PEARLS for Teen Girls, Inc.

About Us

PEARLS for Teen Girls, Inc. is a dynamic and innovative non-profit leadership development organization serving at-risk, primarily African American and Latina girls, ages 10 to 19 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. PEARLS helps girls achieve in school, avoid teen pregnancy, and use their personal power to achieve their goals and dreams. In 2011 PEARLS is projected to serve 850 girls citywide.

PEARLS believes that every girl is precious with unique gifts and strengths. We also recognize that teen pregnancy and lack of education are huge challenges in Milwaukee that create enormous barriers to girls seeking to reach their full potential. That is why PEARLS has made two important organizational commitments:

1. To increase high school graduation and college acceptance rates among Milwaukee’s girls of color.
2. To work toward the goal set by the United Way of Greater Milwaukee to reduce pregnancy among 15–17 year olds by 46% by the year 2015.

PEARLS offers a totally distinct, custom curriculum that focuses on helping girls build leadership skills like self-reflection, critical thinking, sound decision making, goal setting, clear communication and personal accountability. As a result, PEARLS girls develop a true sense of their personal power and potential and their outcomes are astounding!

• 100% of PEARLS 2011 high school seniors graduated from high school.
• 100% of 2011 high school graduates were accepted to atleast one college.
• 100% of all PEARLS active girls avoided teen pregnancy in 2010.
• In the words of a PEARLS: “PEARLS provided me with the support system I need, community involvement, my first job, leadership opportunities, a safe place, opportunities to grow, and my second home. It makes me very happy to say that I will be the first out of my family to attend college.”

Mission & Vision Statement

PEARLS Mission Statement

PEARLS for Teen Girls is committed to being the community's signature program for maximizing girls' self-development. True girl/adult partnerships result in building and living PEARLS attributes:

PEARLS Vision Statement

PEARLS is rapidly becoming known among girls, funders, and public/private entities in our community as “the program” for girls’ self development. The program provides girls with a safe place, skill development and self-esteem building that leads to better life choices and an opportunity to realize their full potential. PEARLS plans to serves at least 800 girls within Milwaukee County in 2011. PEARLS serves a diverse group of girls and provides opportunities for all PEARLS girls to mix with other girls who may be different than themselves. PEARLS Alumnae are actively linked to our mission.

PEARLS is staffed by a professional team of diverse, progressive and experienced youth professionals. PEARLS is led by an Chief Executive Officer who brings knowledge, passion and creativity coupled with business acumen to successfully work with girls. The PEARLS Board is informed, accountable and proactively involved in PEARLS initiatives, maintaining a high quality board structure and sustained funding for staffing and programs that remain true to the mission. The organization has an overarching commitment to sustainability in their governance, funding and programming.

The PEARLS program has become the kind of success that when you hear, “I’m a PEARLS girl,” you know this girl is learning how to accomplish her goals and dreams.

Program Overview

PEARLS programs are girls-only, safe-space gatherings that meet once weekly after school, during school or on Saturdays at local schools and youth serving organizations. A typical PEARLS group serves 20 to 25 girls. A typical PEARLS session features a guided conversation led by one highly trained Adult Program Coordinator and an assisting Teen Facilitator. Topics might include school, relationships with family, friends and boys, careers, health or whatever the girls identify as pressing issues for them.

PEARLS addresses the interconnected issues of poverty, teen pregnancy, violence, and lack of educational attainment at their very roots, by working with girls during the critical teen years, when personal choices that are made can have lifelong consequences. PEARLS girls build leadership skills and character traits such as honesty, personal accountability, learning to listen to the viewpoints of others, clear communication, critical thinking about life and its choices and sound decision making. Through PEARLS’ nationally acclaimed Goal Setting Initiative, girls learn a process for setting, working toward, evaluating, and reaching tangible goals. These are all skills essential to success in school, work and life.

PEARLS’ custom-designed Goal Setting Initiative has become a cornerstone of the program and each PEARLS participant has the opportunity to set and work toward at least one personal or academic goal each semester. The full spectrum of the PEARLS program also includes two embedded, evidenced-based curriculums focused on pregnancy prevention and prevention of substance abuse. Additional program elements include ongoing academic support, community field trips, guest speakers, annual College Tour, volunteer Higher Education Coaches and many other unique components.

Current PEARLS sites include: Business and Economics Academy of Milwaukee, Northside YMCA, Thurston CLC, St. Joan Antida High School, Tenor High School, Keefe Avenue School, Hamilton High School, Marshall High School, South Milwaukee Middle School, CEO Leadership Academy, Neu Life Community Center, Milwaukee College Prep, Townsend Middle School, Westside Academy II, Milwaukee Health Services, Milwaukee Christian Center, Banner School, Urban Roots, and Milwaukee Community Cyber School.

