{"id":221,"date":"2026-04-17T16:58:39","date_gmt":"2026-04-17T16:58:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gav.nah.mybluehost.me\/website_94e289bd\/meet-the-team\/"},"modified":"2026-05-24T02:19:15","modified_gmt":"2026-05-24T02:19:15","slug":"meet-the-team","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/ownyourase.org\/website_94e289bd\/meet-the-team\/","title":{"rendered":"Meet the Team"},"content":{"rendered":"<style>.oya-hdr{background:#000;width:100%;box-sizing:border-box}.oya-hdr-inner{max-width:1200px;margin:0 auto;padding:10px 20px}.oya-top-row{display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:space-between;gap:12px}.oya-hdr-logo{display:flex;align-items:center;gap:10px;text-decoration:none;flex-shrink:0}.oya-hdr-logo img{width:48px;height:48px;border-radius:50%;object-fit:cover}.site-name{color:#fff;font-size:15px;font-weight:700;margin:0;display:block}.site-tagline{color:#F2B8B4;font-size:8px;letter-spacing:1px;text-transform:uppercase;display:block}.oya-btn-group{display:flex;gap:8px;align-items:center;flex-shrink:0}.oya-donate{background:#F2B8B4;color:#000;padding:8px 12px;font-weight:700;font-size:11px;letter-spacing:0.5px;text-decoration:none;text-transform:uppercase;white-space:nowrap}.oya-join{background:#3B0000;color:#F2B8B4;border:1px solid #F2B8B4;padding:8px 12px;font-weight:700;font-size:11px;letter-spacing:0.5px;text-decoration:none;text-transform:uppercase;white-space:nowrap}.oya-nav-row{display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:space-around;border-top:1px solid #333;padding:6px 0;margin-top:4px}.oya-nav-row a{color:#fff;text-decoration:none;font-size:11px;font-weight:500;padding:3px 6px;white-space:nowrap}.oya-nav-row a:hover{color:#F2B8B4}.wp-block-template-part{display:none!important}@media(max-width:600px){.oya-nav-row{display:none}.oya-btn-group{gap:4px}}<\/style>\n<header class=\"oya-hdr\">\n<div class=\"oya-hdr-inner\">\n<div class=\"oya-top-row\"><a class=\"oya-hdr-logo\" href=\"\/website_94e289bd\/\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ownyourase.org\/website_94e289bd\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/oyawebsite10-2.webp?ssl=1\" alt=\"Own Your Ase Logo\"><\/p>\n<div><span class=\"site-name\">Own Your Ase<\/span><span class=\"site-tagline\">Baltimore &middot; Leadership &amp; Wellness<\/span><\/div>\n<p><\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"oya-btn-group\"><a class=\"oya-donate\" href=\"\/website_94e289bd\/#support\">DONATE<\/a><a class=\"oya-join\" href=\"\/website_94e289bd\/programs\/\">JOIN OUR EMPOWERING PROGRAMS!<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<nav class=\"oya-nav-row\"><a href=\"\/website_94e289bd\/#about\">About<\/a><a href=\"\/website_94e289bd\/#programs\">Programs<\/a><a href=\"\/website_94e289bd\/#impact\">Impact<\/a><a href=\"\/website_94e289bd\/#partners\">Partners<\/a><a href=\"\/website_94e289bd\/#timeline\">Operation<\/a><a href=\"\/website_94e289bd\/meet-the-team\/\">Meet the Team<\/a><a href=\"\/website_94e289bd\/#contact\">Contact<\/a><\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<\/header>\n<style>.wp-block-post-title{display:none!important}<\/style>\n<style>\n.team-page { font-family: 'Georgia', serif; max-width: 900px; margin: 0 auto; padding: 40px 20px; }\n.team-page h1 { font-size: 2.4rem; color: #5c1a1a; text-align: center; margin-bottom: 10px; }\n.team-page .section-label { text-transform: uppercase; letter-spacing: 3px; font-size: 0.85rem; color: #b8860b; text-align: center; margin-bottom: 4px; }\n.founder-section { display: flex; gap: 40px; align-items: