Background

Every Girl Can™ Learning Institute, Inc. (EGCLI) was incorporated in Maryland on March 10, 2015 and received non-profit status in September of that year. Based in Silver Spring, Maryland, USA, EGCLI is committed to enriching the lives of girls to soar and thrive. Our two-fold mission is to provide girls life skills enrichment programs that help ensure their success in school, career and community; and to give them experiences, exposure and tools that build confidence, a positive self-image, respect, trust and integrity in their everyday lives.

EGCLI made its public debut in 2016 as the new sponsor of the Every Girl Can™ Conference, continuing the annual event originated by KYMS Image International, LLC. in 2008 as the Every Girl Can™ “SMART Image” Conference, targeted primarily to middle school girls. The 2016 (8th annual) conference was themed, Girls Rising Through Leadership and took place on Saturday, May 7th at the Takoma Park/Silver Spring campus of  Montgomery College.  This was the start of on ongoing collaboration with the College, a national leader in providing opportunities for empowering students to succeed. The objective of the conference aligns well with the  pivotal role Montgomery College plays in transforming the lives of students to move forward, in order yo achieve the skills needed to be successful, both academically and socially, throughout life.

EGCLI founder and president, Yasmin Anderson-Smith, first created the Every Girl Can personal development and life skills  program as an after-school enrichment activity at Takoma Park Middle School (TPMS) in 2007 during her first term there as PTA co-president. Read an article on the program Here. Yasmin responded to the need for a new after-school program for girls at TPMS with the words, “I can do it.” In 2008, Yasmin launched the Every Girl Can™ “SMART Image” Conference in order to include other professional women and reach even more girls. In 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013 and 2014, conferences were held at Bowie State University in collaboration with the Henry Wise Wellness Center. Please watch videos of our past conference Here  and visit our Website  for more media and info on our enrichment programs..

Board of Directors

 

Yasmin Anderson-Smith, MCRP, Colesville, MD – Founder/President

Yasmin Anderson-Smith, MCRP, Colesville, MD – Founder/President

Yasmin Anderson-Smith, MCRP, Founder/President, is an award-winning speaker, trainer, coach and author who earned her graduate degree from Howard University. Yasmin ignites and inspires  young and mid-career professionals to soar and shine with distinction and gain competitive advantage in today’s crowded global business marketplace. A former management professional, Yasmin re-branded her career in 2007 as an entrepreneur. Her leading-edge experience in workplace excellence training, personal branding, professional development and civility skills helps college students, business women and young professionals sharpen their skills in career-readiness and advancement. Known as a leader in her field, Yasmin brings high enthusiasm, insight and inspiration to all her programs in order to touch the hearts and minds of participants. In 2007, Yasmin created Every Girl Can™ to help teen girls project confidence, practice civility and embrace a healthy body image. Yasmin has published several articles, a white paper and blogs on business image, personal branding and civility http://bit.ly/1lbhjYh and is co-author of the books The Power of Civility and Executive Image Power. This Jamaican-born Maryland resident is the mother of three college graduates  who are MCPS graduates.

Tammie Wilburn, BSc, Bowie, MD, Executive Secretary

Tammie Wilburn, BSc, Bowie, MD, Executive Secretary

Tammie Wilburn graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration, Marketing, from North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University (N.C. A&T), Greensboro, North Carolina. Tammie has worked in federal public service for almost 30 years conducting agricultural investigations and more recently drafting federal regulations. In her spare time, Tammie enjoys working as a Certified Home Staging Professional. In this capacity, she works directly with homeowners and real estate professionals throughout the Washington DC Metro Area. Her expertise helps prepare properties for sale, so they maximize the return on investment. Tammie is the proud mother of one daughter, Kennedy who is a college freshman at her alma mater, NC A&T.

n graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration, Marketing, from North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University (N.C. A&T), Greensboro, North Carolina. Tammie has worked in federal public service for almost 30 years conducting agricultural investigations and more recently drafting federal regulations. In her spare time, Tammie enjoys working as a Certified Home Staging Professional. In this capacity, she works directly with homeowners and real estate professionals throughout the DC Metro Area. Her expertise helps prepare properties for sale, so they maximize return on investment. Tammie is the proud mother of one daughter, Kennedy who is a college freshman at her alma mater, NC A&T.

Renee Neely, Psy.D. Glen Burnie, MD

Renee Neely, Psy.D. Glen Burnie, MD

Dr. Renee Neely is a two-time Bowie State University alumna, who holds a Bachelor of Science in Political Science, a Masters of Arts in Counseling Psychology, and a Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology from Argosy University. For the past 13-years, she has served as a Psychologist within the District of Columbia Public Charter School system, where she is responsible for serving over 700 students and families. Prior to her current position, Dr. Neely served as a Congressional Fellow for Congressman “Bobby” Scott, VA (D). In this role she advocated for children and families by drafting legislation for initiatives within the areas of juvenile justice, education, health disparities, and workforce development. Dr. Neely’s diverse work history also includes her dedication and commitment to serving as the Co-Founder for S.A.S.S.I.E. Mentoring Inc. and Metropolitan Psychological Group, LLC. Dr. Neely’s member affiliations include the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) and the American Psychological Association (APA).

