2017 Unbought and Unbossed honorees and mentees
› Mentee Yarelis Forte — Mentor Sheila Albriton› Mentee Terra Wright — Mentor Tenesha Irvin› Mentee Jessica Labon — Mentor Janice Neal› Mentee MaNiyah Chatman — Mentor Ronelle Sellers› Mentee Jahlah Johnson — Mentor Rafielle Freeman› Mentee Komal Patri — Mentor Nicole Osborne› Mentee Aareon Reed — Mentor Paige Evatt› Mentee Frida Uwimana— Mentor Christy Rasheed› Mentee KeyAnna Westfield — Mentor Dr. Marcia Noe
Diamond Jones said she could have died, but a local nonprofit surrounded her with mentors who pushed her to thrive.
“If you look at my life and the odds, I shouldn’t be standing with you today, but thanks to Girls Inc., I am,” said Jones.
Her father was in and out of jail and couldn’t help her. Her mother died at age 49 in Febuary 2016 after having a stroke.
The death of her mother eventually left Jones homeless, sleeping in her car and parking in hospital garages for safety. Girls Inc. encouraged her to get help through foster care. Mentors from the organization advised her that she could still be successful.