MILWAUKEE — A Milwaukee woman has been working to provide a healthy space and positive future for more young girls of color growing up in the city.
Since 2017, “Pretty Girls are Educated” has been a platform for young Black girls in Milwaukee to learn and grow in an uplifting environment. The nonprofit was created by Nicole Goins, who said it’s a passion of hers to help others.
“For me it’s really personal,” Goins said. “It’s a passion, of course. I call all these girls my bonus daughters.”
Goins grew up in the Milwaukee area and was raised by a single mom. She said at times while growing up, she struggled to love herself and find positive outlets. It’s one of the many reasons why she created her organization. Her goal is to reach and empower more girls while they are young.
“I continue to show up for them, because I know what it’s like for someone not to,” Goins said.
Through the program, girls meet after school, work on projects and talk about things going on in everyday life. She said it’s an opportunity for them to bond with other girls. They talk about the importance of doing well in school and are encouraged to fully embrace themselves and their culture.
High school freshman Miracle Lee Hannibal has been part of the program for two years.
“This program has really helped me find who I am,” she said. “It has helped me love myself, and love my skin.”
Lee Hannibal said with Goin’s support as a mentor and role model, she has grown in ways she never knew she could.
“To be honest, I just love Ms. Nicole,” Lee Hannibal said. “I can’t even sugarcoat it in any other way. I love her.”
Love is at the root of everything Goins does. She said she hopes to expand her reach.
“I want to be that, and spread love and positive energy, and just instill things that they can carry for a lifetime, and become somebody important,” Goins said.
She is already so important to the girls she’s helped along the way.