Our Why

As a nation and world, when it comes to our daughters, we find ourselves in a crisis of epidemic proportions. There is a real battle raging for the hearts and souls of the next generation. Everyday the enemy has lined girls in the cross hairs of his scope and marked them public enemy number one. Girls of all ages are struggling like never before. With pressures and negative influences coming in from all directions, we can't sit by and watch hoping they will figure it out on their own. No longer can we be distracted or remain paralyzed by denial or despair. This response increases the problem. Instead we have a choice to be part of the solution. ​

Our Impact

Since its inception in 2004, Diamond In The Rough has positively impacted the lives of girls and families through its award-winning mentoring, leadership, college & career and family enrichment activities.

Over that time, the impact has included...

Near

10,000

Girls & Families

reached directly with programs & services

More Than

20,000

Reached globally with indirect programs & services

Over

$12,000

Awarded in Scholarships

What People Are Saying....

MORE TESTIMONIES SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCE

Bri McGee

Alumni Member

Bri McGee participated in Diamond In The Rough for six years including as a member of the Clusters Mentoring Program and Diamond University. When asked how DITR positively impacted her life, Bri said, "In the moments that I felt lost and alone, my mentors always showed up for me and my mom. Their love for me was as unconditional as the love my mother had for me. Also, I find myself thinking about the lessons I’ve learned through the years."

Dr. Jillian Whatley

Parent, Educator & Partner

In addition to being a parent with a daughter in the program, Dr. Jillian Whatley has been a long-term partners and supporter of Diamond In The Rough. Whether serving as a special guest presenter for our Priceless Parenting Workshops or serving as a member of our Advisory Board, Dr. Whatley fully supports the mission of Diamond In The Rough and expresses the need and the benefits she has witnessed through her partnership. 

Sheryl Cotton

Parent

A parent and long-time member of the Diamond In The Rough family, Sheryl Cotton enrolled her daughter Kennedy in Diamond In The Rough as a bright-eyed elementary school student.  For 11 years, Kennedy took full advantage of all aspects of Diamond In The Rough.  She graduated from the program and pursued her dreams as a DITR Alumni on the Hampton University Campus. 


Sheryl and Kennedy benefited fully from everything the organization had to offer including the ongoing support received to this date.  They exemplify what it means to be an active DITR family. Once a member of the DITR family...always a member.

Ashley Williams

Former Member & Alumni

Ashley Williams was a member of Diamond In The Rough for four years before attending college and graduating magna cum laude from Howard University. She is currently employed part-time with ESPN and full-time with Warner Bros. Discovery Inc. as a Live/Master Control Operator.


She credits Diamond In The Rough for providing a "safe space" to feel supported, gain insight from like-minded girls, and broaden her perspective. She says, "Diamond In The Rough gave me multiple examples of brilliant and beautiful girls and women to admire regardless of age."

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