Written by: JR Robinson

In a world where young women of color often face unique challenges, one organization is making waves by providing essential support and mentorship. Girls of Excellence, Inc., founded by the visionary Toya Russell-Phillips, is not just changing lives—it's shaping the future of Atlanta and potentially the nation.

The Need for Excellence

Statistics paint a stark picture of the challenges facing young women of color in Atlanta and across the United States:

• In Georgia, Black women earn just 64 cents for every dollar earned by their white male counterparts, while Latina women earn only 54 cents.
• Approximately 18% of Black women and 19% of Latinas in Georgia live in poverty, compared to 10% of white women.
• Nationally, only 25% of computing jobs are held by women, with Black and Hispanic women holding just 3% and 1% of these positions, respectively.

These disparities highlight the critical need for programs like Girls of Excellence, which provide mentorship, life skills training, and personal development opportunities for girls ages 8-18.

The Impact of Excellence

Since its founding in 2019, Girls of Excellence has made significant strides in empowering young women:

• The organization has expanded from serving 20 girls to reaching over 400 across 45 schools in the Atlanta metro area.
• Through group mentoring, workshops, and field trips, Girls of Excellence provides a comprehensive support system for personal and academic growth.
• The program focuses on social and emotional learning, preparing girls for success both now and in the future.

Toya Russell-Phillips, drawing from her own experiences growing up in Detroit, has created a program that addresses the real-world challenges facing young women of color. "It's my passion and my purpose," she says of the organization she's built.

Excellence on the Horizon

The future looks bright for Girls of Excellence, with ambitious goals on the horizon:

• Plans to expand nationally, potentially even globally, leveraging virtual options to reach more girls.
• Increasing mentor involvement to support the growing number of participants.
• Securing additional community sponsorships to fund expansion and enhance program offerings.

As Girls of Excellence continues to grow, its impact on the lives of young women will only amplify. By providing the tools, support, and mentorship needed to overcome systemic barriers, the organization is not just helping individual girls—it's working to create a more equitable future for all.

A Call to Excellence

The success of Girls of Excellence demonstrates the power of targeted, compassionate support for young women of color. As Toya Russell-Phillips and her team continue their important work, they invite others to join their mission. Whether through mentorship, sponsorship, or spreading the word, everyone has a role to play in empowering the next generation of leaders.

To learn more about Girls of Excellence and how you can get involved, visit their website or follow them on social media. Together, we can ensure that every girl has the opportunity to strive for and achieve excellence.