Praise from Young Women

“If you’re thinking about hiring Dr. Carla to coach you, I would encourage you to seize the opportunity. You are worthy of the self-acceptance and success Dr. Carla can help you achieve!”

“I met Dr. Carla during my first year as a PhD student, when she was a featured alum speaker at the University of Michigan. When I sat down with Dr. Carla during our coaching session, I had every intention of asking her appropriately professional questions- but all I could think about was challenges in my personal life and how they were distracting me from my studies.

Luckily, I felt comfortable opening up to Dr. Carla about how I was really feeling. She was able to validate and normalize my experience, affirming that while personal and family hardships are difficult, I deserved to focus on myself and succeed in my PhD program.

Today, I am a faculty member with PhD students of my own, and I am incredibly grateful to Dr. Carla for the kindness, wisdom, and coaching she offered me during such a vulnerable time. I try to bring that same compassion, encouragement, and human-centeredness to my own mentoring. We might be passionate researchers, practitioners, and advocates but we are not robots—we come with health challenges, family emergencies, and other human experiences.

If you’re thinking about hiring Dr. Carla to coach you, I would encourage you to seize the opportunity. You are worthy of the self-acceptance and success Dr. Carla can help you achieve!” – Dr. Liz Mosley, Atlanta, GA

Dr. Carla and Fanta at her graduation from Lycee Francais de New York

“While I was coaching with Dr. Carla, I got into my dream college in Montreal, Canada, graduated from Lycee Francais de New York, and passed my Baccalauréat exam with a magna cum laude mention. I would not have been able to accomplish all of my goals without her help!”

Where were you in your life before coaching with Dr. Carla?

Before coaching with Dr. Carla, I was a senior in high school and under a lot of academic stress and also dealing with self-criticism, self-confidence and self-esteem issues. I was being mean to myself and didn’t realize that I was standing in the way of my own success. I wanted a coach because I wanted an adult other than my Mom to be there for me when I have a problem.

How did you hear about Dr. Carla?

I heard about Dr. Carla through my mom. She searched online and found her.

Describe your experience coaching with Dr. Carla

Coaching with Dr. Carla is amazing! I Skype all the time w/friends so video coaching with Dr. Carla feels normal. It also helped that I met Dr. Carla in person in Manhattan for our first coaching session because it didn’t feel like I was Skyping with a stranger. Sometimes it is intense and I get emotional, but it is the kind of intensity that I need to be able to grow and move forward.

What results did you achieve while coaching with Dr. Carla?

After 6 months of coaching with Dr. Carla, I am more laid back and not as stressed out or jumping to conclusions as quickly as before. I am also noticing when I start to think negatively and I am able to shift to positive thinking and believing more in myself. During my coaching with Dr. Carla, I got into my dream college in Montreal, Canada, graduated from Lycée Français de New York, and passed my Baccalauréat exam with a magna cum laude mention. I would not have been able to accomplish all of my goals without her help!

Dr. Carla taught me how to get organized and work with a study schedule that we created together. I improved my study skills and learned how to deal with conflict with my mom and how to deal with disappointment and rejection without getting as upset and stressed out as I used to. It is nice to have someone to talk to about my anxieties and worries about the Baccalauréat exam. I was overwhelmed and Dr. Carla helped me create a study strategy that really helped me.

What was the biggest lesson learned from coaching with Dr. Carla?

The best part about coaching with Dr. Carla is learning how to deal with my limiting beliefs. That was the breaking point and it made me stare right into the face of the problem. I noticed that all of the things I felt were wrong in her life were really the result of the negative story I was telling myself about them. I am much happier now that I have learned how to focus on everything I have to feel grateful for. Dr. Carla helped me realize that I can decide how to react to certain situations that are out of my control.

Would you recommend Dr. Carla’s coaching programs to other young women and parents?

Yes, I would recommend coaching with Dr. Carla because I am really seeing how much I changed over the past 6 months and I love the results. I know that with time, I will continue to get better. To see so much positive growth and improvement in my life is like, wow! If you’re not sure about coaching with Dr. Carla, just try it and see. Don’t be afraid to take a risk because at the end it’s really worth it!

What’s the most important thing people should know about coaching with Dr. Carla?