flex-start; margin: 50px 0; flex-wrap: wrap; }\n.founder-photo { flex: 0 0 260px; }\n.founder-photo img { width: 100%; border-radius: 8px; box-shadow: 0 6px 24px rgba(0,0,0,0.15); }\n.founder-photo-placeholder { width: 100%; min-height: 320px; background: #f0e6d3; border-radius: 8px; display: flex; align-items: center; justify-content: center; color: #9a7a5a; font-style: italic; text-align: center; padding: 20px; box-sizing: border-box; }\n.founder-bio { flex: 1 1 300px; }\n.founder-bio blockquote { font-size: 1.25rem; font-style: italic; color: #5c1a1a; border-left: 4px solid #b8860b; padding-left: 20px; margin: 0 0 20px 0; line-height: 1.6; }\n.founder-name { font-size: 1.3rem; font-weight: bold; color: #3a3a3a; margin-top: 16px; }\n.founder-title { font-size: 0.95rem; color: #7a5a3a; margin-top: 4px; }\n.divider { border: none; border-top: 2px solid #e8d5b0; margin: 50px 0; }\n.story-section { margin: 40px 0; }\n.story-section h2 { font-size: 2rem; color: #5c1a1a; margin-bottom: 24px; }\n.story-text p { font-size: 1.05rem; line-height: 1.8; color: #3a3a3a; margin-bottom: 18px; }\n@media (max-width: 600px) { .founder-section { flex-direction: column; } .founder-photo { flex: unset; width: 100%; } }\n<\/style>\n<div class=\"team-page\">\n<p class=\"section-label\">Own Your Ase<\/p>\n<h1>Meet the Team<\/h1>\n<hr class=\"divider\" \/>\n<p class=\"section-label\">Our Founder<\/p>\n<div class=\"founder-section\">\n<div class=\"founder-photo\">\n<img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ownyourase.org\/website_94e289bd\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/image16.webp?ssl=1\" alt=\"LaShone &quot;Mama Ngina&quot; Croom, Founder &amp; Executive Director of Own Your Ase\" style=\"width:100%;border-radius:8px;box-shadow:0 6px 24px rgba(0,0,0,0.15);\" \/>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"founder-bio\">\n<blockquote>\n<p>&#8220;Peace &amp; Power Sis! I am LaShone Croom affectionately known as Mama Ngina. I guide girls and women along liberatory pathways rooted in ancestral wisdom&#8212;strengthening their resolve, cultivating wholeness, and transforming life outcomes!&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<div class=\"founder-name\">LaShone &#8220;Mama Ngina&#8221; Croom<\/div>\n<div class=\"founder-title\">Founder &amp; Executive Director, Own Your Ase<\/div>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<hr class=\"divider\" \/>\n<style>.bf-story-wrap{display:flex;align-items:flex-start;gap:12px;padding:30px 0;position:relative}.bf-col{flex:0 0 130px;display:flex;flex-direction:column;align-items:center;gap:4px;overflow:visible}.story-center{flex:1;min-width:0}@media(max-width:768px){.bf-story-wrap{flex-direction:column}.bf-col{flex-direction:row;flex-wrap:wrap;flex:unset;width:100%;justify-content:center}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"bf-legend\">\n<span style=\"--c:#c9a227\"><svg width=\"20\" height=\"14\" viewBox=\"0 0 80 60\"><ellipse cx=\"20\" cy=\"22\" rx=\"18\" ry=\"14\" fill=\"#c9a227\" transform=\"rotate(-15,20,22)\"\/><ellipse cx=\"60\" cy=\"22\" rx=\"18\" ry=\"14\" fill=\"#c9a227\" transform=\"rotate(15,60,22)\"\/><\/svg>Council of Elders<\/span><br \/>\n<span><svg width=\"20\" height=\"14\" viewBox=\"0 0 80 60\"><ellipse cx=\"20\" cy=\"22\" rx=\"18\" ry=\"14\" fill=\"#7a1a1a\" transform=\"rotate(-15,20,22)\"\/><ellipse cx=\"60\" cy=\"22\" rx=\"18\" ry=\"14\" fill=\"#7a1a1a\" transform=\"rotate(15,60,22)\"\/><\/svg>Program Coordinators<\/span><br \/>\n<span><svg width=\"20\" height=\"14\" viewBox=\"0 0 80 60\"><ellipse