HER STORIES · THE WOMEN AT THE CENTER

Their voices were already there.

Becoming Her did not give young women a voice. It made room for them to use it in their own words, on their own terms, in the lives they are building now.

BECOMING HER COHORT 1

Decontee Beh

I don’t need a perfect voice to have something worth saying. I just need the courage to use it.

Before entering Becoming Her Cohort 1, I struggled with speaking. As a stammerer, I often held back because I was afraid of how people might respond. Becoming Her changed the way I saw myself. It taught me that confidence is not about being perfect or never being afraid; it is about accepting who you are and having the courage to show up anyway. Today, I am more confident in my voice and more intentional about my journey.

Today, Decontee has started Her Growth Hub a space where she helps young women discover who they are, build confidence, have meaningful conversations and become the person they want to be.

BECOMING HER COHORT 1

Wilna L. Williams

I learned that my voice matters and that I don’t have to be perfect to be successful.

Before I joined Becoming Her, I felt unsure of myself. As a 17-year-old, it was easy to feel overwhelmed, doubt my own potential or feel like I did not quite fit in. The biggest turning point was being in a space where everyone was open and supportive. Hearing real experiences from my mentor, Ms. Hena, and the other girls made me realize that I was not alone. I discovered that I am stronger and more resilient than I gave myself credit for.

Today, Wilna is becoming a confident, focused young woman who is ready to speak up, chase her goals and step into her future without fear.

BECOMING HER COHORT 1

Jamesette A. Baxter

I am building a pastry business that makes nourishment feel possible with care, health and dignity in every order.

Jamesette wrote to thank Becoming Her for the care she felt in the programme especially a personal letter and scripture that reminded her she had been seen. She also shared a dream already taking shape: producing made-to-order pastries that are lighter on oil, sugar and preservatives, while using each order to raise the capital for her own pastry stand.

Jamesette is building a health-conscious pastry business, one made-to-order bake at a time. Her goal is to grow the equipment, capital and community support needed to open her own pastry stand.