queenshipp_empowered_

Yesterday, I did something that scared me. 🖤
I sat on a panel for a national consulting firm — a corporate room, a corporate audience — and I talked about what it means to lead as a Black q***r woman with Southern roots who built something from scratch in honor of her mother.
Was I nervous? Yes, honey. Absolutely.
And here’s the part nobody saw: I wrote my talking points from an ocean away, sitting in Prague, trying to balance rest and responsibility. That tension is real for nonprofit leaders — especially Black women who were never supposed to be in these rooms in the first place.
But I kept coming back to this: QueenShipp exists because I believe that the girls we serve deserve to see women like us take up space — unapologetically, fully, loudly. So how could I do anything less?
I showed up for the panel on Celebrating Intersectional Leadership the same way I show up for our queens — honest, grounded, and rooted in something real.
The Deep South raised me. Mississippi shaped me. And every room I walk into, I bring all of that with me.
To anyone out there who’s been asked to step into a space that wasn’t originally designed for you — go. Show up whole. Your presence changes the room. 👑
ShowUpWhole LeadHers

✨ Something special is happening at QueenShipp! ✨
We are SO excited to officially launch our Spanish-speaking cohort — and today was just a glimpse of the magic to come! 🌸
Watching our young ladies light up in that room, knowing they have a space where they can simply be themselves, with a facilitator who truly reflects their lived experience… there are no words. 🥹💛
Shoutout to our incredible facilitator Esme, who has been rocking with QueenShipp for 2.5 years — you are the definition of purpose-driven! We are so grateful for you. 🙌🏾
And a huge love letter to our trusted school partner for opening their doors and believing in this vision with us. 💙— thank you for helping us make this pilot program a reality. Together, we are creating spaces where every young woman of color can find her voice, her power, and her people. 🌺
This is just the beginning. 👑
NuevoComienzo

✨ What some powerful LeadHers Table Mentor Luncheons we’ve hosted over the past few weeks!!!✨
A heartfelt THANK YOU to our incredible mentors — Lee Ann, Quatisha, and Britney — for showing up, sharing your stories, dropping words of wisdom, and pouring into our young Queens! 👑
Our high school partners make moments like these possible, and we are so grateful for the village that continues to show up for our girls.
When women lead, girls rise. 💛
DenverYouth SocialEmotionalLearning MentorshipMatters PouringIntoOurGirls

A Sanctuary of Sisterhood
Nearly 30 Black women—parents, educators, QueenShipp supporters—gathered for our 2nd Annual Sanctuary Soul & Self-Care Wellness Retreat, sponsored by the White Rose Foundation.
I curated this space to feel like my living room: safe, cozy, inviting. A place where you could exhale and NOT have to be “on.”
The Experience:
🎶 Vibes set by DJ Brittany Dawson-Shipp
🍗 Soul food by Black owned Blazing Chicken Shack
💆🏾‍♀️ Chair massages by Genese & Rita
🗣️ Racial Battle Fatigue workshop with Dr. Aisha Rousseau
🧘🏾‍♀️ Sound meditation with Courtney Besser (Intune Wellness)
✍🏾 Poetry workshop with Ashley Cornelius
What They Said:
“I have been in a very busy season of life where I cater to everyone’s needs and I yearned for a safe place where I could relax and be still.”
“Everything was perfect and intentional.”
“The energy in the space, the community and sisterhood that was organically present once we were all there.”
“I will carry the laughter, the release and letting go, the conversations, the poetry and the sound bath. I have not stopped thinking about it.”
“I had the opportunity to meet other beautiful women and share space freely. It was so refreshing and needed.”
“Such a beautiful time! I appreciate QueenShipp so much and Tanaka’s vision.”
The most asked question? “Can we do this twice a year? It’s needed!”
To every woman who joined us: thank you for your presence, vulnerability, and brilliance. You ARE the magic.
Thank you White Rose Foundation for making this sanctuary possible. 👑

A few pics from our Trip bd of Summer Camp Celebration!!! So great seeing parents and grandparents come out!!!

GET READY, MONTBELLO!!! We're bringing the 2025 QueenShipp Empowered Summer Camp to your community! Join us at Montbello Career and Technical High School for an empowering experience! Don't miss your chance - secure your FREE spot for ages 7-13 today!

🌟 WE’RE BACK! QueenShipp Empowered Summer Camp is returning to uplift and inspire our young Queens,Kings& Rebels!!!

Join us for a transformative cultural experience where every child discovers their inner strength, builds lifelong friendships, and celebrates their unique identity in our supportive community family.

✨ This isn’t just a summer camp – it’s a movement where youth become leaders, explore their heritage, and create lasting memories while developing skills that matter.

**Spaces are filling FAST!** Don’t miss your chance to be part of this empowering journey.

👉 **REGISTER NOW:** Link in bio or scan the QR code on our flyer

**Help us serve more youth!** We’re seeking:
• Caring adults to supervise lunch & activities
• Donations to help support
• In-kind donations (supplies, snacks, materials)

Every contribution helps us create magic for our community’s children. Whether you register, volunteer, or donate – you’re investing in our collective future.

Together, we’re raising confident, culturally-connected leaders who know their worth!

Our QueenShipp family engagement event at Aurora Central High School was a TOTAL HIT! We hosted a relaxing paint party in partnership with Affair and it was AMAZING seeing so many moms come out to enjoy an evening of food, fun, and laughter 😆

And we’re not done yet! At East Middle School we hosted a soothing sound meditation session to help our families unwind and connect! 🧘‍♀️✨

TWO incredible Family Nights in ONE week as we close out the 2025 school year with a BANG! The creativity, joy, and community spirit has been absolutely beautiful to witness!

…..zen vibes 💫🎵

Jack showing up and showing out for QueenShipp at today’s Better Together Networking Event! Making connections with 42 other youth-focused organizations across Denver while putting our mission on the map. The Office of Children’s Affairs really knows how to bring the right people together.

Looking back at our incredible QueenShipp Youth Advisory Council retreat at University of Denver! These photos capture just a fraction of the magic that happened when our brilliant young leaders came together.

Watching our students connect, share ideas, and envision the future of QueenShipp filled my heart with hope and pride. The campus tour, meaningful discussions, and moments of pure joy all contributed to a truly empowering day.

This is what QueenShipp is all about—creating spaces where young voices are heard, valued, and elevated. Every smile, every conversation, every “aha!” moment represents another step toward building confident, capable leaders.

Special thanks to our guest speaker for sharing her journey and to DU for hosting us. This is impact in action! 💫