The E.M.B.R.A.C.E. Experience (aka T.E.E.)
E.M.B.R.A.C.E. is a 501(c)(3) organization whose goal is to promote leadership abilities and self-confidence in girls through cultural activity.
Our Goals
E.M.B.R.A.C.E's goals for working with girls is to help them identify and deconstruct socio-cultural barriers so that they can develop open-mindedness and knowledge of cultures in surrounding communities. We hope to create experiences and opportunities for members of different ethnicities and cultures to engage collectively. E.M.B.R.A.C.E. fosters a community that increases self-awareness, self-esteem, and self-confidence in middle and high school students. Ultimately, E.M.B.R.A.C.E will prepare middle and high school students for cultural relations and leadership positions around the world.
T.E.E. Up Opportunity
To "tee up" means to put someone or something into a position of readiness for imminent action. At E.M.B.R.A.C.E. We believe that our goals should be driven by the voices we are hoping to elevate/uplift. In the wise words of Shirley Chisolm, “if they don’t give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair.” Too often decisions are made for our young Black girls without their voices being solicited or heard. We seek to debunk that narrative and provide a space where not only their ideas are welcomed, but they are the driving force behind the creative vision, the action plan and how they hope to engage with one another and their community. They will have more than a seat, they will be the architects of the table itself!
At E.M.B.R.A.C.E. We value intergenerational knowledge and believe that our collective years of experience is only valuable if it includes the cultural paradigm of today’s young voices. The goal of T.E.E. Up is to provide a space for young Black girls to collaborate, share and design cross-cultural opportunities that expose them to their heritage and the diverse community in which we live. These opportunities will include exposure to films, travel, food, art, adventures and culture immersion beyond our immediate surroundings, while also embracing the vast array of culture that exists locally in Los Angeles.
We are looking for 5-10 Black-identifying, 8th-12th grade girls who are eager to work with one another, share their voices and ideas to join our T.E.E. Up Advisory Council and develop a program that encompases these culturally diverse and experiential opportunities.
T.E.E. Up Advisory Council [Program Development Commitment - Phase I]
The following outlines a preliminary commitment for program participation.
Who
- Black-identifying girls in 8th-12th grade
- Based in Metro Los Angeles/Los Angeles County
When
- March 2025 | Zoom Kick-off + Informational Meeting
- Virtual meeting every other week starting April 5 through June 7, 2025 (dates and time TBD by T.E.E. Up participants). Schedule subject to change.
Where
- Virtual Zoom meetings every other week (day and time TBD). In-person dates TBD as safety guidelines permit.
What
- Collaborate with T.E.E. Up Advisory Council to develop a 9-month calendar of cross-cultural experiences, events and activities. Help to design the program goals for T.E.E. Up, set timelines/actions, connect with potential venues/service-providers for activities and support with identifying additional girls that have an interest in participating in the program.
- As a member of the Council you will gain deeper understanding of yourself and those around you; participate in designing a program that is both creative and influential for our community; gain exposure to innovative experiences; acquire skills and knowledge that will help prepare you for college and other service interests; and join a dynamic group of committed Black girls and women striving to see you flourish!
Beyond Program Development
As a member of the Advisory Council, we hope that you will consider participating beyond the program development phase and join the T.E.E. Up program from 2025-26 (and beyond). Phase II program participation includes:
- Remaining an engaged council participant from October 2025-July 2026.
- Commit to participate in E.M.B.R.A.C.E. 2025-26 calendar of activities that have been developed during the T.E.E. Up program development phase I.
- Encourage others to participate in the program and serve as a future mentor to incoming E.M.B.R.A.C.E. participants.
If interested in joining the T.E.E. Up Advisory Council, please click here or send the following information to theembraceexperience@gmail.com:
- Name, Email, Phone Number {including parent/guardian information}
- Grade Level and Current School
- Social media handles (optional)
- 1-2 paragraphs about yourself
- 1-2 paragraphs about your interest in this opportunity
- Any questions you have about The E.M.B.R.A.C.E. Experience and the T.E.E. Up Advisory Council.
For additional information and questions, please email theembraceexperience@gmail.com.