Larry's Blog: Felicia Gibson Jaycox
By 1010 WISN' Larry Mullins
Ever meet a fireball, whose mere presence in a room can take you from an "average" day to the most exciting day you've ever had? Met her today. She's Felicia Gibson-Jaycox…and she's the founder of a Harlem outfit called The Power of You Teens.
Let me begin by saying this: if a girl goes through this program and comes out less than sensational, then she must have skipped class the whole year! The program is designed to empower young women (Black, White, Asian, Hispanic, Native-American) they don't care…to be self-empowered and encouraged to go after anything and everything she wants in life, and achieve it!
There are kids who joined this program (which started in Tampa, Florida) at the age of five, who are now giving back, in the form of mentoring for other girls. Gibson-Jaycox (who looks like a teen herself) says the idea for PYT was born out of a sad period in her life. She lost her brother, and went into a deep depression, joining a women's group for support. Well she remembered the encouraging words her brother shared with her before he died; You are a powerful beautiful woman, use your power to do good!
More: Black History Month Photo Gallery | One-On-One with Felicia Gibson Jaycox
The rest is history. The former model and television host (she also owns a floral design company) started hosting workshops in Tampa, educating and empowering over 2000 girls. And they have mentoring and so-called 'Power Mom" get-togethers (held each month to engage mothers on their daughters esteem-building) and community forums…all geared at girl power.
Web Extra: Thepowerofyouteens.com | Full Interview With Felicia Gibson Jaycox
And Gibson-Jaycox says they've only just begun: planning to open chapters of PYT all over the country. They've been blessed with sponsors (like DSW and Target and Pepsi), but she says they could still use more help, as they embark on a nationwide mission to "change the world, one girl at a time".
I gotta tell you; hearing the success stories about some of these kids, and hearing Felicia's own passion about this program, how the mom's are helping and how mentors are charging forward, I'd have to agree. Girls rule. And Ms. Gibson-Jaycox, you ladies Rock!
