Cupcakes and Convos is a nonprofit organization geared to Middle and High School females. Changing Lives, One Conversation at a Time!! Click Each Cupcake Below to See How!
Active Listening
Understanding all perspectives without interruption or bias.
Empathy
Acknowledging the emotions and experiences of others.
Communication Skills
Encouraging open, respectful dialogue.
Problem-Solving
Finding solutions that benefit all parties.
De-escalation Techniques
Using calming strategies to prevent conflicts from escalating.
Compromise & Negotiation
Encouraging fair solutions through cooperation.
Cupcakes and Convos empowers young women by providing personal hygiene education and essential hygiene products.
Our goal is to equip them with the knowledge and resources needed to maintain their well-being and confidence. We believe that self-care is like tending a garden—when nurtured properly, it flourishes. By teaching young ladies the importance of hygiene and self-care early on, we help them prevent “weeds” and cultivate a healthy foundation for the future.
Addressing period poverty through social-emotional learning (SEL) helps young girls not only access necessary hygiene products but also develop the confidence and emotional resilience to navigate challenges related to menstruation.
Key Components:
•Breaking the Stigma: Teaching girls how to talk openly about periods to reduce shame and embarrassment.
• Self-Awareness & Confidence: Helping them understand that menstruation is a natural process and nothing to be ashamed of.
• Coping Skills & Emotional Regulation: Equipping them with strategies to manage anxiety or embarrassment related to period poverty.
• Advocacy & Empowerment: Encouraging young girls to advocate for better access to period products in schools and communities.
• Practical Support: Providing menstrual hygiene education and distributing necessary supplies to those in need.
By combining SEL with period poverty initiatives, we not only meet their physical needs but also nurture their mental and emotional well-being, ensuring they feel empowered rather than ashamed.
See how we are reaching hundreds of young ladies all over the world and helping.
Cupcakes and Convos Within Our Community
Hailing from the vibrant state of Alabama, Veronica R. Johnson holds the esteemed title of Deputy Director at the Alabama Justice Initiative. Her educational journey began within the Birmingham City Schools, where the seeds of knowledge were sown. With a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Alabama A&M University, she further expanded her academic horizons, earning a Master’s in Criminal Justice from the University of Alabama, and culminating in a Juris Doctorate from the Birmingham School of Law.
Veronica’s professional path is richly woven into the fabric of the juvenile justice system, where she has dedicated over 15 years of her life to advocating for change and reform. Beyond her impressive career, she embraces the role of a mother to two wonderful children, balancing the complexities of professional and personal life with grace.
Her passion for education is evident in her role as an adjunct instructor at Miles College for a commendable eight years, while also nurturing minds at her beloved alma mater for several more. A fervent social justice activist, she is not just an alum of Emerge Alabama but also a former candidate vying for a position in the Alabama House of Representatives. Veronica’s journey is a testament to her unwavering commitment to justice and community empowerment, marked by a tapestry of experience, dedication, and hope.
Board of Directors
Founding attorney of the Law Offices of Michele R. Harris, LLC. She has over thirty years in the public sector. She served over twenty years in the United States Army. After retiring, she has continued serving the public in various capacities.
Michele grew up in the inner city of Detroit, Michigan, so she understands the importance of having mentors that provide advice and guidance to young women. She served as a mentor while in the military and she was also a big sister with Big Brothers/Big Sisters. She feels that mentorship is something that we all should be involved in. One of her favorite scriptures is Proverbs 22:6; train up a child in the way that he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it.
Michele is a graduate of Birmingham School of Law. In addition to her J.D., she holds a MPA from Troy University and a BBA from Clayton State University. She holds a mediation certification from Lakewood College. Michele is also a Guardian Ad Litem (GAL) for the State of Alabama. As the mother of two young men she believes in advocating for children.
Michele R. Harris
A native of Birmingham, AL, is a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist with a Doctorate in Nurse Anesthesia Practice. She also sits on the board of BE THAT INC, a non-profit that focuses on mentoring females in preparation for life and career readiness. LaToshia started her career as a Registered Nurse in 2005, an honors graduate with an Associates degree from Lawson State Community College.
She continued her education graduating Magna Cum Laude from Jacksonville State University obtaining a Bachelors of Science in Nursing in 2014. In December 2020, despite the pandemic, LaToshia earned a Doctorate Degree from Middle Tennessee School of Anesthesia.
Coming from an underprivileged background, LaToshia is passionate about helping young women attain the necessary resources to become a better version of themselves as they navigate and defeat obstacles set before them.
LaToshia is a single mother to 4 wonderful kids and understands what it means to overcome adversity. One way she accomplished this endeavor was by creating a scholarship dedicated to African American females seeking a career in the nursing profession.
“Be the change you wish to see in the world ” ~Ghandi
Dr. LaToshia E. Donald
Rodney Reese, a native of Auburn, Alabama, is a graduate of the University of Alabama at Birmingham with a Bachelor’s of Science in Criminal Justice. Passionate about giving back to his community, Rodney dedicates his time to mentoring underserved children. Currently, he serves as a Juvenile Probation Officer, where he works to support and guide youth. Rodney is also a proud father of three children.
Rodney Reese