Our PEARLS Promise

PEARLS girls recite the PEARLS Promise at each PEARLS gathering:

We are PEARLS girls and we want to be our best selves. All of the girls in this circle are my PEARLS sisters. We are learning how each one of us is precious and unique. PEARLS helps us believe in ourselves by building:

is for Personal Responsibility. I can make a difference!

is for Empathy. I will strive to understand how it feels to walk in your shoes.

is for Awareness. I want to know more about myself and the world around me.

is for Respect. I will value you and your opinions, even if we disagree.

is for Leadership. I want to put my beliefs into action and make this world a better place.

is for Support. I want to help and encourage.

We promise to help each other practice these traits. We want to become role models and powerful women who achieve our goals and dreams.

Thank you all for our precious time together today.

Goal Setting Program

PEARLS Goal Setting Program helps girls build a lifelong capacity to set goals, work an action plan, and achieve goals. It also helps them develop the critical thinking skills needed to assess and understand why or how a goal was NOT achieved, so that plans can be revised and a new course of action set. Most importantly, PEARLS uses its proven effective and nationally recognized Goal Setting program to help girls cultivate the self-reflection and decision-making skills essential to success in school, relationships, work and life. Girls set goals using PEARLS’ custom designed Leadership Compass.

PEARLS Leadership Compass

The compass is a guide that points to the purpose of everything we do in PEARLS. PEARLS girls developed the Leadership Compass as a powerful symbol of their self development (heart, mind, body, and spirit). When we are developing all of the important aspects of ourselves we feel whole and complete, like a pearl! PEARLS 5-point Leadership Compass shows the aspects of our lives that are fundamental to our happiness and well-being:

• Loving Myself: how we feel about ourselves
• Building Relationships with Others: how we relate to other people
• Striving to Achieve: learning throughout life
• Believing the Sky is the Limit: setting stretch goals, dreaming big and creating successful futures, and
• Helping Hands in the Community: giving back by contributing to the community.

College Tour

College Tour Report

PEARLS believes that education is the key to self-sufficiency and success. We also recognize the critical need to provide girls with a vision of the possibilities that exist in the broader world beyond their schools and neighborhoods. Each year, PEARLS hosts a national college tour trip for up to 20 PEARLS girls. The trip is designed to broaden girls’ horizons and open their eyes to new places, ideas and personal options. To learn more about how PEARLS is inspiring girls to dream bigger and aim higher, View our most recent PEARLS College Tour Report. The report includes photos and writings from the girls themselves.

In 2011 15 girls participated in the PEARLS National College Tour, a key piece of our educational support strategies.
These girls experienced college campuses firsthand and gained valuable insights at Hampton University, Norfolk State University, North Carolina State University, North Caroling A&T University, Claflin University, South Carolina State University, and Benedict College. Girls spent each evening of the tour with the Program Coordinators leading them through "Nightly Reflections," an open exchange about the day's events. Girls also kept a daily journal highlighting their personal experiences and impressions. Following are some powerful excerpts:

“I learned that I want a college with small class sizes so the teacher will know me, making it easier to ask for help.” —; Niesha, 8th Grade

“The trip made me realize that whatever I believe in I can achieve.” —; Cathy, 8th Grade

“Being in PEARLS and on this tour has made me notice who I want to become. It has made me believe that I can do anything I put my mind to. It has also made me gain more confidence in myself, which I really do take pride in.” —; Kourtlyn, 9th Grade

“The college tour changed my whole attitude. I will go to school every day and do my best on my work. I plan to focus on what really matters and not just on friends.” —; Kaylah, 9th Grade

“The result of this trip made me think about the future more. It made me think about college…I never thought about college before going on this trip.” —; Julissa, 8th Grade

“I CAN get into an excellent college if I work hard, learn, and study. PEARLS allows me to step outside my house and still have somebody care about me—like a big sister.” —; Tamyra, 8th Grade

“This college tour has changed my life because I usually don't get as close with people in one week like I did with the other girls on tour. I'm more open now.” —; Aciana, 11th Grade

“PEARLS' college tour helped me to realize the world is not always filled with negativity. There are a lot of places and people who are positive and helpful...When I saw a PEARLS alum on campus, it made me believe that anything is possible for me.” —; Shantee, 9th Grade

College Tour application will be posted in the Spring previous to the tour.

Click here to review the most recent College Tour Report complete with photos and writings from the girls who attended.

History

The PEARLS Idea

PEARLS was founded as a totally volunteer effort in 1993 by local entrepreneur and Executive Coach, Colleen Fitzgerald. In the early nineties Colleen was working deeply in the area of leadership development and many of her clients were professional women.

