As February unfolds, so does the celebration of Black History Month, a time dedicated to honoring the profound impact and achievements of Black individuals throughout history. At Girls Inc., this month holds special significance as we shine a spotlight on the remarkable contributions of our Black employees. These individuals embody resilience, innovation, and a deep commitment to empowering the next generation of young girls. In this employee spotlight series, we have the privilege of highlighting their stories, journeys, and the invaluable lessons they bring to our organization. Join us in celebrating these incredible individuals during this month of remembrance and recognition.

Courtney Taylor-El, Associate VP of Programs

Sherri Cook, Sr. Director of Community Partnerships and Collaborations

Shantel Horton, Jr. Accountant

Q: How long have you been at Girls Inc.? 

Courtney: I’ve been at Girls Inc. for 4 years.

Sherri: 6 years.

Shantel: I have been at GIMD for 6 months now!

Q: Can you share a bit about your background and journey to where you are in your career today?

Courtney: I have always had a desire to serve my community after a childhood of very humble beginnings that let me know that your current circumstances do not define your future dreams. I was introduced to youth development non-profit work in college and fell in love with the work of serving children and have been in the field ever since.

Sherri: I am by education a geoscientist who worked in the Oil and Gas Industry for over 30 years.  As you might imagine, being a black female scientist, there were times when things were DIFFERENT for me than for others.  Believe it or not, at one time, I knew, or was one person removed from, every Black geoscientist in the US (that’s how few of us there were – thank goodness that has changed some). 30 years in the O&G Industry allowed me to experience many things and have multiple opportunities. I moved from geoscience to HR which was what I was doing when I ended my O&G career. After retiring from O&G, I worked at UT Dallas for 3.5 years where I was a career coach and an adjunct professor. There as I coached students, I heard stories and disappointments (when disappointments/concerns were shared – they came more from females). I remember saying to a peer that I was considering starting my own business to address some of the inequities that still, after all these years, existed. Shortly after my epiphany, I was asked if I would consider working for Girls Inc.  I was intrigued because I thought if I could positively influence girls to know how capable they are and how they can do (professionally) anything they want, maybe things would change. Maybe if they didn’t internalize the negative messaging, perceptions, and stereotypes – things for the next generation would be different. At Girls Inc, in my role, I can offer to schools and organizations programs to teach girls that they are strong, smart, and bold, and that they can do anything! That gender should not be something that impedes their progress. I believe if girls understand their worth and have self-confidence – when negative messaging occurs, they can pull up their shield and not let the negative messaging penetrate their soul or make them question their worth/capabilities.

Shantel: Having a passion for girls in need of a “big sister”. I needed exactly who we are [Girls Inc.] when I was growing up, so once given the opportunity to be that “big sister”, I jumped at the opportunity to be just that.

Q: What accomplishments or milestones are you most proud of in your professional life?

Courtney: The accomplishment I am most proud of in my professional life is honestly being able to serve others. The work that we do in nonprofit is so rewarding and it brings me so much joy! Additionally, I’ve facilitated at state conferences and afterschool network events in Texas, New York, & Illinois; I recently completed my Scrum Masters Certification in October 2023; and more recently, I was selected to serve as a workshop facilitator for the National Afterschool Alliance’s (NAA) Annual Convention which is being held here in Dallas in March 2024!

Sherri: During my professional career, I have had the opportunity to pour into the lives of others and help them be the best they can be.  That has been very rewarding to me and something for which I am very proud.

Shantel: Exactly where I am today, the good, the bad and the ugly.

Q: As a black woman, who is your role model and how have they inspired you?  

Courtney: My black female role model is my mother, Darlene. She is the epitome of strength and hard work. She instilled a work ethic of determination and perseverance in me at a very young age that has set me up for success in every aspect of my life. I owe my all to my Mommy!

Sherri: I have two role models – my grandmother and my mother. My grandmother was not college educated and was responsible, as a single mom, to raise her 2 boys and 1 girl.  She left Richmond, VA to work for the Binswanger Glass Company family in New York so she could send money back to my great grandmother to support the family.  After finding out that wasn’t going well, she came back to Richmond where she did what she had to do to keep the family whole.  Ultimately, she ran the Fuller Products Distributorship in Richmond, VA with her second office located on Main Street in downtown. She was the first Black person to have a business on Main Street (this was huge in my opinion because Richmond was the capital of the confederacy at one time so for this Black woman to have an office on Main Street was amazing). My mom started college and stopped to get married start a family. After having four children she was trained and worked for the Department of Defense, as a computer operator (sound familiar? She couldn’t be a computer programmer because she didn’t have a degree.) After all of us finished our post-secondary education, she went back to college and earned her degree in Theology in 2001 at the age of 69. How did they inspire me? How did they not? Never give up!  Never stop. You can do anything you want. It might not be easy but if there is a mountain go around it, over it, thru it – whatever it takes.

Shantel: Gabrielle Union, her and I have so many things in common. She is down to earth and simply a powerful woman in this day in age. She is inspiring to the LGTBQIA+ community as a black woman in America, sometimes can be a super challenge. However, she stands up and embraces it all, while being transparent.

Thank you for joining us in celebrating Black History Month and the incredible individuals who make Girls Inc. the empowering and transformative space it is.

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