Founder and CEO - Lori Thomasson is, a long-time resident of Prince George's County where she serves as a School-Based Parent Liaison at an elementary school in Oxon Hill, Maryland. Ms. Thomasson's passion and devotion to D.I.A.M.O.N.D.S. Girls Empowerment Program, Inc. comes from some of her own childhood experiences. Ms. Thomasson spent her elementary years in private school. She recalls having a happy childhood, however, at age 10, things started to fall apart when she entered fourth grade. "I began to have questions about life as do most girls that age--questions about boys, friendships, female issues, etc. "I didn't have anyone to confide in to help build my self-confidence and esteem and I went through life 'winging it'--not knowing who I was and afraid of expressing myself. I was criticized or shut down for displaying what I now understand were my strengths." Those issues led to poor grades, dropping out of school in her junior year of high school and drug abuse.
Ms. Thomasson now uses those experiences as a catapult to living a fulfilling life. She has since completed high school and is determined to complete her college education. She has served as a drug counselor for two church ministries, an assistant youth director, children's church teacher, choir member and editor- in-chief for the publications department at her former church. Ms. Thomasson self-published a poetry book titled, "Filling the Cracks in My Head", produced a spoken word CD of the same title and performs spoken word in cafes, colleges and churches in the Metropolitan area. As an inspirational speaker, Ms. Thomasson has conducted poetry/life workshops in local middle and high schools in Maryland and Washington, DC and serves as a mentor and community volunteer. "It took me a long time to find me and I love who I am. In the words of a famous song--ain't no stopping me now." Ms. Thomasson has three children attending PG County Schools and is a new member of Zion Church in Largo, Maryland.
Director - Nailah Stamp, a native of New Jersey, has taught in Prince George's County Public Schools for 11 years. Ms. Stamp holds a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education and a Masters degree in Curriculum and Instruction. She served as a classroom instructor for many years before receiving her certification in reading recovery, her present occupation. In addition, Ms. Stamp tutors students part time. "I strongly believe that one person can make the difference in a child's life--the difference that sparks them to reach their goals."
Ms. Stamp is an active member of her church, Ebenezer AME Church, in Fort Washington, MD, serving on the grief counseling ministry for the youth, "Young People Care". Ms. Stamp brings a wealth of knowledge and experience coupled with color, creativity and artistic expression. Her experience and her relentless passion to help young people reach their potential led her to co-establish D.I.A.M.O.N.D.S. Girls Empowerment Program, Inc. One day, while working together, Ms. Thomasson shared her desire to start a mentoring program and Ms. Stamp's words were, "Me too!" The rest is history.