STATEMENT OF CLOSURE for UNIQUELY YOU SUMMIT, INC.
By Shaleah Laché Sutton (Founder & President)
Wednesday, February 5, 2025

After fifteen years of wholehearted dedication to UYS (UNIQUELY YOU SUMMIT, INC.), I've made the thoughtful decision to close the organization. For nearly two decades, UYS has poured its heart into creating spaces where Black girls always came first. Beginning with Philadelphia girls in 2009, and expanding nationally in 2020, we’ve strived to make an indelible difference. This decision comes not from regret, but from a place of deep pride and a sense of true accomplishment. We achieved so much with the very limited resources we had, and I couldn't be more proud of the investment we made in the character development and education of countless Black girls. The reach of our work has surpassed even my wildest dreams, and we’ve been privileged to witness and be a part of some truly remarkable stories. All orchestrated by God. 

However, the prevailing politics of 2025, coupled with my own evolving vision, necessitates a change in my approach to reaching and supporting Black girls. And so, I've decided to conclude all UYS operations dedicated to Black girls under the banner of UNIQUELY YOU SUMMIT, INC., effective Friday, February 28, 2025.

I want to express my deepest gratitude to the countless volunteers who generously shared their time and talents from 2009 to 2022. Your unwavering commitment to lead and liberate Black girls in their own communities was absolutely essential to our success. What we achieved could not have been accomplished without you. To the incredible team of women I've worked alongside daily, building a framework that supported over 500 Black girls annually – thank you. I deeply valued and still value your steadfast dedication to our girls. This journey was a true collective effort, and I'm eternally grateful for your often selfless contributions. Together, we saw the transformative power of our unique programs and the execution of ideas that reached girls nationwide, guiding some from as early as middle school through their journeys to college, to becoming business owners, scholars, mothers, community leaders, and for a few – global changemakers. We became a trusted national resource for Black girls navigating trauma, identity struggles, and abuse, supporting their healing and their desire to thrive. We've celebrated their triumphs as they achieved their personal best.

I would also like to acknowledge the unwavering financial support of countless individuals, particularly and especially Black women.Your generosity has been the foundation of our organization. Black women consistently stepped up, giving both their time and resources, ensuring the continued success of UYS. Thanks to your support, and the significant contributions of a few key donors in 2020 and 2021, we were able to award tens of thousands of dollars in scholarships to deserving young women since 2016.

While UYS will be closing its doors this month, this isn't a goodbye from me. I'm excited for what the future holds and the new opportunities to come. My commitment to Black girls continues and remains steadfast.

If you'd like to stay connected, please join our mailing list at fortheloveofblackgirls.com.

FOR THE LOVE OF BLACK GIRLS,  

Shaleah Laché Sutton
UNIQUELY YOU SUMMIT, INC.
President & Founder