MEET THE PEOPLE

BEHIND THE MISSION.

Joy is our foundation.
Healing is our mission.

MEET THE PEOPLE

BEHIND THE MISSION.

Joy is our foundation.
Healing is our mission.

ORGANIZATIONAL HISTORY

Founded ten years ago as The F.I.N.D. (Families in Need of Direction) Design and currently renamed as F.L.Y. Girl Institute (Forever Loving Yourself), by Kara James and Sharese Chapman. The two Michigan Natives, as black women, became frustrated and saddened by the lack of safe space for black and brown girls in Middle Tennessee. Eurocentric program models and curricula that were available failed to address the specific needs of "at-risk" Black girls, undermining their sense of worth by framing them as needing to be "fixed" rather than recognizing and building on their strengths.

ORGANIZATIONAL HISTORY

Founded ten years ago as The F.I.N.D. (Families in Need of Direction) Design and currently renamed as F.L.Y. Girl Institute (Forever Loving Yourself), by Kara James and Sharese Chapman. The two Michigan Natives, as black women, became frustrated and saddened by the lack of safe space for black and brown girls in Middle Tennessee. Eurocentric program models and curricula that were available failed to address the specific needs of "at-risk" Black girls, undermining their sense of worth by framing them as needing to be "fixed" rather than recognizing and building on their strengths.

WE LOVE OUR STAFF

At F.L.Y. Girl Institute, we take pride in knowing that every person on our team truly believes in our mission, vision, and values.

We are not just our sister's keeper, we are our sisters!

ORGANIZATIONAL HISTORY

Founded ten years ago as The F.I.N.D. (Families in Need of Direction) Design, by Kara James and Sharese Chapman. The two Michigan Natives, as black women, became frustrated and saddened by the lack of safe space for black and brown girls in Middle Tennessee. Eurocentric program models and curricula that were available failed to address the specific needs of "at-risk" Black girls, undermining their sense of worth by framing them as needing to be "fixed" rather than recognizing and building on their strengths.

WE LOVE OUR STAFF

At F.L.Y. Girl Institute, we take pride in knowing that every person on our team truly believes in our mission, vision, and values.

We are not just our sister's keeper, we are our sisters!

MEET THE F.L.Y. TEAM

Kara James

Co-Founder and Executive Director

Renee' Jones

Vice President, Operations & Programs

Clauden Ocon

Lead Admin

Edwin Bantigue

Admin, Operations and Program Support

MEET THE F.L.Y. TEAM

Kara James

Co-Founder and Executive Director

Renee' Jones

Vice President, Operations & Programs

Clauden Ocon

Lead Admin

Edwin Bantigue

Admin, Operations and Program Support

OUR MISSION

To mitigate the effects of systemic and personal trauma on Black girls, and other girls of color ages 11-17, by providing safe spaces for healing, long-term mentorships, and programming that transform their mental health and overall well-being.

TOGETHER, we make sure black and brown girls are seen, heard, and valued.

MEET OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS

F.L.Y. Girl Institute understands that it takes a village to raise children. We nurture and cherish every young person as if they were our own. We are committed to pouring excellence into our youth to ensure they become productive members of society.

Aleshia Curry

Board Chair

Dr. Andrea McCatty

Vice Chair

Jessica Robertson

BoardMember

Francesca Walker

Board Member

J’Alice Westery

Board Member

Dr. Quianda Harris

Board Member

Aleshia Curry

Board Chair

Dr. Andrea McCatty

Vice Chair

Jessica Robertson

BoardMember

Francesca Walker

Board Member

J’Alice Westery

Board Member

Dr. Quianda Harris

Board Member

MEET OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS

F.L.Y. Girl Institute understands that it takes a village to raise children. We nurture and cherish every young person as if they were our own. We are committed to pouring excellence into our youth to ensure they become productive members of society.

Aleshia Curry

Board Chair

Andrea McCatty

Vice Chair

Jessica Robertson

BoardMember

Francesca Walker

Board Member

J’Alice Westery

Board Member

Quianda Harris

Board Member

Aleshia Curry

Board Chair

Dr. Andrea McCatty

Vice Chair

Jessica Robertson

BoardMember

Francesca Walker

Board Member

J’Alice Westery

Board Member

Dr. Quianda Harris

Board Member

OUR VISION

To be a leading force in reshaping the narrative for Black girls and other girls of color, creating a world where they are universally recognized for their strength, resilience, and leadership. We envision a future where these girls are not only empowered to succeed but are celebrated as catalysts for innovation, equity, and social change.

OUR VISION

To be a leading force in reshaping the narrative for Black girls and other girls of color, creating a world where they are universally recognized for their strength, resilience, and leadership. We envision a future where these girls are not only empowered to succeed but are celebrated as catalysts for innovation, equity, and social change.

OUR SPONSORS AND PARTNERS

They help us create the impact that we do!

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We are so grateful for the incredible donors.

OUR SPONSORS AND PARTNERS

They help us create the impact that we do!

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We are so grateful for the incredible donors.

Contact Us

615-647-8222

2787 Smith Springs Road Nashville, Tennessee 37217

Follow Us

2787 Smith Springs Rd, Nashville, TN 37217, USA

SUPPORT BLACK EDUCATORS IN FOSTERING HEALING-CENTERED CLASSROOMS, SELF-CARE, AND COMMUNITY CONNECTION

DOWNLOAD OUR REPORT ON BLACK GIRLS' WELLNESS

Discover insights and actionable strategies to empower and uplift Black girls in our communities.

In collaboration with Dr. Andrea Joseph-McCatty, we’ve created a comprehensive report on the wellness of Black girls. Learn about the challenges, strengths, and solutions that are shaping their futures.

F.L.Y. Girl Institute exists to provide gender-based programming that empowers, elevates, and educates girls to be emotionally strong and resilient.

CONTACT US

2787 Smith Springs Road Nashville, Tennessee 37217

615-647-8222

REGISTERED CHARITY - 47-2471327

FOLLOW US

Copyright 2026. FLY Girl Institute | All Rights Reserved.

SUPPORT BLACK EDUCATORS IN FOSTERING HEALING-CENTERED CLASSROOMS, SELF-CARE, AND COMMUNITY CONNECTION

DOWNLOAD OUR REPORT ON BLACK GIRLS' WELLNESS

Discover insights and actionable strategies to empower and uplift Black girls in our communities.

In collaboration with Dr. Andrea Joseph-McCatty, we’ve created a comprehensive report on the wellness of Black girls. Learn about the challenges, strengths, and solutions that are shaping their futures.

F.L.Y. Girl Institute exists to provide gender-based programming that empowers, elevates, and educates girls to be emotionally strong and resilient.

CONTACT US

2787 Smith Springs Road Nashville, Tennessee 37217

615-647-8222

REGISTERED CHARITY

47-2471327

FOLLOW US

Copyright 2026. FLY Girl Institute | All Rights Reserved.