In Miami, what initially began as a dance group has blossomed into a powerful organization that is positively impacting the lives of numerous young girls. XtraOrdinary Ladies was established with the noble objective of making a difference in the world, one girl at a time. It all commenced with the union of one girl and one mentor.
Reflecting on her own experiences, Ronisha Robinson, the founder of XtraOrdinary Ladies, realized the profound impact of mentorship during her youth. This epiphany ignited a sense of purpose within her. According to Robinson, every young woman deserves a supportive cheerleader in her corner, encouraging her to strive for greater achievements in life. Over the years, this belief has guided her in empowering approximately 2,000 girls who have passed through the program.
One of the mentees, Taylor, expressed, “She kind of reminds me of a second mother that I can just go to and tell her everything, just some things I couldn’t tell my mother. I have just been a better version of myself that I didn’t think I could be.”
The organization convenes every third Saturday of the month to provide mentorship to young women in South Florida. Additionally, XtraOrdinary Ladies organizes an annual conference where more than 100 girls engage with speakers, participate in workshops, and receive guidance.
A mentee named Sarai shared her experience, saying, “I’ve learned how to speak in public, how to write, right now we’re learning about budgeting and I’ve already learned a lot.” Another mentee, Kimora Johnson, added, “I also learned about hygiene, how to treat your body.”
XtraOrdinary Ladies is nurturing a diverse range of aspirations, from aspiring doctors to future lawyers. Robinson emphasized, “I always said that XOL is not about me being rich, it’s not about having all the money in the world, but it’s about me touching the girls, making sure that they succeed in life, making sure that they’re able to reach their full potential.”
Marcella Mapp, the vice president of XtraOrdinary Ladies, highlighted the organization’s financial support for the girls, stating, “We’ve been able to give over $13,000 to our girls in the form of book scholarships, actual money, and last year we were even able to give away stipends from Spirit Airlines for girls to be able to travel back and forth to school.”
The invaluable lessons extend beyond academics and household teachings, resonating with parents as well. Shatoria Means, a parent of daughters enrolled in XtraOrdinary Ladies, observed, “She sees that, okay what mom is telling me inside, there’s some evidence or proof that it’s actually true.”
Robinson articulated her vision, stating, “I want my girls to realize you have a community behind you, you have people that love you, and people that are going to support you
