Empowering Confidence: How Lovin’ The Skin I’m In Builds Community
When Rhonda Chandler moved to the Fox Valley 5 years ago, there were very few people who looked like her or her daughters or support for her daughters. She decided to change that. Never knowing if her efforts would go beyond her basement, she founded Lovin’ The Skin I’m In a nonprofit organization dedicated to unlocking the potential within Black and Brown girls. Recognizing the unique challenges these girls face, such as educational disparities and social exclusion, the organization provides access to opportunities that develop their talents, gifts, and leadership skills.
In 2023, the Women’s Fund for the Fox Valley Region awarded a $2,500 grant to “Lovin’ The Skin I’m In” to support the expansion of programs for Black and Biracial girls, aiming to build self-esteem and cultivate a supportive community through monthly peer meetings.
Central to their mission is the creation of a nurturing community. They foster a sense of belonging, identity, and confidence by celebrating through play, storytelling, music, and interactive activities.
By offering a safe space where girls can be their authentic selves, the organization empowers them to navigate societal challenges and thrive.
One girl age 8 in the program shared,
“When we go to Lovin’ the Skin I’m In we say good things about ourselves when we do our affirmations. It gives me the best feeling in my heart. The other girls are very smart and kind. I love this group!”
The grant from the Women’s Fund has been instrumental in enabling Lovin’ The Skin I’m In to expand its reach into the Fox Valley area. This expansion has allowed more black and brown girls to access the organization’s enriching programs, thereby strengthening the community fabric and promoting inclusivity.
Through mentorship, cultural events, and educational workshops, Lovin’ The Skin I’m In continues to build a supportive network. This network not only uplifts the girls but also engages families and the broader community in meaningful dialogues about race, identity, and empowerment.
A mother who’s children participate in the program said,
“Part of what makes the impact of Lovin’ the Skin I’m in so profound is that they’re building community, self-esteem and knowledge across multiple levels – for kids AND the parents. This is not a program where you just drop your kid off, parents are along for the journey. As a parent, watching my daughter be supported and grow while also evolving myself (and making new mom friends along the way) has been life-changing.”
This collaboration between the Women’s Fund and Lovin’ The Skin I’m In exemplifies how targeted support can drive positive change, fostering environments where black and brown girls are celebrated, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential.
Mentors working with girls through Lovin’ the Skin I’m In
The Women’s Fund recently invited Lovin’ the Skin I’m In’s CEO/Founder, Rhonda Chandler and parent Tabitha to the Focus Fox Valley radio show to share the work that they have done since being supported by the Women’s Fund and the importance of their culturally specific work.
Tabitha shared during the broadcast,
“I am ever, ever thankful for what Lovin’ the Skin I’m In has done for my girls but also me. I am a white woman and my daughter is from west Africa so I don’t know what it’s like to be a black girl. I learned a lot hair care, skin care, reaching out to other moms who are in a situation like me and being able to be in a space where we can be open about things.”
“The mentorship program is amazing. My girls are learning more about black history and the mentors that my daughters work with are really impactful and powerful working on pronunciation public speaking, and more.”
You can listen to the full February 14 episode here: https://www.whby.com/focusfoxvalley/
We encourage you to learn more about their work at lovinmyskinwi.com and following them on social media.
By investing in these programs, we invest in a brighter, more inclusive future.
Join us in making a difference. Your support helps ensure more girls have access to empowering opportunities.