DIAMOND in the ROUGH YOUTH DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM, INC

Recently I have been made aware of an organization called Diamond in the Rough Youth Development Program, Inc. This organization's founder and Director, Nicole Steele birthed this vision in 2004 and is dedicated to providing mentoring, leadership, training and career coaching to girls ages 10-18.

Nicole has committed her time and finances to empowering girls around the world emotionally, intellectually, spiritually and physically. I had the pleasure of speaking with Nicole about her vision for the future and here's what she had to say.

AC: Good afternoon Nicole. I am so glad you decided to speak with Associated Content today. We are very excited to share with our readers what you are doing to train up young girls to become strong woman in our world.

NS: Thank you for the opportunity. At Diamond In The Rough we recognize an incredible obligation and opportunity to educate girls and their parents on the issues that girls face as they transition into womanhood. We provide a variety of preventative programs and enrichment activities designed to build self esteem, character, and leadership among girls ages 4- 18 years old. We offer weekly group mentoring, leadership development, career coaching, family enrichment activities, camps and conferences.

AC: Please tell us where you are from Nicole and how you grew up.

NS: I am a native of Ann Arbor, Michigan, where I was raised by my mother in a single parent household. I know first hand the challenges and insecurities felt by young girls, as I too suffered at times from low-self esteem and poor choices. I also know the benefits of having a good family, mentors and other positive role models to lead and guide me during those trying times. That is what has propelled me in to a lifetime commitment to provide the same type of support for a new generation.

AC: I understand that you not only run DITR, but that you have another program called Sister II Sister that you formed in 1995 in conjunction with the Eastside Carver Boys and Girls Club. Tells us a little bit about that program and its mission.