Through most of my middle school years, I struggled with understanding where I fit into the world, let alone where I fit in at school. My daughter is now in middle school and her experience has been the same. Perhaps it's a right of passage. However, our girls and their parents should not have to chart that path alone.

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I Co-Founded B.E. Academy because I believe ALL girls should have an opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive in an environment that is safe, not just physically, but mentally and emotionally. Our girls should be empowered to explore who they are and embrace it unapologetically and without fear or judgement. Our girls deserve an educational experience that prepares them for the future they want for themselves. B.E. Academy is a safe haven for girls, where learning is multi-dimensional, immersive and intentionally designed to address their diverse needs.

It is also important that we address the substantial gap in STEM/STEAM education and careers for women of color. Only 1.8% of Black women are employed in STEM. Positive representation and culturally responsive teaching can help change that.

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Arts education helps girls identify their talents, nurture their creativity, and supports their social-emotional and social-cultural health. My grandmother,Ollie Virginia Chambliss, loved to draw and loved the arts but was never able to pursue it. The Ollie Arts Program at B.E. Academy will be launched in her honor.

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Supporting girls and young women has been a huge part of my purpose. Although it has been a dream of mine to open a school for girls, I never thought it was really possible. I've learned that possibilities are only limited by our fears and our inability to act. The first lesson our girls will learn as they enter B. E. Academy for the first time is - ANYTHING is possible.