Loving Me First
A Sista's Always Prepared:
Self-love is not selfish — it is preparation. Preparation for living authentically, protecting one’s peace, honoring one’s worth, and understanding that celebrating oneself is a lifelong practice.
Where Self-Love Becomes a Lifelong Practice
Calling all Sistas in 9th-12th grades
Loving Me First Summit | Celebrating the Inner Me
Loving Me First is the high school extension of A Sista’s Always Prepared, created for girls in grades 9–12 navigating identity, independence, education, relationships, and future planning. Adolescence is a defining season. It is where confidence is shaped, voices are strengthened, and direction begins to take root.
Loving Me First creates culturally affirming spaces where young women are encouraged to center their worth, develop their voice, and prepare intentionally for what comes next.
The inaugural Loving Me First Summit is a one-day empowerment experience designed to equip girls with practical tools, meaningful exposure, and community support. The Summit will feature dynamic speakers, expert-led workshops, and interactive sessions designed to inspire confidence, clarity, and connection. Additional speaker and program announcements are forthcoming.
The T.E.A.C.H. framework:
Rooted in five elements of preparation, the Loving Me First Summit centers growth in the areas that matter most during the high school years.
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Technology — navigating digital spaces safely and responsibly
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Education & Entrepreneurship — exploring college pathways, certifications, and career possibilities
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Awareness & Advocacy — strengthening identity, boundaries, and self-advocacy
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Collaboration — building community and connecting with mentors
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Health — prioritizing preventive care, safe practices, and overall wellness
Together, these elements of preparation equip girls to protect their peace, pursue their purpose, and grow with intention.
Objectives | What Girls Will Gain
Confidence to Use Their Voice
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Strengthening self-awareness, healthy boundaries, and the courage to advocate for themselves in school, healthcare, relationships, and digital spaces.
Clarity About Their Future
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Exploring educational pathways, career possibilities, and entrepreneurial thinking that align with their passions and purpose.
Knowledge to Protect Their Well-Being
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Building understanding around health, personal safety, digital responsibility, and making informed decisions with confidence.
Calling all Sistas in 9th-12th grades
Keynote Speaker
Ashante Taylorcox
Ashante is a Queer dynamic speaker, survivor-leader, clinician, and Black changemaker from NJ with a passion to create safer environments and systems of care for BIPOC and LGBTQ+ survivors of trafficking.
As the Founder and Executive Director of You Are More Than Inc, she is a nationally recognized expert in racial and gender justice and, over the last eleven years, has worked diligently to improve the lives of marginalized survivors of domestic trafficking and sex workers nationally.
Presenters
Empower Panel
Empower Mind Soul
Founded by sisters Nyeri Osibin and Imani Elliott-Foote, proudly representing the Bay Area, from Richmond, California, Empower Mind Soul was created from their personal journeys navigating hormonal health, reproductive conditions like endometriosis, and recognizing how little support exists.
Melanin Unlimited & HERPower App
Shawnie Bennett is a community leader, college graduate, and founder of Melanin Unlimited, dedicated to empowering women, youth, and families. She is the co-founder and executor of the HERPower app, a vision created by her daughter, Xa’viar, bringing it to life through impactful programs, experiences, and community engagement.
Thank you to our sponsors!
We are truly grateful for the support shown by our community sponsors!
Image Gallery
Celebrating the Inner Me
