Rooted in Purpose,
Rising in Power
Focus Fairies was born in 2017, founded by women from Chicago’s very own neighborhoods—women who recognized that girls in our communities needed more than after-school programs. They needed mentors who understood their realities, saw their potential, and knew how to guide them toward greatness.

Why We Exist
Focus Fairies Mentoring (FFM) exists because too many Black and Brown girls in Chicago are left to navigate trauma, violence, and systemic neglect without consistent, culturally grounded support. We step in where systems have failed—offering sisterhood, sanctuary, healing, and hope.
Without Focus Fairies, many would lose one of the few spaces where they feel seen, safe, and spiritually affirmed. They’d lose mentors who not only walk beside them through life’s toughest moments but also speak life into their purpose and remind them of their inherent worth. In a world that often tries to dim their light, we help them reconnect to the power, promise, and divine potential already within them.

Our Mission
Focus Fairies Mentoring is a community-based nonprofit that empowers and uplifts Black girls and young women of color, ages 7 to 21, on Chicago’s West and South sides who have experienced vicarious trauma, violence, and systemic inequities. Through trauma-informed mentorship, mental health support, and culturally responsive programming, we take a holistic, healing-centered approach that nurtures leadership, emotional resilience, spiritual grounding, and self-worth in girls disproportionately impacted by racial injustice and disinvestment. At the heart of our work is a deep belief in each girl's divine potential and inherent dignity—a light that, when nurtured, has the power to transform not only her life, but her community.
We provide services in:
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Health Literacy
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Youth and Leadership Development
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Workforce Readiness
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Violence Prevention

Our Vision
We envision a world where Black and Brown girls are safe, seen, and spiritually affirmed—where they confidently shape their futures, free from cycles of trauma and harm.
This vision extends beyond Chicago. We believe in a global movement where all girls live free from violence and are empowered to lead with divine confidence and unshakable courage. It’s a future where their voices are not only heard—but cherished. Where they walk in light, lead with purpose, and love themselves as whole, worthy, and powerful beings.
Faith at the Center
Sisterhood & Belonging
Empowerment through Purpose
Healing & Atonement
Rest & Rhythm (Sabbath Practice)
Equity & Justice as Ministry
Joy, Creativity & Expression
Community Stewardship

Our board

Ciera Bates-Chamberlain
President The Board

Kelli bell
Board Member

Christopher Patterson
Board Member

Khaliah Lyons
Advisory Board Member

Dr.Karla Manning
Board Member

Christel Perrin
Board Member

Dr. Joesph Strickland
Board Member

Nancy Loeb
Board Member

Mandy Zimmer
Board Member


The Heart Behind It All
At our core, Focus Fairies Mentoring is about connection. We mentor from the heart, with a deep understanding of the pressures, pain, and potential our girls carry. Our work is personal. It’s cultural. And it’s urgent.
We believe that when a girl heals, she transforms her world. And when we support that healing, we all rise
Our executive Team

Darryca Brim
Co-Founder/ Executive Director

Kenya J. Conley
Co- Founder
What We Do
Through creative workshops, arts & crafts, guided coaching, and one-on-one mentorship, our participants gain critical life skills in a joyful, affirming, and structured environment. We meet them where they are—with love, lived experience, and the tools they need to succeed.



Our staff and volunteers

Heidi Ousley
Senior Operations Manager

Saneeta Golden
Community Violence & Intensive Mentoring Manager

Sandria Washington
Senior Program & Partnership Manager

Olivia Parker
Program Facilitator/Volunteer -South Region

Marvina Bailey
Program Facilitator/Volunteer -South Region

Ashley Wardlow
Program Facilitator West Region

Joy Onuoha
Program Facilitator -Near North Region

Khaliah Chiles
Mentor
