Own Your Ase · Baltimore
We don’t just build programs. We build women.
A cradle-to-career ecosystem of leadership, culture, STEM, and wellness for girls and women ages 8–24 across Baltimore.
Our Mission
We don’t just build programs. We build women.
Ubuntu — I am because we are
Own Your Ase (OYA) envisions a Baltimore where girls and young women (ages 8–24) have access to high-quality enrichment, mentorship, and sisterhood — empowering them to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
Through leadership development, STEM exploration, rites of passage, and wellness experiences, we cultivate confident, culturally rooted leaders. Our mission is to improve life outcomes for Black and Brown girls and women through a cradle-to-career continuum of culturally responsive programming.
What We Stand For
Rooted in Culture. Powered by Confidence. Built for Generations.
Leadership & Resilience
Culturally adaptive practice, intergenerational and peer leadership, thought partnership, and shared accountability to build women who lead.
Community Focus
Environments that foster academic success, social-emotional growth, and pathways to college, trades, entrepreneurship, and careers—for Baltimore and beyond.
Cradle-to-Career
Serving ages 8–24 across Baltimore with ~1,040 annual program hours through in-school, out-of-school, seasonal, and hybrid delivery models.
“Many hands make light work.”— African Proverb
Programs
A Cradle-to-Career Ecosystem
Blending education, culture, and innovation — a pipeline from early learning to workforce pathways, with citywide wellness and cultural moments.
Programs for Girls
Keep It Kuji Leadership Academy
Sister-circle leadership & SEL · Ages 8–24
Support circles and leadership labs with a dedicated focus on girls from families impacted by incarceration. Builds coping skills, resilience, and academic persistence.
Agojie Training Camp
Summer intensive rooted in African warrior tradition
This camp focuses on womanhood development, physical wellness, and sisterhood, offering girls a transformative experience rooted in girl power.
Kween Code
Powered by girls in STEM
A culturally responsive STEM program empowering girls to explore computer science, engineering, and emerging tech through hands-on projects and mentorship.
Poetry, Prose & POWER
Voice · Story · Strength
A creative writing and spoken word program where girls and young women find their voice through poetry, prose, and storytelling.
Programs for Women & Community
North Star Women’s Circle
Faith-based circles for SEL & life skills
A circle for women rooted in faith, gathering monthly to walk together through womanhood, healing, and life skills.
Egbe Oya Rites of Passage
Intergenerational Rites Experience
An intergenerational journey guiding participants through womanhood via culturally grounded circles, workshops, Indigenous practices, and sacred ceremonies.
100 Miles in July
Health · History · Sisterhood
A month-long wellness and heritage citywide challenge retracing symbolic steps of Harriet Tubman through Baltimore parks and trails.
Laney Hoxter Scholarship Fund
Access · Persistence · Completion
Micro-scholarships and emergency supports that remove financial barriers for girls and young women pursuing college, trades, or certification programs.
Impact & Metrics
Measuring What Matters
We track attendance and SEL outcomes — stress, social connection, life satisfaction — mentor engagement, service learning, graduation, and postsecondary or career placement.
Community Partners
Together, We Widen Access
Y of Central Maryland
Edanime Productions
Morgan State University
Women’s Wellness Lounge
WombWork Productions
Baltimore Unity Hall
Johns Hopkins Urban Health Institute
University of Maryland Baltimore
Ilé Ìmolé
City of Baltimore
BAD Ballet After Dark
Baltimore City Health Department
Baltimore Children & Youth Fund
Urban Youth Initiative Program
The Tunbridge School
RnD Associates
The NOLITA PROJECT
Queens’ Sisterhood SocietySchedule
When We Operate
Agojie Training Camp
- Summer: Jun–Aug, Mon–Fri, 9a–5p
- Winter: Dec–Feb, Mon–Fri, 9a–5p
Egbe Oya Rites of Passage
- Cohorts: Mar–May & Sep–Nov
- Virtual: Wed 7–8p; Sun 9–10a & 10–11a
- Monthly in-person meet-ups
Keep It Kuji (School-Year)
- Fall: Sep–Dec
- Spring: Jan–May
- In-school & OST circles
- Hybrid access year-round
Kween Code
- After School 2:30–4:30 PM
- Seasonal Camps 7a–7p
- STEM Summits & Retreats year-round
Support the Work
Invest in Baltimore’s Next Generation
Sponsor a circle, fund a micro-scholarship, or underwrite a cohort. Your investment powers mentors, materials, safe spaces, and citywide moments like 100 Miles in July and Heart 2 Heart.
Featured Funds
Micro-scholarships and emergency supports for girls pursuing higher education.
Journals, transport, and wellness stipends for circle participants.
Tech, tools, and safety gear for Vo-Tech pathways.
Get in Touch
Bring OYA to Your School or Site
Tell us about your community. We’ll tailor circles, intensives, or pathways to fit local needs.
Contact & Info
- Own Your AseBaltimore, Maryland
- General:OYAOutreach@gmail.com
- Follow:@OwnYourAse & @OWNYOURASE9
- Founder:LaShone “Mama Ngina” Croom