By Jheri Hardaway
Staff Writer
Raleigh, NC — The 2nd Biennial S.A.G.E. Gala showcased for the greater Raleigh area the greatness in our young girls. The stunning gowns, impactful speakers, and delicious food made for an inspiring atmosphere in NC State’s McKimmon Center. S.A.G.E., a non-profit organization, focuses on mentoring adolescent girls who are in underserved communities by providing resources and programs that give social awareness on issues such as teenage pregnancy, domestic violence, human trafficking, and body image, as well as having educational involvement and preparing them for professional and career development.
DJ DOC of Choice 92.1 and RoyalTea of K97.5 kept the music vibing and the show rolling as we enjoyed celebrating the young ladies of the program past and present, heard a word from the founder Tatiana Cooper, and a special highlight from now-retired social media star Officer Tommy Norman. A panel discussion on the girls' achievements featured Maya Gonzalez, Mackenzie Fennell, Nailah Daley, and Alanna Barbour, followed by a keynote from area actress and entrepreneur Birgundi Baker. Baker’s inspiring message concluded with “I would have never seen the stars if I didn’t fall on my back.”
S.A.G.E. believes every young girl deserves the opportunity to become the most confident, healthy, and stable version of themselves. S.A.G.E. works to lend a hand to the young women who need one when they don't know who else to turn to. S.A.G.E. was founded on the principles of Social Awareness, Educational Involvement, and Career and Professional Development in order to uplift girls in need within our local communities. Through various programs that promote health and wellness, S.A.G.E. is committed to providing for those in need.
More than 250 young girls have passed through the program since 2018, with a current waiting list of 367 hoping to take part in the program. Toni Nelson, Assistant Executive Director, shared during her remarks that, “Society has a way of telling girls what they can’t be before they learn what they can.” S.A.G.E stands in the gap to inspire and uplift, and this gala reflected the community the impact. The girls in the program have achieved a 100% high school graduation rate and 100% college acceptance. Nelson went on the emphasize, “When we invest in girls, we change outcomes.” During the gala $2,000 in scholarship money was awarded to the girls.
The four-year program is currently being offered to high school girls ages 13-18 at select schools in the Raleigh area. S.A.G.E. is currently accepting volunteer applications to assist with the outreach programs to effectively serve our community. The night was capped with a gender reveal for founder Tatiana Cooper, who will be welcoming a baby boy! The main feedback at the conclusion of the event was, “It was great, it was wonderful, it ended too soon.” S.A.G.E. is an incredible organization doing outstanding work. The organization welcomes support through donations and volunteers.
