Eboni Stembridge
While employed at a South Fulton County High School, Eboni Stembridge, began the “IAM” movement in 2010, in order to mentor the young women that she encountered on a daily basis. The young women that she came in contact would come to her office and share their deepest, most inner secrets, and from that, the idea came along that there were so many young women reaching out for help that she felt obligated to reach out to the young women. Mrs. Stembridge, has lived a diverse life, but her strength, courage, determination, and perseverance has helped build character and shape her into the strong, beautiful, accomplished woman she is today. Mrs. Stembridge, a wife, and mother of four, is determined to reach back by mentoring young women, as they are in desperate need for solutions on how to deal with the challenges they face in their everyday lives. She is an exceptional motivator, full of life and passion, as an advocate for youth (with an emphasis on teenage girls), throughout her community. She encourages young ladies to take control of their lives, grow to reach their full potential, and to live life boldly, by exploring every option with fierce determination. No longer employed with the Board of Education, Mrs. Stembridge is committed to dedicating herself, full time to “IAM”.Together, she has partnered with Reka Jones, in order to make her vision possible.
Reka Jones
Reka Jones, has dedicated the past 15 years mentoring and motivating our youth by working closely with such organizations as the Coalition of the 100 Black Women of America, and the South Metro Chapter of 100 Black Men. Ms. Jones also achieved awards and accolades Speaking and mentoring to youth in both the Atlanta Public and Fulton County School Systems. Ms. Jones was a key player at starting “The Women of Westlake” at Westlake High School, some 10 years ago, and is passionate about her purpose and calling to mentor. At 21 years of age, Ms. Jones, dropped out of college due to an unplanned pregnancy, and was stuck with the notion of being an unwed, single mother. However, after having read “Waiting to Exhale” in her 8th month of pregnancy, she was motivated by Gloria’s character to open up a hair salon to be able to provide a solid foundation for her unborn child. When her son was 6 months old, she opened a full service Beauty Salon, called ‘Oasis’ (Gloria’s salon name), while working at Pinetree Country Club to pay her way through Cosmetology School. Ms. Jones owned and operated, as well as performed as a Master Cosmetologist, for 11 1/2 years, until a head-on collision forced her to close shop. During her tenure, she also established herself as a self-published author, and was chosen for “Who’s Who Amongst Young Business Leaders of America”. In 2005, Ms. Jones was diagnosed with Lupus and has faced an uphill battle dealing with her illness. Although, she has faced many challenges and obstacles in her life, she has been determined not to let any detours hinder her success. Ms. Jones is dedicated to mentoring and motivating her youth in her community, as she knows that her testimony has affected and inspired many that have crossed her path. Her faith, spirit, and will, speaks volumes through what she has done in her own personal life, having raised a young man, as a single mother. With the help of the community, her family, and prayer, her son is now in college, and making strides in his own life, as he is on a full-scholarship at NCCU. She wants young women to know that being a single mother does not have to define where your life begins or ends. She feels that being a victim of your environment does not have to thwart your dreams of becoming a victor despite your circumstances!
With “IAM”, both ladies are committed to making a difference in the lives of our “future”. Both Mrs. Stembridge, and Ms. Jones have overcome tumultuous periods in their lives, and their strength and will to keep pressing on, gives hope to many of the young women that they mentor. Mrs. Stembridge, and Ms. Jones, are passionate about the plight of our young people and reaching back to help pull them up towards greatness!!!