Twala Lockett-Jones, a beacon of community spirit from a young age, has always been driven to create safe and inclusive spaces for those around her. Her journey started at just 10 years old, when she built a backyard clubhouse for her neighborhood, where everyone could feel a sense of belonging and camaraderie.
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Inspired Beginnings
Throughout her life, Twala has been inspired by her sister, Robin, who worked in real estate. This influence led Twala to join the same brokerage as a receptionist at the age of 18, setting her on a path to follow her passion for real estate and home ownership. -
Empowering Youth through Literature
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Twala decided to pivot her efforts and wrote a children’s book called "Princess Mackie Buys a House." The story focuses on a young Black girl’s journey to buy her dream castle, highlighting the importance of financial literacy and empowering young readers to pursue their dreams, regardless of obstacles. -
Building a Legacy for the Future
Twala’s book garnered nationwide attention, prompting her to reflect on the underrepresentation of women and girls in trades, entrepreneurship, and real estate. This realization sparked the creation of Girls Build Kalamazoo, a nonprofit dedicated to providing BIPOC girls with hands-on experiences in traditionally male-dominated fields. -
Empowering the Next Generation
Girls Build Kalamazoo partners with local tradespeople, businesses, and organizations to offer girls practical skills in the trades, entrepreneurship, and real estate. Through mentorship and hands-on projects, the program aims to build confidence and inspire young girls to pursue careers they may not have previously considered. - Community Support
Twala’s initiative has received overwhelming support from the Kalamazoo community, with businesses, organizations, and individuals rallying behind the cause. The program not only benefits the girls involved but also showcases their talents and potential to professionals across various industries.
In conclusion, Twala Lockett-Jones’ dedication to empowering young BIPOC girls through education, mentorship, and hands-on experiences exemplifies the power of community engagement and the impact of providing opportunities to those who may not have had access otherwise. Through Girls Build Kalamazoo, Twala is shaping the next generation of leaders and instilling in them the belief that they can achieve their dreams, regardless of their background or circumstances.
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