ESTEEM01.COM - Key Persons

Job Titles:

• CEO and Founder of Empowering Self through Enlightenment

Belinda Mendenhall is the CEO and Founder of Empowering Self Through Enlightenment, Encouragement and Motivation E.S.T.E.E.M., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that is compassionately dedicated to empowering young people. Belinda holds a BA degree in Child development, a MA Degree in Education and a MA Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT). Belinda is an educator, mentor, researcher and youth advocate. Belinda have approximately thirty-five years of experiences working with the youth and volunteering as a community leader of the Imperial Courts Housing Development (ICHD). Belinda served as the secretary of the Imperial Courts Resident Advisory Council and participated as board member for several in the Los Angeles School District. Belinda was raised in the Imperial Courts Housing Development (ICHD), a community where education, setting goals and working towards dreams were not viewed as priorities. This stigma sparked a deep desire in Belinda to encourage and motivate the young people of her community. Belinda became active with many different organizations and programs that supported the youth in the Los Angeles "Watts" community. Belinda was employed as a Site Coordinator of the 4-H after School Activity Program and a Recreational Assistant for the ICHD community. She was also employed as a Preschool and Kindergarten teacher, a Head Start Site Supervisor and a Child development Center Director, all in which she promoted the wellbeing of children. Belinda was responsible for recruiting, supervising and training staff and volunteers. She was also responsible for scheduling, planning and conducting residential and community programs and activities for senior citizens, young adults and the youth. Belinda recruited and worked to create, implement and promote the "at risk" youth with social, emotional, physical development and mental wellbeing activities and programs. Belinda had the privilege to supervise staff and volunteers to plan, coordinate and implement sports activities, plays, fashion/talent shows, self-esteem builders and academic enrichment activities. She collaborated with ICHD inter agencies, politicians, celebrities and entertainers to bring forth a positive environment that build resilience amongst the youth. Belinda volunteered to conduct and speak out in public meetings for quality housing, gang truce, jobs and programs for the youth in the residential apartment complex. As a community leader Belinda collaborated with Cynthia Mendenhall-Moore, former RAC president, organized, interviewed and selected a panel of volunteers to process the Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) of 80 to 100 youth for five consecutive summers for ICHD. Meetings were held for the gangs, drugs and substance abuse preventions within the ICHD community. As the founder and director of the Imperial High Stumpers Drill Team and Drum Squad for the youth of the community, a board of volunteers were formed to schedule, plan and conduct banquets and events for the organization. The volunteers also attended and chaperoned local and out of state field trips. Overall, Belinda continues to work passionately and dedicates her life towards building up her non-profit as well as promoting the youth in her community.

Tiemessha Barrow is working on a double major and will received a degree in Human Service and Business. Throughout Tiemessha's (Mesha) work and volunteer experiences in youth development, she has committed herself to the mission of E.S.T.E.E.M., providing social/emotional wellness and various multicultural education based activities and programs that will enrich the lives of the youth she encounters. Tiemessha has devoted her efforts in the area of mental and social emotional to E.S.T.E.E.M. and will continue to promote and empower the youth of the E.S.T.E.E.M.