Empowering Women. Strengthening Bonds. Changing Lives.
We are more than an organization—we are a movement, dedicated to uplifting women and girls.
About us
OUR MISSION
WHAT TO EXPECT
HOW WE DO IT
To empower young girls and women to Love themselves and each other using the art of poetry to promote positive self -expression, achievement of their dreams and the ability to live healthy, safe and productive lives
Our core values are:
Integrity with self, integrity with others
Sistahood is Love and respect for ALL women (the solidarity of
To empower young girls and women to Love themselves and each other using the art of poetry to promote positive self -expression, achievement of their dreams and the ability to live healthy, safe and productive lives
Our core values are:
Integrity with self, integrity with others
Sistahood is Love and respect for ALL women (the solidarity of women based on shared conditions experience, or concerns)
Culture of inclusivity, community and healing
We believe:
"When you stand and share your story in an empowering way, it not only heals you, but may heal someone else."~Iyanla Vanzant
HOW WE DO IT
WHAT TO EXPECT
HOW WE DO IT
During our sessions, the girls will engage in
respectful dialogue, sharing their concerns,
experiences, and interests, strategically framed
with topics that impact ESL.
They will participate in a range of creative
activities including journaling, poetry writing, role-
playing, and drama exercises. These activities will
be tailored to address gen
During our sessions, the girls will engage in
respectful dialogue, sharing their concerns,
experiences, and interests, strategically framed
with topics that impact ESL.
They will participate in a range of creative
activities including journaling, poetry writing, role-
playing, and drama exercises. These activities will
be tailored to address gender-specific themes
such as body image, decision-making, and
fostering healthy relationships, all aimed at
empowering the girls to navigate their lives
confidently and achieve their dreams.
WHY WE DO IT
WHAT TO EXPECT
WHAT TO EXPECT
Trauma for founder, Tina Nixon, and Program Director, Shelly
Conley, began as early as five and seven years old and
continued into adulthood. For decades, with no outlet, they moved through life carrying guilt and shame for things beyond their own control. Eventually, writing and poetry became the thing that
turned their life around. It gav
Trauma for founder, Tina Nixon, and Program Director, Shelly
Conley, began as early as five and seven years old and
continued into adulthood. For decades, with no outlet, they moved through life carrying guilt and shame for things beyond their own control. Eventually, writing and poetry became the thing that
turned their life around. It gave them a chance to positively express
themselves and write their way into a healthy lifestyle.
"For every young girl we work with, we see value and
promise. We believe that your past does not dictate your
future. We are living proof of that."
WHAT TO EXPECT
WHAT TO EXPECT
WHAT TO EXPECT
The program usually consists of an eight to sixteen class curriculum,
designed for two age groups: Middle School (10-14
years old) and High School (15-18 years old).
• Weekly 90-minute sessions facilitated by Tina Nixon and Shelly Conley.
• MSK Workbook and Journal and REWIND 'self-
discovery' Book
• Guest Speakers provided by facilitators
• Cer
The program usually consists of an eight to sixteen class curriculum,
designed for two age groups: Middle School (10-14
years old) and High School (15-18 years old).
• Weekly 90-minute sessions facilitated by Tina Nixon and Shelly Conley.
• MSK Workbook and Journal and REWIND 'self-
discovery' Book
• Guest Speakers provided by facilitators
• Certificate of Completion
• Rewards for teens during the final workshop which includes a Poetry Slam
- Guest poets provided by facilitators
Congratulations are in order!! Congrats Shelly Conley, Milwaukee's 2025-2026 Poet Laureate!
