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Otishia "Tish" Emmens knows a lot about overcoming obstacles in her life. She has stood in the shoes
of an adult at the early age of 7. The product of a single-parent household, Tish was raised by her father and had to assist
with the care of her little sister. With very little room to be a kid, Tish had to grow up fast and has always been referred
to as being "well beyond her years." Having a strong grandmother as her mother figure and mentor, it was instilled
in her not to let life circumstances determine her success in becoming a strong woman who made changes to the atmospheres
that surrounded her.
Tish began fulfilling the declaration of success spoken over her life. She put herself through
college earning two degrees; an Associate's in Paralegal Studies from Pierce Jr. College and a BA in Criminal Justice from
Temple University. Today, Tish is a successful Litigation Paralegal with future aspirations of turning that title into Esquire.
Amongst her many talents, mentoring young girls was something she always wanted to do. An opportunity presented itself for
her to do just that. Tish became one of the facilitators over a girls mentoring program named Positive Images sponsored through
the Philadelphia Police Athletic League (PAL). She mentored girls ages 10-17 years old coaching them through a series of life
skills training sessions that enhance how they view themselves as young women along with challenging them to dare to be different.
Some of the topics include strengthening self image, public speaking, learning how to network, building healthy
and productive relationships and empowering other young girls to become mentors and role models. She speaks to them feverishly
about the impact of decisions that they make in their youth and how it affects their adulthood. Each session is closed out
by reciting the vision statement that reminds them of their purpose. Partnering with organizations such as The Enterprise
Center, www.theenterprisecenter.com and The Empowerment Group www.empowerment-group.org located in Philadelphia; she connects girls with various conferences that teach young people about proprietorship of which
she strongly advocates. She is also a member of the Parent Advisory Committee for the Brandywine School District of Wilmington,
Delaware where she provides workshops that assist with strengthening parent/child relationships.
The success of
her mentoring inspired her to focus on a bigger horizon; becoming the Founder and CEO of a mentoring consultant firm; TEworks.
Tish's goals are to impact and equip other young girls to rise up and become the "chain breakers" of stereotyped
views of young black girls in America. Tish has appeared on local television show in Wilmington DE; Let's Talk Respect and
CN8's It's Your Call With Lynn Doyle where she has brought attention to many viewers on the impact of her mentoring. "It
is my passion to let these girls know that they are not victims of their environment; that they can achieve and compete at
a level that will place them at the very top in society. They must respect themselves, learn from their mistakes and make
profound changes in their lives that will make them role models to other young black girls. I want to cause a ripple effect
of greatness and stop the breeding of dysfunctional adolescence. My approach is hard driven but simple, you determine success
or failure in your life."
Although the curriculum was inspired to service young girls in the black community,
it can be used amongst other cultures. "I must service those in the community first and then take it abroad."
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Brianna, LaShae and Nadira. First place winners
for their business plan at The Empowerment Group Young Entrepreneur’s 2005 "Make Change" Conference.
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Teens gathering for pictures before their
"Lunch and Learn". Topic: What is your definition of success? How do you obtain it?
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Copyright 2006 TEworks, All Rights Reserved
Certified DBE for the City of Wilmington Delaware
Certified State of Delaware Minority and Women Business Enterprise
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Ms. Tish and Imani at The Enterprise Center's
Business Boot Camp for young entrepreneurs.
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