The first PEARLS group was launched as an after school opportunity for girls at Jackie Robinson Middle School in 1993. A small group of girls were committed to coming together once a week for honest conversations and to build trusting relationships. A primary focus of the group was to offer the girls, most of whom were facing the challenges of poverty and life in the central city, the opportunity to see and believe in their inherent beauty, power and potential. We wanted them to know that no matter what the circumstances in their lives, they had “precious and unique gifts and talents” to share with the world. PEARLS was about giving the girls a place to express themselves, build their confidence and articulate their dreams.

Creating a Process

As the original group was taking shape, lots of national research was coming out about the serious challenges facing girls in our country and calling attention to the fact that too many communities, including Milwaukee, lacked adequate girl-focused programming. Studies showed that to be effective, girls programming needed to be consistent, girl-only and provided in a culturally sensitive safe space. Girls needed intergenerational support, emotional support, support to build self-efficacy, and the opportunity to have a voice in programming —; all things offered by the Jackie Robinson PEARLS group. Meanwhile, the response at Jackie Robinson was overwhelming.

From the beginning, the PEARLS process was unique, because the girls were invited to be true co-creators of all programming. In the groups, girls were expected to be the directors of the dialogue and to explore the ideas, feelings and topics that were important to them. As PEARLS moved from a single-site group to an organization, girls were a key part of the team. Additional impressive and experienced local youth workers joined the effort, including PEARLS’ current Director of Program Services, Gerry Howze. Together, the team began the work of creating and codifying the PEARLS experience. A small board of directors was formed and early and visionary grants from donors like the Richard and Ethel Herzfeld Foundation allowed the work to take off. By 2000 PEARLS was a full time operation and by 2002 PEARLS officially became a non-profit organization.

PEARLS developed a process for truly understanding the impact of its unique approach on the lives of the girls. Dr. Daniel Folkman of the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee, an expert in youth program evaluation, began working with the team to develop PEARLS distinct Leadership Compass and goal setting process. PEARLS groups were added around the city, including high school groups. PEARLS began to focus on helping girls to envision college and careers and many activities were incorporated to inspire girls to dream bigger.

In 2005 PEARLS published its unique curriculum and completed a comprehensive organizational strategic planning process. The plan incorporated input from the girls, staff, board and community leaders and called for the organization to grow from serving 120 girls annually to 500 by the end of 2008.

In January 2006, Danae D. Davis, JD, was hired by the PEARLS board to implement the strategic plan and to lead PEARLS into a new era. Danae brought with her 25 years of leadership experience in the public and corporate sectors, as well as a lifelong passion for helping women and girls achieve their goals and dreams. Under Danae’s Leadership, PEARLS has grown from serving 120 girls annually to 688 in 2008; added critical new program components; and attracted many new sources of public and private funding. Her vision for PEARLS includes serving thousands of girls and building an entire movement of young women prepared to lead Milwaukee, our nation and the world into a vibrant new future.

To watch a video of Danae Davis, click here.

Staff Contact List

Danae D. Davis, Chief Executive Officer
Danae D. Davis is Chief Executive Officer of PEARLS for Teen Girls. Ms. Davis has more than 25 years of executive level experience in the public and private sectors, most recently serving as Director of Diversity at Miller Brewing Company. She has been a member of the University of Wisconsin System Board of Regents since 2003. She is also a member of the Safe and Sound board of directors and is a member of its personnel committee. She holds a JD from the UW-Madison Law School. In addition to her considerable executive skills and experience, Ms. Davis brings to PEARLS a lifetime commitment to helping young women achieve their full personal potential.

Gerry Howze, Director of Program Services
Ms. Howze serves as the direct supervisor of all Program Coordinators, Junior Coordinators and Teen Facilitators and has primary responsibility for PEARLS outcomes evaluation and data management. She is dedicated to innovative youth programming, holds a Bachelors of Science in Human Services, and has been a recipient of the national Humanics award for her personal and professional achievements. 

Christy Miller, Development Director
Christy serves as PEARLS first Development Director. Christy comes to PEARLS with over a decade of experience in program operations, office operations and fundraising management. Christy has a Bachelors of Science in Business and Marketing from Carthage College. She is also a graduate of the Future Milwaukee program and Milwaukee's MOSAIC program. Christy also has a mini-MBA in Nonprofit Management from the University of St. Thomas and a Management certification from MRA Institute of Management. 

Mary Robyn Peotter, Director of Finance & Operations
Mary Robyn serves as PEARLS' Director of Finance and Operations. In her role, she manages the financial reporting process and oversees office operations. Previously, Mary Robyn was the Chief Financial Officer and Controller for the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra. Prior to the MSO, she worked in Arthur Andersen's Milwaukee officer as a senior auditor focusing on non-for-profit clients. She is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin Madison with a BBA in Accounting and a CPA. 

