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