IT GIRLS of MD Inc is a labor of love for its founder Keisha Jones. Very early in life she faced many obstacles and challenges that made her hope for love and encouragement from the adults around her. During those trying times she noticed having the support and encouragement of a trusted adult always made her days brighter. Through her prayers she saw the vision to use those experiences as the foundation to help those around her, particularly young ladies with similar experiences.
Keisha received her B.A. in social work from Morgan State University and a M.A. from the University of Maryland in 2006. Prior to starting her career as a licensed Maryland Certified Social Worker-Clinical, she served the community as an Americorp member through Volunteer Maryland. This exposure to various non profit programs around the state inspired Keisha to further her own vision. During her career process she worked in the public child welfare system supporting youth with creating a self-sufficiency plan as they age out of the foster care system.
Ms. Jones has also worked with the public school system providing direct and indirect services to assist students and their families explore resources and services to help reach their fullest potential. Sufficiently trained in restorative practices, Resilience, Trauma Informed practice, Signs of Suicide: SOS and mindfulness. Keisha is passionate about learning in order to grow to be able to share IT GIRLS in the community.
Keisha has been described by colleagues, family and friends as very warm, loving and optimistic. Having a knack for being firm yet nurturing and compassionate has shown great results. She is transparent and shares the good and the bad hoping that others will learn from her achievements as well as her failures. Around 2010, Ms. Jones began to informally host small groups of teenage girls teaching life skills and trips to expose urban populations to new experiences.
In 2015, IT GIRLS LLC was formally established as it partnered with a high School to help decrease relational aggression amongst the female population. It served over 150 students. In 2021, IT GIRLS MD Inc became a non profit organization in order to reach more mentors and mentees. As we embark on this new territory with excitement and perseverance we look forward to assisting with building stronger communities through annual service projects, leadership opportunities and social events. We’ve learned that we are better together. In a world that promotes jealousy, envy and dissension between girls, Keisha wants IT GIRLS to be a place where their individuality, gifts and talents are celebrated. A safe place that will foster relationships and sisterhood that will have a positive effect and impact on the girls that will be contagious to all around them and long lasting.