Raioni Madison transitioned from a classroom teacher to the full-time leader of 3D Girls Inc., a testament to her unwavering commitment to empowering young women.
Meet Raioni Madison
In 2019, Raioni Madison, an educator with a rich family history in teaching, made a momentous decision.
She bid adieu to her teaching job to focus entirely on 3D Girls Inc., a nonprofit she founded in 2012.
Her dedication to addressing the disparities in resources and opportunities for young girls, particularly in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics), fueled this leap.
Madison’s journey began at Kansas State University in Manhattan, KS, where she first noticed the lack of active or well-resourced nonprofits in her community, especially on the south side of town.
This observation sparked the creation of 3D Girls Inc.
3D Girls Inc.
The organization’s mission is to empower and advocate for young women and their families, focusing on education and financial empowerment.
During the challenging times of COVID-19, 3D Girls Inc. rolled out a three-year strategic plan to serve 1,500 young women and girls.
This plan includes school-based mentoring, prenatal and parent education, and social and emotional wellness programs.
“Our goal has been to service 1,500 girls to help them to build coping and resiliency skills,” Madison told Afrotech.
“Even that means helping their parents pay bills, providing STEM education workshops and exposure trips, and putting Black STEM professionals in front of them so that they can see and realize that they can dream.”
One of the key developments of 3D Girls Inc. is The Rose House, a 6,500-square-foot facility that’s in its third phase of development.
This facility will expand the team’s capacity and provide crucial postpartum support, counseling, and recreational programs for eligible children and women.
The Future For 3D Girls
The Girls Link Up program, another innovative initiative, transitioned online in 2020, offering interactive games, online paint classes, and tutorials.
It combines STEAM with social and emotional learning (SEL), providing a well-rounded approach to development.
3D Girls Inc. also hosts pitch competitions, where young girls engage with leaders and entrepreneurs to gain business capital.
These competitions have already seen inspiring success stories, with young entrepreneurs developing businesses in various fields and receiving support for their endeavors.
Looking ahead, 3D Girls Inc. is preparing to launch a ninth-grade academy for high school girls.
This expansion aims to deepen their engagement with tech and provide more meaningful opportunities.
Featured image: 3D Girls Inc at the GA Bureau of Investigation (Twitter)