cx=\"20\" cy=\"22\" rx=\"18\" ry=\"14\" fill=\"#d46e80\" transform=\"rotate(-15,20,22)\"\/><ellipse cx=\"60\" cy=\"22\" rx=\"18\" ry=\"14\" fill=\"#d46e80\" transform=\"rotate(15,60,22)\"\/><\/svg>Facilitators<\/span><br \/>\n<span><svg width=\"20\" height=\"14\" viewBox=\"0 0 80 60\"><ellipse cx=\"20\" cy=\"22\" rx=\"18\" ry=\"14\" fill=\"#7b4a9e\" transform=\"rotate(-15,20,22)\"\/><ellipse cx=\"60\" cy=\"22\" rx=\"18\" ry=\"14\" fill=\"#7b4a9e\" transform=\"rotate(15,60,22)\"\/><\/svg>Legacy &amp; Inspiration<\/span>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"bf-story-wrap\">\n<div class=\"bf-col bf-left\">\n<div class=\"bf-wrap\" style=\"animation-duration:2.5s;animation-delay:-0.0s\" onclick=\"var p=this.querySelector('.bf-popup');p.style.display=p.style.display==='block'?'none':'block'\">\n<svg class=\"bf bf-gold\" viewBox=\"0 0 80 60\" width=\"80\" height=\"60\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n<ellipse cx=\"20\" cy=\"22\" rx=\"18\" ry=\"14\" class=\"bf-wing-l\" transform=\"rotate(-15,20,22)\"\/>\n<ellipse cx=\"60\" cy=\"22\" rx=\"18\" ry=\"14\" class=\"bf-wing-r\" transform=\"rotate(15,60,22)\"\/>\n<ellipse cx=\"20\" cy=\"42\" rx=\"12\" ry=\"9\" class=\"bf-wing-bl\" transform=\"rotate(15,20,42)\"\/>\n<ellipse cx=\"60\" cy=\"42\" rx=\"12\" ry=\"9\" class=\"bf-wing-br\" transform=\"rotate(-15,60,42)\"\/>\n<ellipse cx=\"40\" cy=\"30\" rx=\"4\" ry=\"14\" class=\"bf-body\"\/>\n<text x=\"40\" y=\"12\" text-anchor=\"middle\" class=\"bf-init\">BIM<\/text>\n<\/svg><\/p>\n<div class=\"bf-popup\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ownyourase.org\/website_94e289bd\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Iya-Marie.png?ssl=1\" class=\"bf-popup-img\" alt=\"Bakor Iya Mari\"><strong>Bakor Iya Mari<\/strong><span>Egbe Oya Nyasapo Council of Elders<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"bf-wrap\" style=\"animation-duration:2.9s;animation-delay:-0.3s\" onclick=\"var p=this.querySelector('.bf-popup');p.style.display=p.style.display==='block'?'none':'block'\">\n<svg class=\"bf bf-gold\" viewBox=\"0 0 80 60\" width=\"80\" height=\"60\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n<ellipse cx=\"20\" cy=\"22\" rx=\"18\" ry=\"14\" class=\"bf-wing-l\" transform=\"rotate(-15,20,22)\"\/>\n<ellipse cx=\"60\" cy=\"22\" rx=\"18\" ry=\"14\" class=\"bf-wing-r\" transform=\"rotate(15,60,22)\"\/>\n<ellipse cx=\"20\" cy=\"42\" rx=\"12\" ry=\"9\" class=\"bf-wing-bl\" transform=\"rotate(15,20,42)\"\/>\n<ellipse cx=\"60\" cy=\"42\" rx=\"12\" ry=\"9\" class=\"bf-wing-br\" transform=\"rotate(-15,60,42)\"\/>\n<ellipse cx=\"40\" cy=\"30\" rx=\"4\" ry=\"14\" class=\"bf-body\"\/>\n<text x=\"40\" y=\"12\" text-anchor=\"middle\" class=\"bf-init\">MRFB<\/text>\n<\/svg><\/p>\n<div class=\"bf-popup\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ownyourase.org\/website_94e289bd\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/mama-rashida.png?ssl=1\" class=\"bf-popup-img\" alt=\"Mama Rahsida Formen Bey\"><strong>Mama Rahsida Formen Bey<\/strong><span>Egbe Oya Nyasapo Council of Elders<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"bf-wrap\" style=\"animation-duration:3.3s;animation-delay:-0.6s\" onclick=\"var p=this.querySelector('.bf-popup');p.style.display=p.style.display==='block'?'none':'block'\">\n<svg class=\"bf bf-maroon\" viewBox=\"0 0 80 60\" width=\"80\" height=\"60\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n<ellipse cx=\"20\" cy=\"22\" rx=\"18\" ry=\"14\" class=\"bf-wing-l\" transform=\"rotate(-15,20,22)\"\/>\n<ellipse cx=\"60\" cy=\"22\" rx=\"18\" ry=\"14\" class=\"bf-wing-r\" transform=\"rotate(15,60,22)\"\/>\n<ellipse