Celebrating Empowerment and Self-Love:

On March 8th, 2025, the vibrant cityof DeSoto, Texas, witnessed a monumental achievement as Director Sharriff Thomas, founder of My Shine Is Mine, successfully completed the first
cohort of her nonprofit organization at the Area Chamber of Commerce in Desoto, Texas. This
transformative event, which catered to middle and high school teenage girls, was held in two segments: a morning session for middle schoolers and an afternoon session for high schoolers. It was a day dedicated to fostering self-acceptance, self-love, and helping young women recognize their unique qualities and ability to stand out.

The My Shine Is Mine program is more than just a mentoring initiative; it is a movement dedicated to empowering young girls and nurturing their self-esteem in a world that often places unrealistic expectations on them. As the Founder and Director, Sharriff Thomas is deeply enthusiastic about guiding these girls through their personal growth journeys, helping them embrace their individuality, and encouraging them to shine in their own authentic ways.

A Day of Empowerment: The first cohort was a carefully crafted experience that aimed to address the unique challenges young girls face today. The morning session for middle school students kicked off with an introduction to My Shine Is Mine, setting the tone for the day’s lessons on the importance of self-acceptance and self-love. Director Sharriff Thomas emphasized the power of these
concepts in shaping a young girl's future, particularly in how they perceive themselves and interact with the world around them.

In the afternoon session, high schoolstudents were treated to a deeper dive into the themes of individuality and self-expression. The discussions were designed to help these young women
identify their strengths and recognize the qualities that make them unique. The session also stressed the importance of not just fitting in but standing out with confidence. The program offered tools to help them deal with challenges like peer pressure, social media expectations, and the often-confusing journey of adolescence.

A Safe Space for Self-Discovery: What stood out about the first cohort was how Director Sharriff Thomas and her resolute staff created a safe, supportive environment where each girl was encouraged to express herself freely. The day was filled with engaging activities and thought-provoking discussions that helped the participants understand that their worth does not depend on external validation but on their own self-recognition and belief in who they are.

Throughout the event, participants were invited to reflect on their personal journeys, share experiences, and engage in meaningful conversations that contributed to their personal growth.
This open dialogue was central to My Shine Is Mine's mission of fostering self-love, emotional resilience, and empowerment.

A Vision for the Future: As the Founder of My Shine Is Mine, Sharriff Thomas has always envisioned her organization as a source of strength and support for young women. She believes in the transformative power of knowing who you are and how that understanding shapes the world around you. “This program isn’t just about building confidence,” Thomas shared. “It is about creating a community of young women who not only support each other but also understand the importance of embracing who they are, flaws and all. When you love yourself, you allow yourself to shine in ways you never thought possible.”

The success of the first cohort is only the beginning. Sharriff Thomas and her team are already looking ahead to future cohorts and expanding the reach of My Shine Is Mine. The organization
plans to continue providing resources, mentorship, and guidance to young women who need it most, helping them to develop into empowered individuals who are ready to make a positive impact on the world.

Conclusion: The completion of the first cohort of My Shine Is Minemarks a pivotal moment for Director Sharriff Thomas and her nonprofit organization. It was a day of growth, discovery, and connection, where teenage girls learned to embrace their uniqueness and love themselves for who they truly are. The program’s success is a testament to the commitment and dedication of Sharriff Thomas and her staff to help young women navigate the complexities of adolescence with confidence and grace.

As My Shine Is Mine continues to expand and inspire, it is clear that this organization will have a lasting impact on the lives of countless young women. Through the work of Director Sharriff
Thomas and her team, many more girls will discover the power of self-acceptance and the importance of standing tall in their truth. The future is bright, and it is shining with the brilliance of self-love and empowerment.