It doesn’t feel like Dr. Carla is just my coach because she is really invested in me. She’s not just doing her job – it’s much more than that. I love knowing that I can reach out to Dr. Carla in between sessions and she will be there for me. Coaching with Dr. Carla is not always serious. We talk about serious stuff but we also laugh and have fun!

— Fanta P., Montreal, Canada

Dr. Stokes is not only the founder of HOTGIRLS, but she is an influential activist in the community. Her passion has no limits and transcends to others around her. She remains consistent and committed to the mission of the organization that focuses on touching the lives of women and girls. With her experience and creativity, she awakes the consciousness of young women and girls to issues that affect us directly every day. I personally have gained a tremendous amount of knowledge from Dr. Stokes and her influence on the lives of young women is admirable. – Salimah

Dr. Carla is an educator, activist, and mentor I’ve come to admire during my three years working with HOTGIRLS. She is open and honest with every girl she works with and educates others without being condescending. Dr. Carla reaches young women by being a positive role model and creating friendships with the girls she works with. Her tireless work and dedication to improve the lives of young women is truly inspirational. – Vannessa

YOU make HOTGIRLS what it is Dr. Carla. When I first started coming to HOTGIRLS I still called myself a dyme, or ya ride or die chick, your down a** girl and stuff like that, but you showed us how to get attention in positive ways. You showed us just to tell someone you’re cute doesn’t mean you have to say ‘I’m a dyme’… you can have on clothes and just say I’m beautiful and still get your point across. The environment that we’re in with you and the girls [in the program] and the vibe is another great thing. I know all the girls including myself feel like we can talk to you about anything and you’ll listen and we talk about this all the time like how we look at you as our sister and not just a teacher or mentor. Basically saying after going to HOTGIRLS we get this feeling like ‘I’m with my big sister on this one I want people to respect me and my feelings.’ You’re not just another adult telling us what to do. – Amber

As an educator, professional, and mentor, Dr. Carla has the best interests of girls at heart. Through her intimate relationships with teens and young girls, they are comfortable talking and sharing their concerns with her. She easily relates to them and shares her own personal stories as a young girl to educate and let girls know that they are not alone in their trials that they are faced with growing up as young women. It was an honor interning under her and learning from her knowledge and experiences. – Yasin

Carla’s work with girls is groundbreaking and revolutionary. She uses techniques that young girls are interested in, in order to teach them about issues affecting their communities. – Brittany

Over the past couple of years I have come to know Carla as a down to earth and caring role model for young women and teens, including myself. She is extremely insightful about issues pertaining to women and girls and I have learned an immense amount from working with her. I have seen Carla work with and mentor other young women besides myself and she is able to relate to the issues they face without judgment. HOTGIRLS is her vision, and she is able to keep this vision regardless of the obstacles she may face. Ever since I started working with HOTGIRLS, I have looked up to Carla, and she has never disappointed me. – Kristina

Dr. Carla is an excellent role model and mentor for girls of all ages. She is able to teach teenage girls about self-esteem and safer sex practices by relating to them as an older sister or cool aunt instead of as a teacher. I know Dr. Carla will have a huge and very positive impact on a very significant number of teenage girls. – Juliana

Dr. Carla Stokes is a remarkable, genuine, and down to earth person who is truly inspiring. For the three years that I have known her I have witnessed the many ways she has demonstrated her passion and dedication for helping young women and girls, and I admire her strength and perseverance to successfully fulfill her mission. What I love the most about her is her kind heart, humble spirit, and the fact that she is so easy to talk to. I remember many times when I sought her out for advice or counsel and she listened, and actively worked with me towards finding a solution.

With her help I was able to overcome many obstacles in my life and now I am actively pursuing my goals with a positive attitude. She has motivated me to make each day a better one by taking it one step at a time, and I truly appreciate her for that because whenever you ask her for something, she is the type of person who is genuinely concerned and will go out of her way to help you. Many of these qualities carry over into her work with young women and girls because I have witnessed how so many young girls feel so comfortable opening up to her because she is so open-minded and honest, and she is not one to judge. She is a positive role model to many and I feel so fortunate to have gained her as my mentor. – Daphne, PhD. Student

When thinking of Dr. Carla, one word comes to mind, Superwoman!! I say this because she is truly an amazing woman. She’s an intelligent woman with a loving and helpful heart. She has dedicated herself and her life to helping young ladies and women conduct healthy and prosperous lifestyles. Dr. Carla has unknowingly inspired me to strive for the best in life. She has exposed me to various ways in which we as women contribute to negative stereotypes. With the help of Dr. Carla I have the necessary materials to evolve into a magnificent woman who commands the utmost respect. Dr. Carla is one of the most positive and influential women in my life. – Sakeissa