cx=\"20\" cy=\"42\" rx=\"12\" ry=\"9\" class=\"bf-wing-bl\" transform=\"rotate(15,20,42)\"\/>\n<ellipse cx=\"60\" cy=\"42\" rx=\"12\" ry=\"9\" class=\"bf-wing-br\" transform=\"rotate(-15,60,42)\"\/>\n<ellipse cx=\"40\" cy=\"30\" rx=\"4\" ry=\"14\" class=\"bf-body\"\/>\n<text x=\"40\" y=\"12\" text-anchor=\"middle\" class=\"bf-init\">KP<\/text>\n<\/svg><\/p>\n<div class=\"bf-popup\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ownyourase.org\/website_94e289bd\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Kara-parker.png?ssl=1\" class=\"bf-popup-img\" alt=\"Kara Parker\"><strong>Kara Parker<\/strong><span>Program Coordinator \u00b7 West Baltimore Region<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"bf-wrap\" style=\"animation-duration:3.7s;animation-delay:-0.9s\" onclick=\"var p=this.querySelector('.bf-popup');p.style.display=p.style.display==='block'?'none':'block'\">\n<svg class=\"bf bf-maroon\" viewBox=\"0 0 80 60\" width=\"80\" height=\"60\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n<ellipse cx=\"20\" cy=\"22\" rx=\"18\" ry=\"14\" class=\"bf-wing-l\" transform=\"rotate(-15,20,22)\"\/>\n<ellipse cx=\"60\" cy=\"22\" rx=\"18\" ry=\"14\" class=\"bf-wing-r\" transform=\"rotate(15,60,22)\"\/>\n<ellipse cx=\"20\" cy=\"42\" rx=\"12\" ry=\"9\" class=\"bf-wing-bl\" transform=\"rotate(15,20,42)\"\/>\n<ellipse cx=\"60\" cy=\"42\" rx=\"12\" ry=\"9\" class=\"bf-wing-br\" transform=\"rotate(-15,60,42)\"\/>\n<ellipse cx=\"40\" cy=\"30\" rx=\"4\" ry=\"14\" class=\"bf-body\"\/>\n<text x=\"40\" y=\"12\" text-anchor=\"middle\" class=\"bf-init\">EA<\/text>\n<\/svg><\/p>\n<div class=\"bf-popup\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"bf-popup-img\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ownyourase.org\/website_94e289bd\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Esther-Awe-scaled.jpeg?ssl=1\" alt=\"Esther Awe\"><strong>Esther Awe<\/strong><span>Program Coordinator \u00b7 East Baltimore Region<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"bf-wrap\" style=\"animation-duration:4.1s;animation-delay:-1.2s\" onclick=\"var p=this.querySelector('.bf-popup');p.style.display=p.style.display==='block'?'none':'block'\">\n<svg class=\"bf bf-pink\" viewBox=\"0 0 80 60\" width=\"80\" height=\"60\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n<ellipse cx=\"20\" cy=\"22\" rx=\"18\" ry=\"14\" class=\"bf-wing-l\" transform=\"rotate(-15,20,22)\"\/>\n<ellipse cx=\"60\" cy=\"22\" rx=\"18\" ry=\"14\" class=\"bf-wing-r\" transform=\"rotate(15,60,22)\"\/>\n<ellipse cx=\"20\" cy=\"42\" rx=\"12\" ry=\"9\" class=\"bf-wing-bl\" transform=\"rotate(15,20,42)\"\/>\n<ellipse cx=\"60\" cy=\"42\" rx=\"12\" ry=\"9\" class=\"bf-wing-br\" transform=\"rotate(-15,60,42)\"\/>\n<ellipse cx=\"40\" cy=\"30\" rx=\"4\" ry=\"14\" class=\"bf-body\"\/>\n<text x=\"40\" y=\"12\" text-anchor=\"middle\" class=\"bf-init\">HB<\/text>\n<\/svg><\/p>\n<div class=\"bf-popup\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ownyourase.org\/website_94e289bd\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/harmonie-brown.png?ssl=1\" class=\"bf-popup-img\" alt=\"Harmonie Brown\"><strong>Harmonie Brown<\/strong><span>Empowerment Coach<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"bf-wrap\" style=\"animation-duration:2.5s;animation-delay:-1.5s\" onclick=\"var p=this.querySelector('.bf-popup');p.style.display=p.style.display==='block'?'none':'block'\">\n<svg class=\"bf bf-pink\" viewBox=\"0 0 80 60\" width=\"80\" height=\"60\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n<ellipse cx=\"20\" cy=\"22\" rx=\"18\" ry=\"14\" class=\"bf-wing-l\" transform=\"rotate(-15,20,22)\"\/>\n<ellipse