TESTIMONIALS
Cathleen Pollock, MSW School Social Worker MPS & UWM Graduate Field Liaison
Cathleen Pollock, MSW School Social Worker MPS & UWM Graduate Field Liaison
Cathleen Pollock, MSW School Social Worker MPS & UWM Graduate Field Liaison
My Sista's KeepHer (MSK) workshop proved to be a transformative experience
for the middle school young ladies of 81st Street School. The messages given, so eloquently, delivered in spoken word and conversation, supported all of the interventions that I was conducting in the PBIS tiers. Through spoken word, journaling and Circle Time, the p
My Sista's KeepHer (MSK) workshop proved to be a transformative experience
for the middle school young ladies of 81st Street School. The messages given, so eloquently, delivered in spoken word and conversation, supported all of the interventions that I was conducting in the PBIS tiers. Through spoken word, journaling and Circle Time, the participants heard and accepted into their hearts, that their Truths may be difficult and hard to accept but by sharing and honoring them, they can bask in the support of their Sisters as they work to heal, learn to survive and thrive. The MSK experience impacted us all and may prove to be a life changing event for the students. At the school level, the impacts immediate as the bonds created and the support for one another overtook the drama and conflict that previously dominated. I highly recommend the MSK experience for young women. Actually, I recommend it for all!"
Anitra Riley, 2019 F.I.R.E. AWARD attendee, Manager, Community Leader
Cathleen Pollock, MSW School Social Worker MPS & UWM Graduate Field Liaison
Cathleen Pollock, MSW School Social Worker MPS & UWM Graduate Field Liaison
The work you all do to restore women & girls while also celebrating women & girls is amazing!! -- Its not always trauma. You all changed my nieces life by celebrating her WIN, her SHINE, her TALENT, at your F.I.R.E. Awards! You brought out all of her closest peers in red carpet fashion!!
The kids still talk about that day!! Several of them
The work you all do to restore women & girls while also celebrating women & girls is amazing!! -- Its not always trauma. You all changed my nieces life by celebrating her WIN, her SHINE, her TALENT, at your F.I.R.E. Awards! You brought out all of her closest peers in red carpet fashion!!
The kids still talk about that day!! Several of them started businesses of their own to strengthen and display their talents!! I love it!! You redirected them to POSITIVE PEER PRESSURE!! AND THAT'S SUUUUPER COOL!!!
... And we was ca-uuuuuute!!!
Kristi Morrison, MSW School Social Worker Golda Meir School
Kristi Morrison, MSW School Social Worker Golda Meir School
Kristi Morrison, MSW School Social Worker Golda Meir School
My principal asked me to be the contact at our school for My Sista's KeepHer. I am so glad she did because I was able to be a part of such an amazing opportunity for the girls at Golda Meir. Tina, Shelly, and Brenda were able to bring out the best within our students. It was a safe space for them to talk about anything that came to mind.
My principal asked me to be the contact at our school for My Sista's KeepHer. I am so glad she did because I was able to be a part of such an amazing opportunity for the girls at Golda Meir. Tina, Shelly, and Brenda were able to bring out the best within our students. It was a safe space for them to talk about anything that came to mind. They were appreciated, heard, valued, and were able to focus on healing. It allowed them to dig deep and find the things they loved about themselves to share with others. The girls and I were so grateful to have four weeks with the group. We cannot wait to have the entire session next year!
Kiesha Taylor, MSK Alumni class of 2014
Kristi Morrison, MSW School Social Worker Golda Meir School
Kristi Morrison, MSW School Social Worker Golda Meir School
My level of appreciation is through the roof. I want to give a special shout out to Kashunda Brown for being there for me when nobody else would. I can't put into words how I feel so I'll just say YOU DID THAT Kashunda, Tina & Shelly! All 3 of these beautiful women deserve the world and more. Ya'll probably don't know how much ya'll helpe
My level of appreciation is through the roof. I want to give a special shout out to Kashunda Brown for being there for me when nobody else would. I can't put into words how I feel so I'll just say YOU DID THAT Kashunda, Tina & Shelly! All 3 of these beautiful women deserve the world and more. Ya'll probably don't know how much ya'll helped me out and how much of an impact ya'll have on my life. I just wanted to end my night thanking ya'll!
CELEBRATING 375 participants during 2023/24 school year.
While we are always looking to expand our reach, we celebrate the 20% alumni who joined us this year.