Marshay Montriel, Operations Coordinator
Marshay joined PEARLS in 9th grade and completed the program in 2006. To assist with her journey to Alverno College, she was a recipient of a $500 PEARLS scholarship. While attending Alverno, she interned with both Robert W. Baird and Deloitte & Touche and went on to complete her bachelor's degree in Accounting in December 2010. Marshay is currently working towards her Master's Degree in Accounting at UW-Whitewater.

Krystal Askew, Program Coordinator
Krystal Askew graduated from Alverno College in May 2010 with a Bachelor's degree in Liberals Studies. She has a sincere passion to work with youth. She is most enthused by working with young girls and believes that each girl has the potential to be a powerful, self-sufficient woman in our community. Krystal is dedicated to PEARLS program participants and will make sure each girl receives information that will brighten their minds to make sure their futures are bright.

Jocelyn Mason-Saffold, Program Coordinator
Jocelyn has a deep passion for ensuring that youth feel empowered, treasured and unique. Her love to create meaningful personal relationships with youth led her to pursue youth development professionally. Prior to joining PEARLS, Jocelyn studied Drama and Psychology at Spelman College in Atlanta, GA. Jocelyn served the youth population throughout her undergraduate matriculation in a myriad of organizations and graduated from Spelman in May of 2011. Jocelyn believes that as we empower others, we empower ourselves, and that joy and laughter are two of life's most precious gifts.

Glenna Scholle-Malone, College Readiness & Volunteer Coordinator
Glenna Scholle-Malone graduated from the University of Wisconsin Madison in May of 2010 where she earned a Bachelor's degree in Human Development and Family Studies focusing on Child Development as well as Educational Policy Studies. During her college career at Madison, Glenna gained an extensive amount of experience working with at risk youth as a Bilingual Program Assistant for the Boys and Girls Club of Dane County as well as acting as a Research Assistant with the UW-Extensions office. As Project Coordinator for PEARLS, Glenna promises to use her passion, hard work and dedication to ensure that all PEARLS girls are supplied with the necessary tools to receive quality and timely information as it relates to college readiness. 

Kelly Hennessy, Program Coordinator
Kelly Hennessy is a recent Marquette University graduate. While at Marquette she was a highly engaged and energetic student leader. She worked in the University’s Advancement department and led a number of successful philanthropic projects. In 2008 she served as an intern in the Washington D.C. office of US Congressman Luis Gutierrez. She is passionate about service and understands the power of building understanding through diversity.

Courtney Campbell, Program Coordinator
Courtney Campbell graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in December of 2010 where she earned a Bachelor's Degree in Educational Studies. Before joining PEARLS, Courtney worked as the Assistant Site Coordinator at COA Youth and Family Centers for 6 years. She has a passion for working with youth and hopes that her overall dedication and willingness to serve will help make a difference in her community.

Stephaine Crosley, Program Coordinator
Stephaine Crosley is a Milwaukee native who used her precious gifts to earn herself a basketball scholarship to Cleveland State University where she graduated with Bachelor degrees in Social Work and Communications, May 2010. Stephaine is currently working on a master's degree in Education from the University of Wisconsin Stevens Point where she spent the last year as a graduate assistant coach for the women's basketball program. Her passion for working with people and her determination to make a difference in the community in which she is from has brought her back to Milwaukee after 5 years. Stephaine is committed to the PEARLS program and to the progression of this community.

Board of Directors

• Maureen Kolb, Board Chair — Cr8ive Energies
• Danielle M. Clarke, Immediate Past Chair — JP Morgan Chase Bank, NA
• Ninveh Neuman, Board Secretary — Rockwell Automation
• Laura E. Piotrowski, Board Treasurer & Finance Chair — Stein Gardens & Gifts
• Laura J. Arnow — Arnow & Associates
• Meg Brzyski, Development Chair — Marquette University
• Sharon Canter — Community Volunteer
• Barbara Faucett — Retired HR Executive, Community Volunteer
• Susan Friebert — Community Volunteer
• Christie Krugler — Community Volunteer
• Dana World Patterson — Visions Etiquette Training
• Vinita Paul, Marketing & Communications Chair — Heartland Advisors
• Jill Hamill Sopha — Harley-Davidson Motor Company
• Yolanda Thomas — Student, Community Volunteer
• Shannon M. Whitworth — Mawicke & Goisman, S.C.
• Leonard Wilk, Governance Chair — Aurora Sheboygan Medical Center
• Barbara Faucett

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