Great things happening at the PIT

Greetings and Salutations!

My name is Edria Fleming, I am a Princess in Training, Inc. team member. I am delighted to write to you about the great and exciting things that have been developing for PIT.  Over the past few months we have had our yearly six-week camp, as well as outreach opportunities within the Austin community. 

Our first community outreach was conducted June 9, 2012. Our theme was "Dangers in Social Media."  We had four dynamic community leaders come out and speak to parents and youth about the hazards which await them when befriending strangers online. 

Our speakers included,  Annette Emery (Allies Against Slavery representative),  Austin Chief of Police Art Acevedo, Detective Deek Moore, and Gavin Grounds (Internet Security Executive.  

The event was a huge success.  We were on KVUE news, thanks to Jessica Holloway.  Click here to see us on KVUE's website.  We also received recognition by Patrick Beach in the American Statesman staff. Read the our article, Forum warns of social media hazards.

Following the Crowning Ceremony, our founder, Markell Davidson was invited by San Marcos Chicktime founder, Lora Williams to speak at New Life Children's Center in Canyon Lake, TX.  The mission of New Life Children's Center is to provide help, healing and hope to young girls, ages 11-17 who have been abused and neglected.

 Markell facilitated 4 thirty minute sessions speaking to over 80 girls about self image and self esteem. What an experience it was to see a group of vibrant young women.  I was enthralled with the concept of working with a group of young women who have had various life experiences.

The young women were so curious and receptive to what she had to say. There were lots of questions and concerns on the topics. I was astonished by statements made by these young women. As one of the young women shared with us, she held her arms wide open and said, "Accept everything God gives you with open arms."

It’s Not How You Start

I just read an article entitled “It’s Not How You Start”. The article talked about notable athletes and entertainers who had excelled at life despite their upbringings. I got to thinking about the young ladies that will apply for camp this year. Sure, some will have awesome grades and plenty of accolades that support their awesomeness in and out of school. There will also be girls that apply that don’t have wonderful grades. There will be girls whose parents aren’t as involved as some of the other parents. There will be girls who don’t have nice homes to live in. There will be girls whose parents that may have drug problems. For those girls I say it’s not how you start; it’s how you finish. P.I.T. is here to encourage you and help shape you in to the young lady that you desire to be. You can achieve greatness despite your environment. You can do wonderful things as long as you put your mind to it. We’re here for you. We’re here to help you reach the finish line. Second place isn’t an option. We’re in it to win it. Get in the P.I.T.

Markell Davidson

Princess in Training, Inc.

Founder/Executive Director

Happy New Year!

I am excited about writing my first letter for Princess In Training (P.I.T.) Leadership Camp. I wasn’t sure what I should say since this is somewhat of a new endeavor for me. As a result, I decided to share how P.I.T. came about and my dreams for where the organization is headed.

I was born and raised in Houston, Texas with two loving parents and a younger sister. All my life my mom ensured that I participated in organizations that would nurture the young lady that she wanted me to become. I was a member of Top Teens of America, Student Council, a twirler for my high school and a local twirling squad. As well, I was a member of the National Honor Society. As an adult when I reflect back over my life I have found that I always ended up in a leadership role and mentoring my peers.

In August 2006, I started a mentoring program at my church for teenage girls. With this program, we have had many success stories. Three of our girls are in college and doing well, and the grades and conduct of the younger girls have improved tremendously. I can see clearly that this program had a recipe for success.

Last year I was inspired by an event that was created for the Austin Junior Women’s Auxiliary, which is a part of the St. John's Baptist District Association, in which I was one of the organizers. It was an overnight retreat for teen girls. We had speakers, food, and lots of fun. During the retreat, we passed out surveys to determine if the girls would want to attend the retreat the following year. The responses were overwhelming. They had a wonderful time and wanted more!

This led me to think about other girls in the community who don’t attend a church. As well, I thought about girls who don’t have access to programs such as the mentoring program that I’d established at my church. These thoughts coupled with my growing desire to start an organization that reached beyond the walls of the church into the community, served as catalysts to the creation of P.I.T. I’ve met dozens of young ladies who have the potential to be great. I want P.I.T. to be the organization that helps them reach their highest level of greatness.

There’s an old African proverb that says, “It takes a village to raise a child.” P.I.T. is a part of the village. We are here to help parents, teachers, and all those that have accepted the positive role of nurturing teenage girls. It is our responsibility to make sure that our girls have the tools in place to help them become successful. If only one life is changed, all of the financial support and time spent to create P.I.T. was worthwhile.

I invite you to come celebrate with us on Thursday, January 14, 2009, from 6:00-9:00 p.m. at Maria, Maria restaurant in Downtown Austin the birth of the next teen movement. Get in the P.I.T.!

Markell Davidson

Founder/Executive Director