Spelman College Sophomore Jainaba Fye Launches Initiative to Empower Rwandan Girls

ATLANTA, GA (06/13/2011)(readMedia)-- Jainaba Fye, C'2014, a rising sophomore at Spelman College in Atlanta, Ga., has developed "Miss In Action" a unique initiative designed to build self-esteem and empower young girls ages 12-18. An international studies and economics major, the Silver Spring, Maryland native conducted a "Miss in Action" workshop in Kigali, Rwanda, at the beginning of June. She hosted the workshop in partnership with the Mhina Tumaini Foundation, an international non-profit committed to improving the health and increasing the access to educational opportunities of at-risk young adults through the provision of health and educational services.

Held at Ecole Secondaire Appaper in Kigali, the workshop focused on goal-setting, body image, self-respect and developing essential leadership skills. Fye will host another "Miss In Action" workshop on July 18, 2011, at the University of Maryland Baltimore College's Choice Program in partnership with the Shriver Center of UMBC. She will also participate in an internship with the Gambian Embassy this summer.

About Spelman College

Founded in 1881, Spelman College is a prestigious, highly selective, liberal arts college that prepares women to change the world. Located in Atlanta, Ga., this historically black college boasts an 83 percent graduation rate, and outstanding alumnae such as Children's Defense Fund Founder Marian Wright Edelman; former U.S. Foreign Service Director General Ruth Davis, authors Tina McElroy Ansa and Pearl Cleage; and actress LaTanya Richardson. More than 83 percent of the full-time faculty members have Ph.D.s or other terminal degrees, and the average faculty to student ratio is 12:1. More than 2,100 students attend Spelman. For more information, visit www.spelman.edu.