cx=\"60\" cy=\"22\" rx=\"18\" ry=\"14\" class=\"bf-wing-r\" transform=\"rotate(15,60,22)\"\/>\n<ellipse cx=\"20\" cy=\"42\" rx=\"12\" ry=\"9\" class=\"bf-wing-bl\" transform=\"rotate(15,20,42)\"\/>\n<ellipse cx=\"60\" cy=\"42\" rx=\"12\" ry=\"9\" class=\"bf-wing-br\" transform=\"rotate(-15,60,42)\"\/>\n<ellipse cx=\"40\" cy=\"30\" rx=\"4\" ry=\"14\" class=\"bf-body\"\/>\n<text x=\"40\" y=\"12\" text-anchor=\"middle\" class=\"bf-init\">KW<\/text>\n<\/svg><\/p>\n<div class=\"bf-popup\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ownyourase.org\/website_94e289bd\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/KeShawn-Wheeler.png?ssl=1\" class=\"bf-popup-img\" alt=\"KeShawn Wheeler\"><strong>KeShawn Wheeler<\/strong><span>Empowerment Coach<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"bf-wrap\" style=\"animation-duration:2.9s;animation-delay:-1.8s\" onclick=\"var p=this.querySelector('.bf-popup');p.style.display=p.style.display==='block'?'none':'block'\">\n<svg class=\"bf bf-pink\" viewBox=\"0 0 80 60\" width=\"80\" height=\"60\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n<ellipse cx=\"20\" cy=\"22\" rx=\"18\" ry=\"14\" class=\"bf-wing-l\" transform=\"rotate(-15,20,22)\"\/>\n<ellipse cx=\"60\" cy=\"22\" rx=\"18\" ry=\"14\" class=\"bf-wing-r\" transform=\"rotate(15,60,22)\"\/>\n<ellipse cx=\"20\" cy=\"42\" rx=\"12\" ry=\"9\" class=\"bf-wing-bl\" transform=\"rotate(15,20,42)\"\/>\n<ellipse cx=\"60\" cy=\"42\" rx=\"12\" ry=\"9\" class=\"bf-wing-br\" transform=\"rotate(-15,60,42)\"\/>\n<ellipse cx=\"40\" cy=\"30\" rx=\"4\" ry=\"14\" class=\"bf-body\"\/>\n<text x=\"40\" y=\"12\" text-anchor=\"middle\" class=\"bf-init\">TF<\/text>\n<\/svg><\/p>\n<div class=\"bf-popup\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ownyourase.org\/website_94e289bd\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/tiombe-fatiu.png?ssl=1\" class=\"bf-popup-img\" alt=\"Tiombe Fatiu\"><strong>Tiombe Fatiu<\/strong><span>Empowerment Coach<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"story-center\">\n<div class=\"story-section\">\n<p class=\"section-label\">Our Journey<\/p>\n<h2>Our Story<\/h2>\n<div class=\"story-text\">\n<p>Own Your Ase (OYA) was born during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic&#8212;a time when social isolation was at an all-time high and families, especially women and girls, were carrying unprecedented emotional weight.<\/p>\n<p>Founder Mama Ngina had already spent over a decade serving Baltimore&#8217;s West Side community as a co-founder of Nsoroma Academy for Holistic Thought, an independent school where she witnessed firsthand the power of culturally grounded education and community-centered care. As her focus shifted more intentionally toward girls&#8217; development, parents and community members began asking her to support their daughters through rites of passage&#8212;especially girls navigating trauma, identity, and the challenges of growing up in uncertain times.<\/p>\n<p>As Mama Ngina responded to this call, a deeper truth emerged: while girls were healing, growing, and finding their voice, mothers were asking, &#8220;What about us?&#8221; Women longed for the same spaces of reflection, restoration, and cultural grounding that their daughters were receiving.