About
Why mentoring?
The story of D.I.V.A.S. began long before our founding. Growing up in an area where crime and teen pregnancy were at constant incline and the stigmas of being a teen mom were nearly inescapable, our founders saw a need for mentorship that was not yet truly being fulfilled. Using their hardships as motivation, Chanelle Clayton and Tal'meisha Frontis came together with the help many notable executive members such as Tracey Simpson to create the Driven Intelligent Virtuous Ambitious Sisters mentorship program known as D.I.V.A.S. It was their belief that they had the obligation to contribute to society and with that belief came this organization on October 31, 2013. Our founders firmly believe that we all have our own stories and that it is the job of a mentor to push others to finish writing those stories no matter how tough certain chapters may become.
Our Mission
Serving to teach, inspire and empower young women facing adversity.
Our Purpose
D.I.V.A.S. is a mentoring organization serving to empower young women facing adversity. We work to foster lasting relationships, increasing academic excellence, self-knowledge, and skills both personal and professional.
What do we do?
At each visit, the mentees will participate in team bonding activities or an ice breaker to foster sisterhood amongst the mentors and their peers. The mentees will then break up into small groups to discuss the topic of the week such college-preparedness, self-love, navigating relationship with peers, etc. After the small group sessions, mentees will have individual time with their mentor and ultimately rejoin in a large group for a discussion on impactful moments and statements brought forth that day.
Testimonial
"Sometimes it is hard for us to see past our pitfalls and circumstances that we are born into without choice. It is during those times when we need someone from “the outside” to remind us that it is never too late to be the person you always dreamed to be.
Events & Workshops
Workshops
We also participate in workshops focusing on communication and sisterhood with Venture and the Center for Leadership Development at UNC Charlotte.
Programming
D.I.V.A.S. hosts various educational and social events for the young ladies to participate on their campus and at the campus of UNC Charlotte. In past, we have had events such as Build Your Own Brand, movie screenings, and #NoMakeUpMonday.
-Tal'Meisha Frontis