MEET OUR FOUNDER
"The girls who are on the other end of my service, are the reflection of who I am or once was"
- Thea L.
Hello, my name is Thea I'm a Wilmington native, currently working as a Program Coordinator for a local nonprofit, and extremely passionate about cultivating our community. I'm a community organizer, mother, and advocate for education, youth development, and environmental justice. I am no stranger to grassroots organizing, advocating for projects, policies, and practices that make our communities stronger. I've dedicated my life to carrying out my family’s strong legacy of service in the City of Wilmington.
It started with my Grandfather, the late William “Hicks” Anderson who was a community activist in the 1970s. He had such an impact in the City of Wilmington, that the city renamed its only owned and operated community center in his honor. My father then followed in his footsteps as an activist, social worker, Poet Laureate for the State of Delaware (Twin Poets), City Council, and now a State Representative.
However, my work of advocating for our Black Girls was birthed out of my struggle with embracing the multiple identities I had. Growing up I didn't meet my father until I was nine, and had a mother who overcame but struggled with addiction. It wasn't until 2015 that I discovered the meaning of adultifcation. It was because of adultication that I had a hard time understanding my place in life. With my mother, I was often consumed and exposed to situations that a child shouldn't be. I nurtured and took care of my younger siblings feeling it was my responsibility because at times she was unable to. With my father, I was able to just be a kid. Free to play with actual dolls instead of taking care of children, extracurricular activities, and vacations; things I commonly felt guilty to enjoy when I knew my mother was struggling. Oftentimes I was told "you're too grown" ..." act your age" ..." stay in a child's place" This is the narrative of many of the girls we serve!
Girls Like Us (G.L.U) focuses on the empowerment of Black Girls because we want to encourage our girls to look beyond their flawed cards they've been dealt. We introduce the ideology of intersectionality and adultification as we continue to deepen the understanding that Black Girls have multiple identities and how to embrace them. Helping them understand that it doesn't make them who they are, but gives them the motivation to be in a different place, daring them to fall in love with their imperfections. Our mentor's lives serve as evidence that once you accept the ugly truth and use it as fuel towards your goals a radical change will be produced in your life.
Our Niche is to pair them with mentors who come from similar backgrounds to help them understand that it's not where you come from but where you can go. We do this by advocating for change and increasing access to resources for Black Girls to not only survive Blackgirlhood but to thrive in it!
COMMUNITY WORK
Harlan Park Civic Association - President
Delaware Democratic Committee - 1st Ward Chair
Brandywine School District Parent Advisory Council - Member
The Junior League of Wilmington - Community Impact Member
I Can Do 26.2 Kids Running Series - Board Member
Delaware Pacem in Terris - Board Member
Network Delaware Community Organizer - Ella Baker Program
Mary Ann's List ( MAL) -Member
James H. Gilliam, Sr. Fellow
BS in Integrated Marketing - Bloomsburg University