is ever enthused and motivated to engage in GLMPI’s mission of engaging, educating and empowering Black girls.
venita griffin
Venita Griffin is a digital organizer with over 15 years of electoral and issue advocacy experience. Her career is marked by a deep commitment to social change. During the 2024 election cycle she led the digital team that created a media platform that amplified the voices of Black men in Michigan and Wisconsin. During the 2020 election, she crafted the digital communications that successfully mobilized millions of women of color voters. Her expertise extends to critical legislative battles and public health initiatives.
Venita's contributions have been widely recognized. She was a 2021-2022 Stanford PACS Digital Civil Society Lab Fellow, a Winter 2020 Fellow of The Movement School, and a 2019 Fellow of the Chicago Foundation for Women's Willie’s Warriors Leadership Initiative. A proud New Orleans native, Venita now calls the south side of Chicago home. In her personal time, she's channeling her passion into "Chronically Black," a social media campaign designed to amplify the experiences of Black women living with chronic illnesses.
michele payne, edd.
Michele Payne, EdD., is a seasoned executive leader with more than two decades of experience advancing organizational effectiveness, workforce development, and social justice initiatives within large public-sector institutions. Currently serving as a Director with the Cook County Sheriff’s Office, Dr. Payne has experience in policy implementation, training compliance, and trauma-informed practices, supporting both operational excellence and humane service delivery. Dr. Payne holds a Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership, a Master’s degree in Criminal Social Justice, and a Bachelor’s degree in Paralegal Studies.
Throughout her career, Dr. Payne has been deeply committed to community engagement, advocacy, and equity-focused solutions, frequently partnering with executive stakeholders, community organizations, and multidisciplinary teams to strengthen systems serving vulnerable populations.
Dr. Tiffany M. Bellamy
Dr. Tiffany M. Bellamy is a licensed clinical professional counselor, wellness coach, and community leader whose work centers on helping women and girls heal, grow, and thrive. For more than two decades, she has combined her expertise in psychology, education, and leadership to create spaces that nurture emotional wellness, authenticity, and purpose.
As the founder of Divine Heritage, Dr. Bellamy leads Her Inner Harmony Retreats and other wellness initiatives that center rest, self-care, and restoration for high-achieving women. A former workshop facilitator for Girls Like Me Project, she continues to lead programs for organizations focused on women’s empowerment, youth development, and mental wellness. Her lifelong mission is to amplify the voices of women and girls, helping them embrace their stories and stand fully in their power.
Keeana barber
Keeana Barber is a dynamic entrepreneur, branding strategist, and community leader dedicated to empowering Black-owned businesses and the next generation of entrepreneurs. As the CEO of WDB Marketing, she has spent over a decade helping more than 5,000 businesses develop strong brand identities through strategic marketing, graphic design, printing, and signage solutions.
Beyond business, Keeana is the founder of the WDB Legacy Awards, a platform celebrating Black excellence and fostering collaboration among entrepreneurs. She also serves as the Executive Director of WDB Cares, a nonprofit committed to economic empowerment and community development. Her mission? "To elevate Black entrepreneurs, empower emerging leaders, and help businesses create a lasting community legacy."
Kimlona robinson
Kimlona Robinson is an educational leader and advocate dedicated to empowering youth through equity, access, and social-emotional growth. She currently serves as an Instructional Support Leader for Chicago Public Schools, supporting 34 schools in implementing Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) that promote academic and emotional success for all students.
In addition to her work in education, Kimlona is the founder of O-Kay Decide LLC, a personal growth and gratitude initiative that fosters self-awareness, resilience, and positive mindset through reflective journaling practices. With over 15 years experience as a teacher, coach, and leader, she is passionate about mentoring girls and creating spaces that nurture confidence, leadership, and purpose.
michelle muhammad
Michelle Muhammad is a Senior Business Accountability Specialist at Wells Fargo, where she plays a critical role in managing the Third-Party Risk Management (TPRM) program within Commercial Banking Strategy & Shared Services. In this capacity, she leads front-line risk activities, including due diligence, ongoing risk monitoring, exposure management, and regulatory compliance. Michelle is known for her ability to an performance metrics, mitigate operational risks, and implement well-documented action plans that safeguard organizational interests.
With more than 24 years of experience in commercial finance operations, Michelle brings deep expertise in customer relations, project management, and process optimization. She is a purposeful and strategic professional who is passionate about driving operational efficiency, enhancing processes, and supporting business transformation initiatives.
Michelle holds a Bachelor of Arts from Southern Illinois University Carbondale and an MBA from Keller Graduate School of Management.
GLMPI Staff
Tiffanie gray
Program Coordinator
Crystal Jackson
Social Media Manager
Latasha Posey
Accountant
Tiara Cosby
GLIMPI Talks Producer
Armani Baker
GLMPI Talks Producer
Gwendolyn young
Administrative Strategist
Learn more.
The Girls Like Me Project is more than a program, it’s a movement designed to uplift, equip, and empower girls to become confident leaders in their own lives and communities. What sets Girls Like Me apart is its focus on connection. Girls are surrounded by mentors and peers who reflect their experiences, understand their journeys, and inspire them to think bigger. It’s a space where they are seen, heard, and encouraged to show up as their authentic selves. Because when girls are empowered, they don’t just change their own lives—they change everything. Read our 501(c)(3) Determination Letter.