Praise from Parents
“I have noticed a tremendous change in my daughter (after six weeks of coaching with Dr. Carla). She is more confident, has higher self-esteem, and is more in tune with her strengths and ability to achieve her goals and dreams. I would strongly recommend this program to other parents. – Ms. G. Shack, Atlanta, GA
Interview with Hope Thompson, Mother of Amber and Jasmine
Q: I understand that you are the mother of two girls who were involved with Dr. Stokes’ program HOTGIRLS, Inc. Tell me more about your daughters’ involvement and where are they today?
“Their involvement in the program had a tremendous impact on their lives. Dr. Stokes hosted several events and held classes on a regular basis. They had an opportunity to be involved with the annual HIV/AIDS awareness campaign, which they were responsible for assisting Dr. Stokes with planning and hosting the entire event. The girls always talked about how they really enjoyed it.
Amber had a chance to go with Dr. Stokes to New York for a conference [at the Ms. Foundation for Women] pertaining to the work that she does with the girls. I was so excited when Dr. Stokes asked Amber to accompany her on the trip. It was a honor to be able to send Amber with Dr. Stokes so they could speak to others about the amazing work Dr. Stokes is doing in Atlanta for our young ladies. Teaching the girls how to carry themselves with respect, is just one of the many values she instills in them.
Amber, Jasmine, Jakia, Aria, Jazzmyn, Sesyli, and Stephy are all in college and I strongly say that because of her program, they were able to stay on track.
The different events and classes Dr. Stokes involved the girls in kept them grounded as teenage girls.
Dr. Stokes said, ‘Don’t let a guy talk to you any kind of way, always carry yourself with respect and think about the consequences before reacting to any life situations, especially dealing with boys. Dr. Stokes constantly reminded the girls how important it is to have self-respect.’
Her classes taught the girls about how to be aware of violent relationships, how to carry themselves as young ladies, media literacy, health and social issues, computer technology; and sexuality. I remember when Amber was ready to go to college, Dr. Stokes went above and beyond in helping Amber with letters, resumes and the college application process. Dr. Stokes mentored Amber through the entire college process. Dr. Stokes continues to communicate with the girls while they are in college via email, phone or a visits when the girls are home on break- they always speak very highly of her.
This program is exceptional! I’m glad that the girls were awarded the opportunity to be a part of the program. It really helped the girls become the lovely young ladies they are today.”
Q: How did you first hear about Dr. Carla?
“I was in my car one day listening to the radio and they were talking about HOTGIRLS. I called Dr. Stokes and ask her if the girls could be a part of the program. Normally they only work with inner city kids, so I asked Dr. Stokes, “If you allow the girls to be a part of your program, I promise that the girls will be there for all the classes,” and that’s the sacrifice I made- and they’ve always been there from day one and that’s how we became affiliated with Dr. Stokes.”
Q: Why did you get your daughters’ involved with this program? Was it their idea or yours?
A: 2005.
A: Dr. Stokes teaches the girls self-respect and how to deal with real life situations; it’s like a mentoring program. Dr. Stokes also hosts different events like the HIV/AIDS awareness campaign. After reviewing the HOTGIRLS website, it had no doubt that this would be the perfect program for the girls. Of course the girls were hesitant about going to the summit, but it was my job as a mother and mentor to make them go. After the first meeting I had no problem when it was time for the girls to go back.
Q: What do your girls say to you about their day when they come home from participating in the program?
A: “They would always speak positive- from the meetings at Spelman [College] to HIV awareness campaigns to Dr. Stokes having a regular class. They would all get in the van speaking at the same time, always with excitement. They were all anxious to tell how being a part of HOTGIRLS that day made them feel. They would even start to talk about what they needed to do to prepare for the next meeting. I never once saw a frown or a sign of unhappiness after a day with Dr. Stokes.
Q: Do you have any final comments?
A: “Dr. Stokes, for her personally, I think she’s doing a wonderful job with the program she has for the girls. I wish there were more of her in the world because she works really well with the teens. It’s hard to keep a teen focused and she always did that- she always kept them focused and if you call any of them right now, they would be overwhelmed in speaking about Dr. Stokes. They’ve been a part of HOTGIRLS since 2005.
Basically, she’s an amazing lady, her untiring dedication to our youth deserves the utmost recognition. Dr. Stokes definitely prepares our children to be better people in society.
I would recommend the program to anyone, all of the girls are in college and they’re doing well and I know they’ve taken some of Dr. Stokes teachings to college and use them in every day life, especially with the boys- they [the girls] have really used the advice from Dr. Stokes and they are not in any teenage trouble- pregnant, etc.”
