The Tribune

By ALESHA CADET

Tribune Features Reporter

acadet@tribunemedia.net

WITH an aim of increasing self worth in young Bahamian women, the Pearls Empowerment organisation hopes to one day reach the global masses.

With the assistance of her sister Christina Stubbs, Pearls Empowerment CEO and founder, Lashantè Stubbs, 22, said the organisation is an idea that God placed in her heart; a purpose she was called to fulfil.

The Eleuthera native said the movement was initially established in 2011 in her home town of Hatchet Bay. She said Pearls Empowerment’s Nassau chapter is new to the city.

“For the future we anticipate growth, we plan to host chapters all over the Bahamas and the world at large. We seek to create lasting and real change. Our only hope is that the minds and hearts of young women of all races, ages and all walks of life be inspired and empowered to break barriers of mediocrity and aspire to be something greater to achieve and accomplish everything that God has intended for them to accomplish,” said Lashantè.

Originally, the group was geared towards young girls from ages 11-18. However, Lashantè said over the years the organisation has expanded and now caters to young women as young as 11, but as old as 25. Volunteers can be older than 25.

“I love that I am able to make a difference in the lives of so many young women, both young and old. I love the fact that by means of this organisation, I am also able to exercise all of my talents such as event planning, decorating and singing. I also love that every time an event is hosted, we get new applicants or the life of some young woman is transformed I get to see my vision come to life,” said Lashantè.

At their empowerment events, Lashantè said one of the things they would often teach is the importance of having a positive relationship with Christ  

“We help them to develop such a relationship. Pearls Empowerment also serves as a means by which young women learn to be healthy in all aspects of life including health in body. Events that we host such as ‘Pilates and Prayer’, help in the fitness arena. Pearls Empowerment teaches young women to lift each other and to maintain positive relationships and support networks,” said Lashantè.

She said her overall goal for the organisation is to help young women understand that they are extremely powerful.

“I seek to teach them to tap into that power, “power” as it speaks to their talents, abilities, intellect and strength, and put it to good use,” said Lashantè.

Lashantè said her parents, Steve and Joan Stubbs, play a major part in her carrying out this movement as they always taught her the importance of giving back and serving.

As a college student currently studying biology with a minor in chemistry at the College of the Bahamas (COB), Lashantè said her daily life can sometimes become challenging in maintaining a balance. However, she finds balance by committing her plans to God and allowing Him to direct her life.

“I try my best not to exclude Him out of my daily living. As far as possible I live by Proverbs 16:13. I also work part time at Health-care Coding, Billing and Collection Services under the MedNet Group of Companies. So my life is pretty hectic. When I’m not at school, I’m at work,” said Lashantè.

She said starting an organisation like Pearls Empowerment requires a lot of time, money and effort, so Lashantè advised anyone that is hoping to one day start a movement to make sure it is truly what they want to do.

“It calls for true sacrifice and service; being able to give and help even when all odds are against you. It also requires a strength that only God can give,” said Lashantè.