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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.

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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.

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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:

 

  • Health Literacy

  • Youth and Leadership Development

  • Workforce Readiness

  • Violence Prevention

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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

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Our board

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Ciera Bates-Chamberlain

President The Board

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Kelli bell

Board Member

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Christopher Patterson

Board Member

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Khaliah Lyons

Advisory Board Member

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Dr.Karla Manning

Board Member

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Christel Perrin

Board Member

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Dr. Joesph Strickland 

Board Member

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Nancy Loeb

Board Member

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Mandy Zimmer

Board Member

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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

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Darryca Brim

Co-Founder/ Executive Director

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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.

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Our staff and volunteers

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Heidi Ousley

Senior Operations Manager

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Saneeta Golden

Community Violence & Intensive Mentoring Manager

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Sandria Washington

Senior Program & Partnership Manager

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Olivia Parker

Program Facilitator/Volunteer -South Region

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Marvina Bailey

Program Facilitator/Volunteer -South Region

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Ashley Wardlow

Program Facilitator West Region

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Joy Onuoha

Program Facilitator -Near North Region

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Khaliah Chiles

Mentor

Email Sign-Up

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