<\/p>\n<p>That call deepened during Mama Ngina&#8217;s spiritual journey to Osogbo, Nigeria, where she was initiated as a consecrated Yoruba priest of the Orisa Oya and received the name Iya Olorisa Oyakemi Ajala. During this initiation, she was given a clear charge from Ifa to foster healing, transformation, and leadership among women. Drawing from her initiation teachings, her own rites of passage through the Egbe Moremi Sacred Women Society of Oyotunji Village, and over 20 years of sisterhood within Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Mama Ngina knew it was time to build something enduring.<\/p>\n<p>This vision became Egbe Oya Rites of Passage, which began with a small cohort of women during the pandemic and has since grown into multiple cohorts supporting women through intentional, culturally grounded rites and leadership development.<\/p>\n<p>As the work expanded, Mama Ngina recognized the limits of doing everything &#8220;boots on the ground.&#8221; Her acceptance into the Johns Hopkins University Institute of Urban Health Bunting Neighborhood Leadership Program proved transformational&#8212;providing the space to unify years of programming, community engagement, and vision under one cohesive brand.<\/p>\n<p>From that process, Own Your Ase (OYA) was formally established&#8212;bringing together girls&#8217; leadership circles, rites of passage, STEM education, wellness initiatives, and community partnerships into a single, mission-driven ecosystem. Today, OYA includes more than 10 programs and initiatives, supported by multi-year grant funding and over 30 community, corporate, and university partners.<\/p>\n<p>At its core, Own Your Ase stands on the integrity, service, and willpower of Iya Ngina&#8212;whose name means &#8220;the one who serves.&#8221; We remain committed to honoring what women asked for, what elders have blessed, and what our ancestors have ordained&#8212;continuing the work of healing, empowerment, and collective transformation for girls and women.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"bf-col bf-right\">\n<div class=\"bf-wrap\" style=\"animation-duration:3.3s;animation-delay:-2.1s\" onclick=\"var p=this.querySelector('.bf-popup');p.style.display=p.style.display==='block'?'none':'block'\">\n<svg class=\"bf bf-pink\" viewBox=\"0 0 80 60\" width=\"80\" height=\"60\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n<ellipse cx=\"20\" cy=\"22\" rx=\"18\" ry=\"14\" class=\"bf-wing-l\" transform=\"rotate(-15,20,22)\"\/>\n<ellipse cx=\"60\" cy=\"22\" rx=\"18\" ry=\"14\" class=\"bf-wing-r\" transform=\"rotate(15,60,22)\"\/>\n<ellipse cx=\"20\" cy=\"42\" rx=\"12\" ry=\"9\" class=\"bf-wing-bl\" transform=\"rotate(15,20,42)\"\/>\n<ellipse cx=\"60\" cy=\"42\" rx=\"12\" ry=\"9\" class=\"bf-wing-br\" transform=\"rotate(-15,60,42)\"\/>\n<ellipse cx=\"40\" cy=\"30\" rx=\"4\" ry=\"14\" class=\"bf-body\"\/>\n<text x=\"40\" y=\"12\" text-anchor=\"middle\" class=\"bf-init\">TB<\/text>\n<\/svg><\/p>\n<div class=\"bf-popup\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ownyourase.org\/website_94e289bd\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/terriyln-brown.png?ssl=1\" class=\"bf-popup-img\" alt=\"Terriyln Brown\"><strong>Terriyln Brown<\/strong><span>Med Tech Consultant<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"bf-wrap\" style=\"animation-duration:2.9s;animation-delay:-3.3s\" onclick=\"var p=this.querySelector('.bf-popup');p.style.display=p.style.display==='block'?'none':'block'\">\n<svg class=\"bf bf-pink\" viewBox=\"0 0 80 60\" width=\"80\" height=\"60\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n<ellipse cx=\"20\" cy=\"22\" rx=\"18\" ry=\"14\" class=\"bf-wing-l\" transform=\"rotate(-15,20,22)\"\/>\n<ellipse cx=\"60\" cy=\"22\" rx=\"18\" ry=\"14\" class=\"bf-wing-r\" transform=\"rotate(15,60,22)\"\/>\n<ellipse cx=\"20\" cy=\"42\" rx=\"12\" ry=\"9\" class=\"bf-wing-bl\" transform=\"rotate(15,20,42)\"\/>\n<ellipse