Even as a young girl, Tatiana Cooper knew there was more to life than what she saw in her own community. Now she wants to instill in other young girls that their potential is limitless so that they too can have the same vision and drive to see, do, and have more. Let’s meet her…
You got on the CWM radar from your work with SAGE (Saving Adolescent Girls Everywhere), the nonprofit that you began in 2018. Tell our readers why you started it and what its mission and goals include. What problem does the organization not only tap into but solve?
I started Saving Adolescent Girls Everywhere (SAGE) because I always wanted to help young girls who looked like me. When I was growing up I didn’t have anyone who looked like me to be my mentor. I believe representation is important, and I wanted to take all the powerful resources and knowledge that received and pour it into young girls who come from an underserved demographic. There are not enough programs for girls and our program solves issues such as social awareness, academic success, and professional development by providing weekly mentorship programs on those topics.
How has the impact SAGE has had in your community inspired and motivated you to keep going?
The impact and results motivate me to keep going because I have seen tremendous GPA progress, an overall 360 change in their attitude, and I see that the girls are becoming motivated to be successful. Being able to assess progress in a young lady is what keeps me going, but also all of our parents acknowledge the growth that they see in their daughters, which shows the need for our program.
How can girls, mentors or others find out more information and support? Do you need volunteers or sponsorships? How can other organizations collab with you?
People can find out more information on our website www.sagegirls.net or even on our link tree. This link is also in the bio of our Instagram at @sage.inc. They can also reach out to me via email @tatiana.cooper@sagegirls.net
Tell us about RDU Connect.
RDUConnect is a platform that I created to highlight events and activities that are taking place in the Raleigh-Durham area. I felt like it was needed to inform the residents in the area about most of the events I attended because people have no idea about the amazing activities taking place in the amazing cities of Raleigh and Durham. I wanted to bring awareness to events taking place while building a network.
Where were you born/raised and where are you based now? What was your childhood like and did any of your own experiences or a lack of resources at the time act as a catalyst for focusing on the empowerment of young girls?
I was born and raised in the Southside of Chicago, and I am currently based in Raleigh, NC. I have been in this area for 2 years. When growing up I fought hard to make it out of inner-city Chicago. I was driven and passionate, but I worked hard to venture out of my neighborhood. I was great in school and athletics which gave me hope and a channel to make it out, but I wanted to help the young ladies who may not have these options or resources.
Can you tell us about a success story from one of your SAGE girls?
One of my SAGE girls went to a leadership conference with us in Georgia. There was 150 girls and she won woman of the year and a scholarship to college, and she was phenomenal the entire experience She was truly an example of what SAGE stands for and represented our organization very well.
Can you give us more information on SAGE’s Self Made Jr. program?
Self-Made Jrs. Program is an 8-week program where we have our teen girls start their own business and they work on the introductory development of these businesses. They conclude with a community event that showcases their brilliant ideas and the community is able to hear their business pitches.
In your endeavors, why is “connection” important?
Connection fuels opportunities, resources, and experiences that I am able to leverage and pour into my SAGE girls. Most of my connections bring donations, mentorship, and provide my girls with exposure to different fields and professions.
Tell us about any other business endeavors you have.
I currently own RDUconnect a social media platform that provides details on events happening in the area. I also own LMP Consultants which provides business consulting, and Coopers Crabcakes which are Maryland style crabcakes that I currently make and sell. I also own SAGE which is a mentorship group for teen girls in the Southeast Raleigh area, and I am currently mentoring 20 girls.
What is family life like and what other organizations do you support?
Family life is amazing. I have a 2-year-old daughter and the girls love her and help watch her at programs. Currently I invite other nonprofits that serve girls to our events, we support them on our social media platforms, and give them free entry to our SAGE events. We always welcome and invite others to our programs.
Any upcoming events or programs to promote?
We are having a huge gala on November 18, 2023. We will be expecting 400+ attendees. This Gala will be a big event that honors the accomplishments of our girls, and we are very excited about this.
Anything to add?
We meet every Thursday from 3-6pm and we are currently seeking 10 more girls. We have 20 girls but want to have 30 total. We are also building our team by seeking volunteers, mentors, an outreach team, and a fundraising team.
