As we continue to celebrate Black History Month, we are reminded that leadership has always been a powerful force for transformation, turning vision into opportunity and challenges into change.
This month, we are proud to once again spotlight Danielle Pojah, Ed.S., Founder and Executive Director of Queen Academy, Inc., whose work exemplifies the impact of purpose-driven leadership in action.
In 2024, Queen Academy was named an
Invest in Others Grants for Good Recipient, receiving a $15,000 grant to support its REGAL Summer Camp.
The grant was secured by LaTika Tillis of Presidio Wealth Partners, whose advocacy reflects the critical role financial advisors can play in strengthening communities.
Together, Danielle and LaTika represent the kind of leadership that not only inspires but actively builds pathways to a more equitable future for young women.
Expanding Impact Through Partnership
Since partnering with Invest in Others, Queen Academy has experienced exciting growth. The organization recently secured partnerships with two county juvenile court systems to serve justice-involved young women through its REGAL Mentoring Program, expanding its reach to those who need structured guidance and consistent adult support the most.
Looking ahead, Queen Academy is already planning its 2026 REGAL Summer Camp, where young women will explore entrepreneurship, STEAM education, life skills, and spiritual and social enrichment. As the organization grows, its commitment remains steadfast: ensuring that young women involved in social service systems, foster care, alternative schools, and juvenile courts, feel seen, supported, and connected to caring adults and a strong mentorship community.
Transforming Lives Through the REGAL Summer Camp
The mission of Queen Academy, Inc. is to transform the lives of young women in foster care and alternative education settings. The Invest in Others grant directly supported the REGAL Summer Camp, serving girls ages 11–17 who are in the custody of the Georgia Department of Children & Family Services in the metro Atlanta area.
The impact has been profound.
Thanks to grant support, 100% of the young women in the 2025 REGAL Summer Camp were able to see themselves as entrepreneurs. Participants learned foundational business skills, developed their own business plans, and pitched their ideas to local business owners and community stakeholders during a Community Pitch Competition. For many of these girls, who have experienced instability or systemic barriers, standing confidently before community leaders and presenting their vision marked a transformative moment.
The outcomes speak volumes:
- At least 80% of participants demonstrated measurable improvement in academic and life skills, including STEAM education, financial literacy, decision-making, and problem solving.
- 90% reported increased self-esteem, confidence, and a stronger sense of belonging.
- 100% completed a community project, with at least 80% receiving positive feedback, demonstrating growth in leadership and civic engagement.
Empowering young women from disadvantaged backgrounds with tools to spark real economic change, in their families and ultimately in their communities, is more than programming; it’s generational impact.
Why Mentorship Matters, Especially for Girls in Foster Care
Transforming women’s lives through mentorship is critical because mentorship provides what systems alone cannot: stability, affirmation, and belief. For girls between the ages of 11 and 17, particularly those in the custody of the Georgia Department of Children & Family Services, these years are formative. They are shaping identity, building confidence, and forming beliefs about what is possible for their future.
Without consistent adult guidance, many young women in foster care face increased risks of academic struggles, financial instability, and limited career exposure. Programs like REGAL interrupt that trajectory. By pairing mentorship with skill-building in entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and leadership development, Queen Academy equips these girls not only to survive, but to thrive.
When a young woman learns how to create a business plan, manage money, pitch an idea, and complete a community project, she begins to see herself as capable and powerful. She begins to imagine herself as a leader. That shift in self-perception is life changing. It builds resilience, strengthens decision-making, and lays the foundation for economic mobility.
With additional funding, Queen Academy aims to double the number of girls served each year, expanding access to mentorship, enrichment, and opportunity.
Leadership Advice from Danielle
Danielle’s advice to young professionals rings true, especially for emerging leaders who want to make a meaningful impact in their careers and communities:
“Invest in your own coaching and professional development. Don’t just wait for your employer to provide training—seek opportunities to grow, connect with mentors, and sharpen your craft. Build your network and lean into growth both professionally and personally.”
Why Financial Advisors Matter
Financial advisors have so much to offer our communities, especially when it comes to pouring into our youth. Basic life skills and financial literacy are often missing in our public education system. That’s exactly where financial advisors can make a powerful impact. By partnering with nonprofits, schools, and faith communities, advisors can help young people and families gain real-world tools while also opening their eyes to careers and possibilities in the financial sector.
Learn More About Queen Academy, Inc.
🌐 Website: https://www.queenacademy.org/
