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About Our Founder.
My father was arrested and NEVER CAME HOME. My family lived a life no child should EVER have to ENDURE. I was THRUST into being the other parent for my sibling. I STRUGGLED in school and had NO plan for a brighter future. This isn’t just my story but the harsh reality of so many other young girls. I meet girls like this every day and just like me, they have NO relatable community and NO plan for a brighter future.
​With little support for girls us, we are labeled as “THROW-AWAYS.” TRAGICALLY, 36% of these girls will FOLLOW IN THEIR PARENTS’ FOOTSTEPS, committing their FIRST CRIME AS EARLY AS 12 years old. At Zion Girls Academy, we are committed to reducing THAT 36%!
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I founded Zion Girls Academy out of necessity and neglect. I understand their struggle, and I realized there is NO OTHER PROGRAM in the Sacramento region dedicated to solely serving this overlooked population and the unique needs of daughters who face parental incarceration.
We have partnered with Project Rebound and Prison Fellowship Ministries to
guarantee that each young lady in our cohorts will benefit from our FAITH-BASED, INNOVATIVE MENTORING PROGRAM.
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At Zion Girls Academy, we do 3 things:
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WE PREPARE them for higher education,
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WE HELP them overcome social stigmas, and
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WE ENGAGE them in civic action.​
Let’s do one thing together, let’s BREAK THE CYCLE on daughter at a time!
Ms. Dawn
Mission, Vision, Purpose and Core Values
Our Mission
At Zion Girls Academy, our mission is to break the cycle of generational incarceration by empowering daughters of incarcerated parents through faith-based, innovative mentoring. We are committed to preparing these young women for higher education, helping them overcome social stigmas, and equipping them to become leaders in their communities. By providing a supportive, relatable community, we strive to ensure that every girl we serve sees her value, reclaims her future, and transforms her story into one of hope and success.
Our Vision
Our vision at Zion Girls Academy is to create a world where daughters of incarcerated parents are no longer labeled as "throw-aways" but are recognized as future leaders, thriving in higher education, breaking generational cycles, and transforming their communities. We envision a supportive and empowering environment where every girl has access to the tools, mentorship, and faith-based guidance needed to overcome social stigmas and rewrite her story. Through innovative partnerships and community engagement, we aim to drastically reduce the number of young girls following in their parents' footsteps and instead see them rise as empowered, educated, and impactful women.
Our Purpose
At Zion Girls Academy, our purpose is to break the cycle of generational incarceration by transforming the lives of daughters of incarcerated parents. Through faith-based mentorship, educational preparation, and civic engagement, we aim to empower these young girls to overcome social stigmas, discover their potential, and build brighter futures. By reducing the 36% likelihood of these girls following in their parents' footsteps, we are creating a lasting impact—turning "throw-aways" into future leaders and catalysts for change in their communities.
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We focus on three core areas:
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Preparing them for higher education and career success.
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Helping them overcome social stigmas associated with parental incarceration.
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Engaging them in civic action to become active, empowered members of their communities.
Our Core Values
Inspired by the Pillars of PROGRESS
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Resilience (Perseverance) – We empower young women to push through adversity, learn from challenges, and develop the strength to keep striving for success.
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Ambition (Reach Higher) – We encourage girls to dream big, set goals, and take bold steps toward higher education, career opportunities, and personal growth.
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Courage (Overcome Challenges) – We instill confidence in our mentees to face obstacles head-on, reject limitations, and break generational cycles of incarceration.
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Growth (Grow and Evolve) – We foster continuous learning, self-improvement, and adaptability, ensuring mentees embrace change as a stepping stone to success.
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Self-Reflection (Reflect) – We encourage young women to know themselves, recognize their strengths, and develop self-awareness as a foundation for personal and academic achievement.
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Adaptability (Embrace Change) – We teach the value of flexibility and openness to new experiences, helping mentees navigate life’s transitions with confidence and grace.
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Focus (Stay Focused) – We guide mentees in setting priorities, managing their time, and maintaining a strong sense of direction toward their education and career aspirations.
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Excellence (Strive for Success) – We instill a commitment to academic achievement, leadership, and civic engagement, ensuring every mentee reaches her full potential and contributes positively to her community.
These core values serve as the foundation for Zion Girls Academy, shaping a future where every girl is prepared, empowered, and positioned for success.
Our Leadership Team
The Board & Advisors
The Board of Directors for Zion Girls Leadership & Collegiate Preparatory Academy comprises dedicated professionals, entrepreneurs, and advocates who share a deep commitment to empowering young women with incarcerated parents. They provide strategic oversight, ensure financial accountability, and guide the organization’s mission to break cycles of incarceration. With expertise in education, nonprofit management, social services, and community engagement, the board collaborates to develop impactful programs and build sustainable partnerships. Their collective vision drives the academy’s efforts to foster leadership, resilience, and opportunity for the next generation of changemakers.