cx=\"60\" cy=\"42\" rx=\"12\" ry=\"9\" class=\"bf-wing-br\" transform=\"rotate(-15,60,42)\"\/>\n<ellipse cx=\"40\" cy=\"30\" rx=\"4\" ry=\"14\" class=\"bf-body\"\/>\n<text x=\"40\" y=\"12\" text-anchor=\"middle\" class=\"bf-init\">JW<\/text>\n<\/svg><\/p>\n<div class=\"bf-popup\"><strong>Janelsia Wheeler<\/strong><span>Facilitator<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"bf-wrap\" style=\"animation-duration:3.3s;animation-delay:-3.6s\" onclick=\"var p=this.querySelector('.bf-popup');p.style.display=p.style.display==='block'?'none':'block'\">\n<svg class=\"bf bf-purple\" viewBox=\"0 0 80 60\" width=\"80\" height=\"60\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n<ellipse cx=\"20\" cy=\"22\" rx=\"18\" ry=\"14\" class=\"bf-wing-l\" transform=\"rotate(-15,20,22)\"\/>\n<ellipse cx=\"60\" cy=\"22\" rx=\"18\" ry=\"14\" class=\"bf-wing-r\" transform=\"rotate(15,60,22)\"\/>\n<ellipse cx=\"20\" cy=\"42\" rx=\"12\" ry=\"9\" class=\"bf-wing-bl\" transform=\"rotate(15,20,42)\"\/>\n<ellipse cx=\"60\" cy=\"42\" rx=\"12\" ry=\"9\" class=\"bf-wing-br\" transform=\"rotate(-15,60,42)\"\/>\n<ellipse cx=\"40\" cy=\"30\" rx=\"4\" ry=\"14\" class=\"bf-body\"\/>\n<text x=\"40\" y=\"12\" text-anchor=\"middle\" class=\"bf-init\">NMF<\/text>\n<\/svg><\/p>\n<div class=\"bf-popup\"><strong>Njoki-Miracle Fatiu<\/strong><span>The Legacy &amp; Inspiration<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"bf-wrap\" style=\"animation-duration:3.7s;animation-delay:-3.9s\" 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Inspiration<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<style>.whirl-gallery{display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;justify-content:center;gap:12px;padding:40px 20px;background:linear-gradient(135deg,#fff9f0,#f5e6d0);border-radius:16px;margin:40px 0}.whirl-gallery [class^=\"wp\"]{width:var(--sz);height:var(--sz);transform:rotate(var(--r));animation:wfloat 6s ease-in-out infinite;animation-delay:var(--d);border:3px solid #fff;box-shadow:0 4px 16px rgba(0,0,0,.18);border-radius:4px;overflow:hidden}.whirl-gallery img{width:100%;height:100%;object-fit:cover}@keyframes wfloat{0%,100%{transform:rotate(var(--r)) translateY(0)}50%{transform:rotate(var(--r)) translateY(-10px)}}.butterfly-garden{padding:60px 20px;background:#fff9f0;margin:40px 0;border-radius:16px}.butterfly-garden h2{font-family:'Georgia',serif;font-size:1.8rem;color:#5c1a1a;text-align:center;margin-bottom:8px}.butterfly-garden 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src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ownyourase.org\/website_94e289bd\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/453097528_10102308148643522_4750776609651696836_n.webp?ssl=1\" alt=\"OYA\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wp12\" style=\"--r:-9deg;--d:4.2s;--sz:165px\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ownyourase.org\/website_94e289bd\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/468366615_10160759978888596_3950388382449649384_n.webp?ssl=1\" alt=\"OYA\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wp13\" style=\"--r:3deg;--d:4.5s;--sz:145px\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ownyourase.org\/website_94e289bd\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/493898448_10163234281404808_6302507349936468536_n.webp?ssl=1\" alt=\"OYA\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wp14\" style=\"--r:-6deg;--d:4.9s;--sz:160px\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" 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