Dr. King Ladies of Tomorrow Group Teaches Leadership & Life Lessons
“Okay, ladies – bigs with the littles!”STEAM at Dr. King teacher Terrice Ingersoll didn’t have to explain – the girls in her room, ranging from kindergarten through 5th grade, took a seat – older students sitting next to younger ones.
“I love that they can be empathetic and recognize when others might need help,” Ms. Ingersoll said. “We’re giving them that power and that voice of responsibility… teaching them that they don’t have to be bossy or a tattle tale, but how to use their voice in a positive way to be leaders.”
Through Ladies of Tomorrow, a twice weekly after school program, girls at Dr. King receive academic support along with fun and exciting activities that are intended to help them become strong, happy and healthy young women.
“Our intended purpose is to offer character and emotional skills and supports that will take our youth to the next level academically,” Ms. Ingersoll shared. “We also offer youth mentoring, small study groups, and monthly life skills training themes that touch on things like sewing, cooking, haircare, skincare, hygiene, public speaking, etiquette, and more. Ultimately, I hope to assist in developing our youth to reach their full potential as leaders in our community and beyond.”
At their meetings, the group discusses practical things like behavior and safety, as well as motivational things like women in their own lives and throughout history that they find empowering. They’ve talked about self-esteem and body image, social media and bullying. They’ve talked about the importance of goal setting and setting attainable goals. They regularly talk about the importance of being healthy in mind, body, and spirit – doing check-ins with each other to see how everyone is feeling and what they can do to help uplift someone’s mood.
“I like that it’s an all-female group, because we can talk about things we wouldn’t want to talk about if males were around,” fifth grader Alyani Colon shared. “I also like helping the younger girls if they need help. I’ve helped them with their work, their spelling, and how to read and write!”
“I like the group because we learn about becoming a strong lady and we get to share our thoughts with other people,” fifth grader Tyler Bradley added.
The group has also taken on community service projects. For Women’s History Month, the students collected hygiene supplies to donate to homeless shelters and women in need.
“I like helping people,” first grader Marley Kirkland said. “It’s important because other people help you, and you should help them, too. This group helps us learn how we can solve problems.”
As a new group this school year, Ms. Ingersoll said she ultimately hopes to expand it as a nonprofit so she can reach a larger group of young women.
“Our young girls need positive messaging,” Ms. Ingersoll, who has been teaching for more than 20 years, explained. “They need the right know-how to conduct themselves in everyday life so they can be valuable members of their community. I want to teach them the essentials: self-esteem, self-worth, communication, and a growth mindset. For me, it’s about the act of public service. My reward is being able to pour into these girls and help them learn to use the tools that I give them. This is a group of support and sisterhood. The girls have really learned to use their voice. They’ve learned that it’s okay to be outspoken. They’ve learned to use their voice loud, proud, and confident, in a way that portrays leadership.”
We’re proud of these Ladies of Tomorrow and look forward to watching the group continuing to grow and thrive!
