The power of mentorship and representation is undeniable. Young Black girls in Detroit deserve to see reflections of themselves in positions of leadership, excellence, and innovation. Too often, they are told where they can and cannot go, what they can and cannot achieve. Breaking those barriers requires intentional investment from those who understand the stakes. The journey from girlhood to womanhood is shaped by the influences around them—mentors, community leaders, and organizations committed to ensuring they are equipped to succeed. That commitment is what makes the Rhonda Walker Foundation (RWF) essential.
For years, RWF has been at the forefront of empowering young Black girls in Detroit. Their work goes beyond guidance; it provides access, exposure, and hands-on experiences that help shape the future of these young women. Representation is much more than visibility—most impactfully, it is all about opportunity. The foundation ensures that Black girls are not only seen but supported, prepared, and positioned for success.
RWF’s impact is undeniable. The organization maintains a 100% high school graduation rate, a 100% college acceptance rate, and has awarded nearly $700,000 in scholarships to young women. Education is a critical factor in economic mobility, and for two decades RWF continues to ensure that Black girls are not left behind. By providing year-round tutoring, SAT prep, leadership training, mentorship, career development programs, and health and wellness initiatives, RWF is creating a pipeline for success that extends beyond the classroom.
Jordanne Lindsey, a proud RWF alumna, exemplifies the power of mentorship and investment in young Black girls. As a graduate of Renaissance High School, she maintained a 4.2 GPA while actively participating in programs that fostered both academic and personal growth. She received the Science and Engineering Fair of Metropolitan Detroit Green Award, the National African American Recognition Award from the College Board, and the Perfect Attendance Award. She balanced rigorous academics while engaging in Midnight Golf, the Detroit Pre-College Engineering Program, and the Fashion Club. Now a student at the University of Michigan studying Aerospace Engineering, Lindsey credits RWF for giving her the confidence and skill set to navigate spaces where Black women are often underrepresented.
“A significant lesson I have learned from the RWF organization is that it is important to take risks and do things outside of your comfort zone in order to grow as a person. RWF has helped me to become more confident with myself, to get comfortable speaking in front of crowds and meeting new people,” Lindsey shared.
Opportunities like these are not common for many young Black girls in Detroit. The statistics tell the story: roughly 40% of teenage girls in Detroit do not graduate from high school. Of those who do, only 45% go on to graduate from college. Without intervention, the systemic barriers remain intact, limiting access to careers, networks, and resources that foster professional and personal success. RWF is rewriting that narrative by ensuring that these young women receive the tools they need to excel.
Through a structured five-year program, RWF builds pathways to success. College prep includes tutoring, SAT courses, and assistance with college applications. Personal development workshops focus on etiquette, financial literacy, goal-setting, and public speaking. Mentorship is deeply embedded in the program through one-on-one connections with professionals, peer mentorship, and leadership retreats. Career development introduces young women to entrepreneurship, job shadowing, and internships, helping them see firsthand what is possible. Health and wellness programs focus on fitness, nutrition, and mental health support, ensuring that these young women are cared for holistically. Community outreach reinforces the importance of giving back, with participants engaging in service projects, cultural field trips, and charity events.
The importance of exposure cannot be overstated. Seeing and experiencing new environments changes perspectives and fuels ambition. One of the foundation’s latest initiatives provided an opportunity due to a generous $20,000 donation from Amazon, for young women to engage in winter sports at Pine Knob Ski and Snowboard Resort. For many of these young women, it was their first time experiencing a ski resort, a space often associated with exclusivity and wealth. Breaking those barriers matters. Representation means showing young Black girls that there are no limits to where they belong.
“We are so grateful for this partnership with Amazon and their support of this special opportunity for our teens. Being able to participate in winter activities like skiing and snowboarding is an integral part of being a Michigander that so many of our kids never get to experience. Giving them this exposure early in life is not only fun but also helps them to be more well-rounded,” said Rhonda Walker, President and Founder of the Rhonda Walker Foundation.
“At Amazon, we’re thrilled to deepen our commitment to Michigan youth through our partnership with the Rhonda Walker Foundation, supporting their innovative winter sports and recreation initiative. This program aligns perfectly with our belief that every young person deserves access to enriching experiences that build confidence and create lasting memories. The Foundation’s dedication to expanding opportunities for local youth resonates deeply with our more than 30,000 Amazonians across Michigan who are proud to be part of this community-strengthening effort”, said Ian Conyers, Amazon Community Engagement Manager.
Experiences like this are about more than recreation. They reinforce confidence, resilience, and a sense of belonging in spaces that society often tells Black girls are not for them. Erycka Hunter, Chief Executive Officer of the Rhonda Walker Foundation, highlighted the deeper significance of this opportunity.
“This donation allows us to expose our girls to experiences they may have never imagined possible. Beyond the slopes, this trip is about self-discovery, resilience, and building a sisterhood that lasts a lifetime.”
The importance of investing in young Black girls cannot be overstated. They need to see possibilities beyond what society has dictated for them. They need mentors who understand their unique challenges and opportunities tailored to their success. They need organizations like the Rhonda Walker Foundation, which actively works to close the opportunity gap and create pathways for achievement.
The work of RWF is a model for what intentional investment in young Black girls looks like. It is mentorship, education, and exposure all working together to build a foundation for future success. The village that surrounds these young women—mentors, organizations, businesses—plays a pivotal role in ensuring they do not just enter spaces but thrive in them.
Representation for young Black girls in Detroit goes beyond visibility. Opportunities that build confidence, access, and ambition shape their futures. The Rhonda Walker Foundation is ensuring that these young women are more than seen—they are empowered, prepared, and provided with the resources to lead. The investment in their success is not temporary. It is a commitment to long-term change, creating a future where Black girls step into spaces with confidence, knowing they belong.
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