Blue Diamonds Training and Consulting, INC.

One thing you wish you knew then that you know now?

Meet Jaden, a 16-year-old from Grand Rapids who faced challenges many teens girls only hear about—she was aging out of foster care and struggling to find stable opportunities. When Jaden joined Blue Diamonds’ Rise Up: A Celebration of Youth Leadership Initiative, she was nervous but determined to change his story.

Through hands-on culinary training, leadership workshops, and mentorship, Jaden not only learned to prepare meals professionally but gained skills in teamwork, time management, and problem-solving. She earned his ServSafe certification and started working with local food trucks and restaurants, earning his first paycheck and building confidence in his abilities.

But it wasn’t just about cooking. Through Blue Diamonds’ Rise Up: A Celebration of Youth Leadership Initiative, Jaden learned how to lead, mentor peers, and contribute to his community. She now dreams of opening his own food business and giving back to other youth facing similar challenges.

Jaden graduated from our the Rise Up Initiative and received her spoon on graduation day and is now working in a local restaurant as the head soux chef.

Your donation helps stories like Jaden’s happen every day. With your support, we can keep our doors open, provide mentorship, and empower more youth to thrive in life and career.

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As I reflect on 2025, my heart is full—truly full.

I am grateful for every referral, every contract, and every opportunity that trusted the work God placed in my hands. I’m thankful for the doors that opened, the conversations that led to impact, and the relationships that showed up at exactly the right time.

I’m also grateful for the relationships that ended.

The separations. The seasons that closed. The people who were part of the journey for a time, but not for the next chapter. Even those moments carried purpose, clarity, and growth. Nothing was wasted.

This year stretched me. It refined me. It required faith when things didn’t make sense and obedience when it would have been easier to stay comfortable.

Through it all, God showed Himself faithful—again.

Every authentic connection, every aligned partnership, every new relationship that came in brought confirmation that when you walk in purpose, God will send the right people—at the right time—for the right reasons.

I don’t take any of it lightly.

The lessons. The wins. The quiet moments. The answered prayers I didn’t even know what to ask for.

So as I close out 2025, I do so with gratitude, humility, and expectation.

God did it again. 🙌🏽

And in 2026, I’m not shrinking, settling, or second-guessing.

I’m going higher—deeper in purpose, stronger in faith, and greater in impact.

There is nothing like working with youth that finally recognize their amazingness.