Hello

Welcome to The Hrlmgirl Project, Inc.

About Us

At The Hrlmgirl Project our mission is to empower high school girls in the Metro Atlanta area by fostering holistic growth through education, community service and travel. We are committed to creating opportunities that nurture personal development, leadership and global awareness.

Our Programs

High School Program

The Hrlmgirl Project's High School Program is a mentorship initiative designed to equip young women with essential life skills, confidence, and guidance for their futures. Meeting once a month, from September through May, we engage in meaningful discussions on topics such as leadership, financial literacy, self-care, college preparation, and more.

In addition to our monthly meetings, participants are encouraged to give back through community service projects, fostering a sense of social responsibility and compassion.

For high school seniors, we offer Senior Saturdays, a dedicated program focused on college applications, FAFSA assistance, and career planning. Our goal is to ensure each senior is fully prepared for life after high school.

We conclude the program with an exciting end-of-year trip that combines fun, education, and cultural experiences, celebrating the growth and achievements of each participant.

Say Yes to the Dress: Prom Dress Giveaway

The Hrlmgirl Project’s Prom Dress Giveaway is an empowering initiative aimed at making every young girl’s dream of a magical prom night come true. We provide free, gently-used, and brand-new dresses to high school girls who may not have the means to purchase a gown for their special night.

Our mission is to ensure that no girl misses out on the joy of prom due to financial hardships. This event not only offers dresses but also boosts confidence and creates lasting memories for our young women.

Veronica Adams Passport Scholarship

The Veronica Adams Passport Scholarship is a transformative initiative by The Hrlmgirl Project, designed to empower young women through the gift of global exploration. Named in honor of Veronica Adams, the mother of our founder, this scholarship provides funding for participants’ very first U.S. passport, opening the door to a world of possibilities.

Meet The Executive Board

Sakinah Sanders, Founder and President

Sakinah is the founder of The Hrlmgirl Project, Inc. A native of Harlem, NY Sakinah has a B.A. in Media and Communications and a M.A. in Human Development. As a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. community service and working with young women has always been her passion. Being the mom of a teen pushed those passions to the forefront. In 2021, Sakinah decided to combine her love of travel and desire to work with teens and create a program that explores how travel helps educate young women of color.

Tammy Barnes,
Vice President

Tammy Lay is a digital marketing expert who’s passionate about online branding and enhancing brand’s reputation through social media. She has more than 10 years of experience in digital & social media marketing, specializing in both content strategy, listening & reporting, and employee advocacy for global brands. She has a proven ability to utilize social media insights and data to yield successful and engaging content strategies.
Currently working at PwC as their Social Media Content Strategist Manager, Tammy completed her Bachelors of Arts in Broadcast News and Spanish from the University of Georgia and received her Master’s Degree in Communications with a specialization in Social Media from the University of Florida. When she is not working, she enjoys traveling with her husband, daughter and son.

Cynthia Dubose, Secretary

Cynthia DuBose has 20 years of experience helping local news organizations leverage digital products and platforms to reach the right audience at the right time. As McClatchy’s Senior Vice President for Products and Experience, she drives cross-departmental collaboration to develop new platforms, experiences and products.

While she calls Atlanta home, Cynthia will always be a New Yorker in her heart. She started her career as a municipal reporter at her hometown newspaper, Newsday. Cynthia is a PTA President, Girl Scout leader, and a graduate of Spelman College and Columbia University’s Graduate School of Journalism.

Steven Dotson,
Treasurer

Hailing from Milwaukee, WI, Mr. Dotson is a distinguished professional with a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Wisconsin - Parkside. In 1998, he made Atlanta, GA, his home and currently serves as the Director of End User Support and Facilities Operations for a Fortune 500 consulting firm. Beyond his corporate role, He is also a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

Family holds a special place in Mr. Dotson's heart, and he takes immense pride in his daughter, Jordan, who is pursuing a career in medicine, majoring in Biology with a minor in Spanish at a Historically Black College.

In his leisure, Mr. Dotson enjoys playing golf, reading a good book, working out, and the occasional indulgence in a fine cigar paired with a glass of Bourbon.

Nydia Southerland

Nydia Diane Southerland was called to be an educator and uses the lessons and testimonies of her life to prepare everyone, in particular young adolescents to be able to live out loud, always operating as the best versions of themselves. Passionate about being able to impact others, with a unique ability to build relationships with children and their families, Ms. Southerland has made it her life’s work to inspire change in the lives of many throughout East Harlem and Brooklyn in which she has chosen to serve. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Childhood Education, and Master’s Degree in Special Education, and is currently approaching the end of another journey in higher education at Niagara University where she will earn her Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership. Ms. Sutherland has spent the last 21 years educating scholars, coaching teachers,

Nydia also serves as president of The National Council of Negro Women’s Brooklyn youth section and as the committee chair of The Dr. Betty Shabazz Delta Academy with The Brooklyn Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Ayana Albert

Ayana Albert is a highly experienced HR executive with over 25 years of expertise in building high-performing teams, driving revenue growth, and implementing strategic HR practices across various industries. She has extensive experience in talent acquisition, employee engagement, organizational change management, and diversity initiatives. Ayana has successfully led HR across several industries, enhancing HR operational efficiency and fostering a culture of innovation and accountability. Ayana has volunteered with many organizations over the years sharing her HR expertise with organizations that focus on providing support to teens.

Dr. Taiwana Walker

Dr. Taiwana Walker is a dynamic, resourceful teaching professional who employs a teaching philosophy centered on the interdependency of her students' emotional, intellectual, civic, and cognitive growth. With over fifteen years of teaching experience, she combines her strong passion for English and writing to motivate and inspire children. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism, a Master of Education in Curriculum & Instruction, an Educational Specialist degree in Instructional Technology, and a Doctor of Education in Curriculum & Instruction and Teaching & Learning from Northeastern University. Currently, she is an academic coach at a metro Atlanta public school, runs an academic consulting program that provides resources for students and parents seeking advice in evaluating their post-secondary options, as well as, the To and Through (College Success) Facilitator for SMASH at Spelman College. In her free time she enjoys traveling the world (she has visited over 20 countries, including studying in East Africa), visiting coffee shops, for inspiration (she hopes to open a coffee shop one day) and watching movies in her favorite set of pajamas.