Our Why

I am a survivor of sexual-exploitation, mental and physical abuse.  

This is My Why

It’s impossible to underestimate the role self-confidence plays in shaping a girl’s life. Confidence is what fuels her early ambition and vision for her future. It empowers her to use her voice, to develop sound judgment and the courage to own her story—no matter how challenging the circumstances.  

Growing up I was conditioned to be private, to not burden others with problems; no bleating, no sob stories.  As with most teenagers, I was struggling with issues of identity and with family.  As a teen, I suffered from suicidal ideation, self harm and bulimia.

I became street entrenched and formed toxic relationships - something I now recognize as grooming.

 The personal relationships kept me from accepting my assaults as exploitation. I thought it was my fault. So I removed it from my narrative.  My self-destructive journey towards healing was a long one.   But as girls and woman, we know the power of resilience, our ability to rise up, transform, grow and evolve.

But confidence doesn't grow on its own, nor does it spontaneously appear, especially when living in an environment of poverty, uncertainty, or fear—environments that too often squander the futures of too many of our children. Confidence needs to be nurtured and that nurturing needs to start early, which is why I started Inside Beauty Foundation.

The last twenty years have been nothing short of extraordinary, exceeding all hopes and expectations.  I took back my narrative and the foundation has grown from a single holiday makeover drive for the forgotten-women-of-the-streets to a platform of programs that inspires her ambition, connects her with a network of peers and mentors, and supplements some of her most basic personal needs.

 We help girls in at-risk situations envision and realize an empowered future. This is the work we do every single day — and we couldn't do it without you.