Adolescence to Queens is a transformative youth intervention and empowerment program designed to connect young women with credible messengers who have overcome significant trials, adversity, and life-altering circumstances and emerged as women of strength, purpose, and achievement.

 

The program brings together a diverse panel of women from multiple communities and walks of life, including women who have experienced justice-system involvement or other significant challenges. These women openly share their stories, wisdom, lessons learned, and pathways to resilience, creating an authentic space where young people can see that difficult circumstances do not have to define their future.

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The program was developed with a particular focus on youth who are often viewed as “tough cases” or who may have begun to be labeled as lost causes. Adolescence to Queens challenges that narrative by reminding young women that they are worth investing in, worth listening to, and capable of becoming the women they were meant to be.

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The experience extends beyond the panel discussion. A follow-up session helps participants process what they heard, identify challenges within their own environments, and begin connecting those challenges to constructive solutions, resources, support systems, and personal goals.

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Initially serving youth in Pontiac, Flint, and Detroit, Adolescence to Queens is expanding into additional and more diverse communities. The program is intentionally adaptable to the cultural environment, needs, and circumstances of each school or community.

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Adolescence to Queens is an ongoing program that uses authentic storytelling, mentorship, reflection, and solution-focused engagement to help young women move beyond their circumstances and toward their potential.

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From adversity to achievement. From adolescence to queens.