THE MISSION OF BOOKS BEFORE BOYS IS TO EMPOWER , ENCOURAGE, NURTURE AND PROVIDE RESOURCES FOR YOUNG LADIES BETWEEN THE AGES OF 12-18 IN THE PHILADELPHIA AREA.
The vision of Books Before Boys is to create a safe haven and community hub for young girls that bridge the gap between home and school so that they can be productive and successful members of society.
Our Mission
Our Vision
Michelle , the founder of Books Before Boys is a West Philadelphia native who has a passion for education and the arts. Growing up, her mother prioritized education by emphasizing “books before boys” which allowed her to graduate high school as salutatorian at the age of 16 and graduate college at the age of 20. Michelle has a Bachelor’s of Science in Exercise Science from Towson University. Her love for the arts stemmed from being enrolled in dance school at a young age studying various types of dance such as ballet, tap, jazz and more. She is a former member of the BSwan Dance Company where she was also a board member and served as the Social Media Marketing & Event Director. She also taught dance at various dance schools in Philadelphia where she gained knowledge and experience on how to engage with the youth. Books Before Boys will allow her to mentor young girls like herself and help prepare them for the real world but in a more relatable approach.
Get to
Know Michelle
Get To Know Us
THE MISSION OF BOOKS BEFORE BOYS IS TO EMPOWER , ENCOURAGE, NURTURE AND PROVIDE RESOURCES FOR YOUNG LADIES BETWEEN THE AGES OF 12-18 IN THE PHILADELPHIA AREA.
Atiya co-founder of Books Before Boys is a West Philadelphia native who graduated from”the castle on the hill” Overbook High school. Immediately after attending Temple University where she studied Health Information Management. Growing up in West Philly Atiya struggled with fitting in and adjusting to becoming a woman during her teens. Becoming a mother at the age of 19 she realized the struggles and resources the community lacked.
Atiya currently serves at Vice President of FJ Myers Advisory Council.
While raising Michelle, Atiya’s motto has always been “Books before Boys”! Current events in the urban community Atiya & Michelle realized it’s time to take action in the community they grew up in. We plan to mentor the youth while preparing them for adulthood.
Get to Know Atiya
