Finding Her Voice

Angela Patton is CEO of Girls For A Change (GFAC). She was recognized in Richmond, VA’s Style Weekly in 2015 as a Top “40 under 40,” and listed in a national coalition of girl-serving groups that identified GFAC as one of five programs to note. In 2016, President Obama recognized Patton as a White House Champion of Change for after-school programming for marginalized girls of color. In 2018, GFAC was recognized as Nonprofit Partner of the Year, and in 2019, the Richmond Times-Dispatch nominated Patton for Person of the Year. Patton was appointed to the Virginia STEM Commission, and selected to participate in the Omega Women Residency Leadership program for women leading nonprofits for women and girls. Patton is available for speaking engagements, trainings, panels, and consulting services on Black girls and other girls of color.

Ivy Belgrave has been an educator for more than two decades. She has taught in the United States and abroad. Currently she lives in the Cayman Islands. Outside of the classroom, Belgrave has worked with girls focusing on racial identity and social and emotional development. Belgrave cofounded and led CREATE (Culturally Responsive Education and Advocacy Together for Equity) for teachers at a previous school, and has trained teachers on the tools of cultural proficiency. Belgrave is a member of the Society of Children’s Books Writers and Illustrators.

Faye Z. Belgrave, PhD, is professor of psychology and founding director of the Center for Cultural Experiences in Prevention at Virginia Commonwealth University. The Center has implemented several interventions targeted at reducing problem behaviors and strengthening healthy behaviors among African American girls and young adults. Belgrave is the first author of cultural curriculums for African American girls (Sisters of Nia) and boys (Brothers of Ujima). Sisters of Nia helps girls ages eleven to fourteen embrace their culture and develop fulfilling relationships, while learning skills to navigate risky situations. It has been favorably reviewed in several peer-reviewed journals, and is one of a few cultural curriculums specifically targeting African American girls. Belgrave has published extensively on topics related to African American psychology.