Wisdom, guest column

Wisdom is an invitational column where an outstanding woman will share a message that we hope you'll find inspiring, motivational, and empowering.

The five Teenshop chapters are held together by this strong foundation and a group of women who are passionate about giving their time, efforts and commitment to help empower our teen girls.

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The Teenshop Chapter Officer

Brenda G. Norman
Former Executive Director, Grace Teenshop

Teenshop, Inc. develops teenage girls with goals into positive, productive, and concerned citizens. Teenshop promotes abstinence, encourages academic excellence and enhances self-esteem through an innovative series of workshops, field trips, community service and college tours.

This Teenshop mission appeals to many parents of teen girls. Seeing the results of a well planned organization is exactly what they want for their daughters. The five Teenshop chapters are held together by this strong foundation and a group of women who are passionate about giving their time, efforts and commitment to help empower our teen girls.

Who are these ladies who serve as mentors, friends, social workers and disciplinarians? Some of them, like me, have had their daughters go through the program. Other officers may not be mothers, but they are dedicated and consistent volunteers, available week after week because of a strong desire to give back.

Here are some of the qualities that unite us as Teenshop chapter officers:

• Committed and dedicated - demonstrating a passion for this cause- helping our young ladies to define who they are and become 'girls with goals'®
• Enthusiastic - a positive attitude is vital.
• Common Sense - use good judgment and make wise decisions, knowing the difference between right and wrong, good and bad.
• Reliable - willing to devote a set amount of time regularly and consistently
• Compassionate - having empathy with the plight of a particular person or situation. Concerned for the social problems of our community.
• Good Communication - able to relate to fellow officers and the girls and a willingness to make suggestions for improvements.
• Self-confident - poised and assured. Able to work as a team, sometimes leading sometimes following.
• Skilled - what is your expertise? Know what you do well and do it.

Who is that woman who answers the call? She is fabulous, intelligent, connected, versatile and busy. If you think you're ready to answer the call, we're ready to hear from you.

Biography

In 1993 Brenda G. Norman organized a group of dedicated women from her church and founded Grace Teenshop in the Germantown section of Philadelphia. She has served as Executive Director with distinction, compassion, and exemplary leadership.

Brenda is a retired teacher with the School District of Philadelphia and is a firm believer in giving back and supporting young people. Her professional goals have always been 'to equip students with skills for life' and to actively involve them in sharing and caring for others, as well as to become self-sufficient.' Her mission is extended to her work with Teenshop and beyond. Community involvement includes active membership with the Grace Baptist Church of Germantown. She is a Golden Life member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Most recently she served as the co-chair of the Sorority's 80th Anniversary and was a member of the 2008 Membership Intake Committee. She is secretary of the Legacy of Love Foundation, Inc. Board of Directors.

Brenda has received numerous awards for her service and leadership. They include the Ruth W. Hayre Service Award and a Service Award from the Simon Gratz Enterprises, Inc. She has also been recognized as an Outstanding Young Woman of America, and several times by her church for Christian Service. Brenda earned her Bachelor's Degree from West Virginia State College and a Masters Degree from Howard University. She is the married mother of a young adult daughter who is a Grace Teenshop Alumna.