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OUR CONSULTANTS

Neda Kellogg, Founder and DIVA Consultant

I founded Project Diva because statistics show that in Minneapolis suicide, depression, pregnancy and STD rates are extremely high among youth between the ages of 13-19.  As well, our poverty rate in the next generation is climbing at an alarming rate.  This signifies to me that there is a high need for genuine conversations and interaction with our babies.  Project Diva is that catalyst for me and I envision this program empowering and motivating millions of young ladies around the globe.  I commit to taking a stand and truly walking through life holding the hands of as many girls as possible through Project Diva. 

Etosha Cook, Events Coordinator and DIVA Consultant

I am a part of Project Diva because I want to encourage and teach young ladies life lessons I’ve learned in life from strong women.  I am committed to Project Diva because I love to empower young women to know "Who they are", "Who they can become" and "How to make all there goals and dreams come true".  My desire is to demostrate and show them love, compassion, respect, honor, and understanding through talks and teachings.  I believe they can wear many faces that represent them and still acheive their dreams and goals.  I want them to know that confidence can take them into the future so that they can accomplish the complete plan of God. I stand firm on believing their environment will not shape there tomorrows and Integrity is a must.

                                      Jahonna Olson, DIVA Consultant                                                                   

I decided to join Project Diva to inspire our young ladies in the community to reach for their highest potential.  I see in the girls what I had in me and want to help them accomplish their desires because there are no limitations - only the limitations that we set for ourselves.  I want to relay the message of empowerment, perseverance, determination and commitment that reassures them that there is no “I can’ts” and only “I cans”. I hold myself accountable for the responsibility of the future of our children.  It only takes one person to change the lives of many and I would like to think that I have that opportunity with Project Diva. 

Shanina Butler, Research & Data Analysis 

I decided to join Project DIVA because I knew that I could make a difference in the lives of some young ladies that needed to hear my story.   I just graduated from the University of Minnesota
and want to show these young ladies that despite their adversities, with a good support system like Project DIVA they can push forward to do and be anything they set their minds to!  I look forward to raising my daughter to have Dignity, Integrity, Virtue & Availability just like the young ladies of Project DIVA!  

Sheila Shelton, Session Coordinator & DIVA Consultant

I decided to join Project DIVA because I wanted to be able to share with the young ladies how not to experience some of the things I did as a teen.  After attending the annual fashion show last year I understood more of what it meannt to give back to our next generation.  I thought I would have to give up my life, as well as be perfect while mentoring, when in fact it is sharing my time, family and experiences whether bad or good with young ladies who might never have someone to let them know the 'deal'.  Since being involved they have inspired me to motivate them more!  I have recently re-enrolled into college as a result of wanting to achieve my long term goals and show them that even though life can get you sidetracked, and that no matter how old you are, its never too late to achieve your goals.  I look forward to growing with them as I spend more time with these young DIVAS.

I decided to join Project DIVA because I have three fabulous daughters and a host of young people that I foster parent.  I truly understand the importance of mentoring and the change that comes from someone showing that they care just a little bit.  Project DIVA is a place where young ladies become more in tune with their self-worth. 
Not only are my two oldest daughters involved but my younger daughter is a Diva in Training (DT) in which the other young ladies mentor her until she is 13 years old and is able to become an official Project DIVA participant!  I believe in the values that Project DIVA encourages in the young ladies and am proud to be a part of such a program.

Cassandra Davis, Mentor Training Coordinator & DIVA Consultant

I decided to join Project DIVA because I was inspired by the vision and purpose of this program.  The motto of "motivating one young lady at a time" is realistic and achievable.  I asked, “what can I do to help?” and rose to the challenge of training consultants for mentorship.   I’ve learned that mentoring is about relationship building and every mentoring relationship is shaped by the different personalities; interests; and needs of each mentor and young person.  The real force for positive change comes from the fruits of the relationship itself.   As DIVA Consultants, we want to help the ladies on their journey by providing them access to facts and resources that will enable them to make informed decisions that support positive esteem and self image.  I’ve learned that the journey never ends and I too continue to be a work in progress.  Our young ladies need us as much as we need them, so I challenge others, “what can YOU do to help?” 

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Our Board...

Helping to guide these young ladies are also a group of fabulous women! 

....Darlene Bell, Big Brothers Big Sisters (Twin Cities) is our Board Chair and her wisdom and dedication to the young ladies is phenomenal!  We have been blessed to have sent to us such an angel to lead the way...

...Adrian Mack, B.R.O.T.H.E.R.S. Mentorship (Minneapolis) is our Board Vice-Chair and his part in our village is his dedication to ensuring our young ladies have a voice.  The impact from his presence with the young ladies is priceless and such a dire need for balance in the lives of young ladies...

 Both our Board Chair and Vice Chair add a tremendous amount of wisdom and guidance in which our young ladies need to be imparted with!