Built Different: Embracing Identity, Authenticity, and Self-Discovery

Ladies of Distinction is a young girls' empowerment program serving elementary, middle, and high school students. Founded by Dr. Jennell Riddick, the program is designed to foster character development, promote health and wellness, and cultivate a sense of sisterhood and leadership among girls of all ages. Participants meet weekly and gather quarterly for special events across multiple states-off ering them opportunities to engage with a variety of cultures, a diversity of skills, and educational levels.

In partnership with this initiative, Max Potential Boys Mentorship, led by Dr. Dwight Riddick, provides a similar transformative experience for young men. Th is program helps boys connect with their identity and purpose through practical life skills, speaking exercises, business-building tips, soft skill development, relationship-building, and exposure through field trips.

Recognizing the need for deeper literacy engagement beyond traditional classroom instruction, the team launched the School Literacy Project-a powerful platform for students to express their voices through writing and visual art. After multiple mentorship and coaching sessions, students refl ected on what they learned, how they felt, the challenges they overcame, and their overall experiences in Ladies of Distinction and Max Potential Boys Mentorship. While some opted to keep their refl ections private, many chose to contribute their work to this collective anthology.