My name is Shanika, and I'm the founder of SAFE, an organization dedicated to empowering youth through self-esteem, advocacy, faith, and education. We've been making a difference for the past ten years.

SAFE was born from my own struggles as a teenager. I was sent to the Department of Juvenile Justice for truancy - a harsh consequence for a kid who simply didn't enjoy school. There, I encountered countless girls just like me: misunderstood, neglected, and yearning for something more. Their stories ignited a fire within me.

When I finally left DJJ, I knew I had to do something to help these young women. That's when SAFE was born. Our mission is to provide a safe space where girls can build their confidence, discover their voices, and reach their full potential.