Our Mission
At Seedplanter EmpowerHer Alliance, Inc., our mission is to embolden young women from the African Diaspora to discover their roots and their wings. We achieve this by focusing on cultural “root” awareness, preparing them for and journeying with them to the continent of Africa. This immersive experience is designed to deepen their understanding of their heritage and empower them to embrace their full potential.
Through this transformative journey, participants connect with their ancestral roots, gaining a profound sense of identity and belonging. They engage in daily journaling, character-building workshops, and meaningful service activities, all of which equip them with the confidence and knowledge to soar to new heights. Our ultimate goal is to plant seeds of leadership and resilience, fostering an alliance of future women leaders who will shape the future of their communities, live out their dreams, and leave a lasting legacy.
Our Story
At Seedplanter EmpowerHer Alliance, Inc., our story is rooted in the mission to embolden young women from the African Diaspora to discover their roots and their wings. We believe that understanding one’s heritage is a powerful tool for personal growth and empowerment. By focusing on cultural “root” awareness, we prepare young women for a transformative journey to the continent of Africa, where they can deepen their understanding of their heritage and embrace their full potential.
This journey is more than just a trip; it is a life-changing experience that connects participants with their ancestral roots, providing them with a profound sense of identity and belonging. Through daily journaling, character-building workshops, and meaningful service activities, we equip these young women with the confidence and knowledge to soar to new heights. Our program fosters self-esteem, conflict resolution skills, and future aspirations, ensuring that each participant returns home with a renewed sense of purpose and direction.
Our ultimate goal is to plant seeds of leadership and resilience within each participant, ranging from ages 13 to 16. We aim to build an alliance of future women leaders who will contribute to shaping the future of their communities. These young women will live out their dreams of being the best versions of themselves and will reach back to offer a hand to those who come behind them, leaving a rich legacy of empowerment and transformation.
Our Board of Directors
Yolanda Washington
Founder and CEO
Born and raised in Harlem, NYC, Yolanda has dedicated her entire adult life to serving and uplifting her community. With over 26 years of active involvement in her local church, she has held key leadership roles as a Board Member for three impactful women’s ministries: Alabaster Women of Faith, Daughters of Restoration, and Women of Warfare. Her commitment to empowering others extends beyond the church, as she has also mentored young women for 16 years through the local non-profits The Sledge Group and Sistahs United.
Yolanda holds an Associate Degree in Business Administration from Borough of Manhattan Community College and a Bachelor’s in Health Services Administration from Lehman College.
She loves dancing with her 9-year-old granddaughter Kimaya in her free time and enjoys reading adventures with her 5-year-old grandson Myles at their neighbourhood library.
Arielle Johnson
Senior Advisor
Arielle Johnson is a passionate Mental Health Clinician in training and an experienced Higher Education Professional. Originally from North Carolina, she now proudly calls New Jersey home.
She holds a Master of Education in College Counseling and Student Development from NC State University.
Throughout the first three years of the pandemic, Arielle made a significant impact as a mentor with The Sledge Group/Sistahs United, where she guided and empowered young women through challenging times.
Known for her hands-on approach to learning, Arielle firmly believes in the power of confronting fears and embracing new experiences—at least once!
Corretta Bradley
Senior Advisor & Treasurer
Coretta is a passionate traveller who discovered her love for solo adventures while studying abroad during college.
She is a proud alumna of St. John’s University, where she earned her degree in Hospitality Management. Her career includes valuable experience at the Fortune 500 Walt Disney World Resort.
Now residing in New York City, Coretta brings an optimistic and balanced perspective to life’s challenges.
She enjoys taking creative arts classes in her free time to explore her artistic side.
Serenity Young
Orientation Coordinator
As the youngest official Board Member, Serenity Young is a talented high school student and aspiring singer with a captivating voice.
She was the first recipient of our scholarship to journey to Ghana and complete our program’s curriculum.
Serenity now serves as the orientation counsellor for newly accepted young women of Seedplanters EmpowerHER Alliance (SEA).