Udean Mars Williams, Ph.D. (Candidate), Hyattsville, MD

Udean Mars Williams, Ph.D. (Candidate), Hyattsville, MD

Udean Mars Williams, Ph.D. (Candidate) is a highly experienced high school teacher and college adjunct professor with strong leadership skills in education program development. Udean holds a BS degree in Biology and Chemistry from Howard University and a master’s in educational administration from Trinity University. Udean has been involved in the teaching profession for over 11 years and currently teaches International Baccalaureate 7th grade science while pursuing a doctorate in International Psychology. Previously, Udean taught high school Biology, Physics and Environmental Science. Udean has worked with diverse groups of children and young adults, teaching science and health-related programs across school grades and college levels in a variety of physical and instructional program settings. Originally from Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Udean’s work experience also includes curriculum development, staff training and instructor assessment.

Tracie Bailey, MBA, Colesville, MD

Tracie Bailey, MBA, Colesville, MD

Tracie Bailey, Treasurer, Pro Temp. has more than twenty years experience in accounting, across disciplines including not-for profit associations, hotel/hospitality and healthcare. Tracie brings strong, proven account skills in accounting and financial analysis and is committed to helping others.

Deborah A. Finley, Ph.D., Miami, FL

Deborah A. Finley, Ph.D., Miami, FL

Deborah A. Finley, Ph.D. is a native of Philadelphia, PA and the proud mother of one daughter. Her early professional career, as a speech-language pathologist, has given her the opportunity to provide therapeutic services to pediatric, school-age children and adults with communication disorders. Throughout her career she has practiced in seven states as a staff therapist,  a school administrator and an adjunct professor at three universities. She is the founder of several corporations focused on healthcare, artificial intelligence and multimedia. Recently, she expanded her interests to writing and self-publishing  children’s picture books. Her community service activities have included being involved with several non-profit organizations in the role of board member. She is an alumna of Leadership Montgomery, Montgomery County, Maryland.

 

Tammie Wilburn, Bowie, MD, Executive Secretary

Tammie Wilburn, Bowie, MD, Executive Secretary

Tammie Wilburn graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration, Marketing, from North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University (N.C. A&T), Greensboro, North Carolina.  Tammie has worked in federal public service for almost 30 years conducting agricultural investigations and more recently drafting federal regulations.  In her spare time, Tammie enjoys working as a Certified Home Staging Professional. In this capacity, she works directly with homeowners and real estate professionals throughout the DC Metro Area. Her expertise helps prepare properties for sale, so they maximize return on investment. Tammie is the proud mother of one daughter, Kennedy who is a college freshman at her alma mater, NC A&T.

Youth Advisers to the Board

Crystal Jackson, B.A.

Crystal Jackson, B.A.

Crystal Marie Jackson is a 2010 graduate of Elizabeth Seton High School and a Spelman College Alumna, Class of 2014. At Spelman she completed a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Japanese Studies. Crystal is currently employed by KIPP DC as an Office Manager at Grow Academy in Northwest Washington DC. She has a passion for providing developmental support to growing organizations. Crystal has been a volunteer with the Every Girl Can Conference since 2014 and a youth adviser to the Board of Directors since 2015.

 

Onyinye Nworokie, B.A.

Onyinye Nworokie, B.A.

Onyinye Nwokorie is a graduate of Springbrook High School and Towson University. At Towson, she earned two Bachelor of Arts degrees in Communication Studies and Mass Communications with a concentration in Strategic Public Relations. While at Towson, she served as vice president of the Collegiate Chapter of the National Council of Negro Women. Nworokie has been a volunteer with the Every Girl Can Conference since 2009 and a youth adviser to the Board of Directors since 2015. Nwokorie is passionate about empowering young girls and women in mind, body and spirit.

Advisory Board

L. Isabelle Blackwood-Ellis, PhD – Clinical Psychologist, Co-Owner, Psychological and Educational Associates

Gillian Cadogen, CPA Accountant

Dawnielle Farrar-Gaines, PhD – Senior Materials and Mechanical Engineer, Johns Hopkins University, Applied Physics Lab

Elaine Knight, PhD -Research Scientist, NIH

Claire Nelson, PhD – Engineer and Futurist, Sagient Futures

Chu Chu Onwuachi-Saunders, MD, MPH – Pediatrician, Public Health Consultant and Author

Paulette Watson, PhD – Former Educational Consultant, Massachusetts, Board of Education

 

 

Teen Council

Coming soon.
Girls in 8th to 12th grade and college students may send a message of inquiry/interest to EGCLI secretaty, Katherine Wurzburg at katherine@wurzburg.us