Dr. Carla is a genuine person. She gives a warm impression and does not judge others for their situations. She is understanding and acknowledges the challenges we all face as young women. Her compassion is what allows her to give guidance and advice as a mentor and not a disappointed parent. The things that she is most passionate about directly relate to promoting health, awareness, and growth for young women despite stereotypes and social barriers. – Katie

Dr. Carla Stokes is one of the most genuine and inspiring women that I have ever met. Her passion for helping young girls changed my outlook on what service is–I know now what it should be. She puts the welfare of the young girls first and it manifests itself in everything that she does. I’ve seen how many young girls she has inspired during the three years that I have volunteered with HOTGIRLS. Her workshops are embracing and open; she treats everyone with kindness and respect and by her interaction, it is clear how important we are…how much concern she has. Dr. Carla is an amazing role model and friend and I can truly say that my name is among the list of young women that she has influenced because she has definitely touched me. – Ashanda

Dr. Carla has truly been an inspiration in my life and the lives of many young girls. Dr. Carla’s dedication to her work with teenage girls has inspired me to become committed to serving my community. I am most impressed with her ability to relate to and understand young girls, and the problems they are facing in everyday life. Through HOTGIRLS, Dr. Carla has created a space in which young girls can share their stories, learn about themselves inside and out, and grow into young women. – Ashley

Dr. Carla is the epitome of womanhood. She is a strong and educated woman and as such is the perfect role model for other young women and girls. Her passion for her work is evident in every word she speaks and every action she performs. Dr. Carla has a nurturing spirit that is important to have when educating young girls on such sensitive topics. – Maria

Dr. Carla was the first young professional to influence my life. Meeting her and joining HOTGIRLS when I was 16 played a crucial part in developing me into the woman I have become. At such a young age I was able to address issues affecting teens that help me consciously live my life. Dr. Carla is young enough to talk with us on a level that we would understand but old enough to have experienced life in a way that enables her to mold minds and lead young girls in the right path. She exemplifies strength, intelligence and a passion for impacting the lives of young women everywhere. Dr. Carla leads by example as a positive role model and advocate for positive living environments and healthy lifestyles. – Teni-Ola

Dr. Carla Stokes is truly one of a kind. She possesses the ideals of professionalism and has perfected her mentoring capabilities over a span of more than 15 years through her involvement with H.O.T.G.I.R.L.S., the Young Women’s Leadership Council at Spelman College, and various other service activities across America. I met Carla during the early part of my sophomore year at Spelman College, and I was blown away by how much she had accomplished at her young age. Eager to please who she is serving, Carla makes you feel like your opportunities in life are limitless, and with persistence and hard work, you will accomplish your goals.

I looked to Carla as a mentor throughout my years at Spelman because she was a Spelman alumna working hard in the streets trying to encourage, motivate, and educate Atlanta’s teen girls. She lets all who she is involved with know that their lives, and more importantly their futures, mean something to her, and that is what I call a role model. Inviting, funny, and strong, Carla was the big sister I never had. – Diana

Dr. Carla Stokes serves as a role model for young girls with a genuine desire to see them succeed and excel. Her kindhearted nature creates a safe haven for people to be open and honest, without the burden of feeling judged. Not only have I viewed her positive impact on young girls, but she has also truly touched my life. She has inspired me to become a better individual, and to use my talents to aid others. Her unique ability to produce this snowball affect has been for the betterment of youth and the communities in which they live. And for that I am forever grateful. – Dawn

Dr. Carla has opened my eyes to the struggle that young women face day to day by putting those struggles into a perspective that one doesn’t often care to look at because the truth may be too hurtful. I’ve only been involved with HOTGIRLS for a year, but it was more than long enough for me to see the passion that Dr. Carla possesses… She has allowed me to realize that my life is not complete unless I am helping young girls grow into the young, beautiful women that they are destined to be. I know what it’s like to live in low-income housing. I know what it’s like to feel like there is no hope and this program has allowed me to realize that I have gone through my personal experiences not only to make me stronger, but to help those who have come up just like me. – Mandisa