UNIQUELY YOU SUMMIT, INCorporated

statement of closure

Tuesday, April 15, 2025

From the desk of
Shaleah Laché Sutton

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, the Mid-Atlantic region in 2014, and expanding nationally in 2020, we’ve strived to make an indelible and lasting difference. This decision comes not from regret, but from a place of deep pride and an enormous sense of true accomplishment. By, with, and because of the grace of God, we achieved so much with very, very limited resources, and I couldn't be prouder of the investment we made in the character development, healing, and education of countless Black girls. The reach of our work has surpassed even my wildest aspirations, and we’ve been privileged to witness and be a part of some truly remarkable stories.

However, the prevailing politics of a new administration, 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 under the banner of UNIQUELY YOU SUMMIT, INC., effective Tuesday, June 10, 2025.

I want to express the utmost and deepest gratitude to the countless volunteers, GXC Leaders, UYS Academy faculty members & facilitators, clinicians & therapists, advisors, speakers & panelists, interns, collaborators, and believers who generously shared their time, gifts, and talents from 2009 to 2025. Your unwavering commitment to fearlessly lead, reach, and liberate Black girls, right in their own neighborhoods and communities, was absolutely essential to our success. What the organization achieved for Black girls could not have been accomplished without you. To the incredible team of women I worked very closely with and alongside daily: chairwomen and directors, and those who led teams and committees, building a framework that could support more than 500 Black girls every year – thank you. I deeply valued, and still very much deeply value, your steadfast dedication to our girls. You were in the trenches with me.

I would love to name each and every person who has ever contributed, but I fear unintentionally leaving someone out. Because each contribution was so significant, I wouldn't want to risk offending anyone. This journey was a true collective effort, and I'm eternally grateful for your selfless contributions. Together, we saw the transformative power of our unique programs (especially the one and only “UNIQUELY YOU SUMMIT for Girls”) and the execution of ideas that reached girls nationwide for nearly two decades, guiding some from as early as middle school through their journeys to college, to becoming business owners, scholars, doctors, TV news anchors, paid professional dancers, psychologists, wives and mothers, community leaders, government leaders, and for some – global change agents. 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 when companies and corporations told us “no,” giving both their time and resources, ensuring the continued success of UYS. Thanks to your support, and the contributions of a few key donors in 2020 and 2021, we were able to award tens of thousands of dollars in college scholarships, via our FOR THE LOVE OF BLACK GIRLS® Scholarship, to deserving young women from 2016 onward.

Most importantly, I want to thank my family — in particular, my greatest loves, my children — who selflessly shared their single mom with UYS (and the sacrificial work it required) as they grew up. I started UYS when they were four and a half years old; they are now college sophomores. Brandon and Island, I thank you for your love, your hugs, your comfort, the safe space you always gave me, your sweetest encouragement, and your continued belief in me.

Moreover, I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to those who consistently included UYS in their prayers; thank you for interceding on our behalf. I would be remiss not to acknowledge how those prayers opened doors – and closed some when necessary, provided the strength to be unbowed in our endeavors, and empowered us to be a blessing to so many. It was by grace through prayer that we accomplished so much. Thank you for including my children in those prayers, as well as me personally.

To the thousands of girls who benefited from the endeavors of the women above and the favor of God, it was our honor to care for you and carry you when you needed it, lead and guide you through adolescence, and open doors for you as you became young women. I take deep pride in the women you’ve become. To the parents, guardians, teachers, social workers, principals, superintendents, and caregivers who entrusted us with the girls in your life, thank you. I hope that they will continue to channel their experiences, and the time spent with us, to better the world and reach back – particularly for Black girls.

For nearly two decades, the UNIQUELY YOU SUMMIT centered the Black Girl and gave voice and validity to the Black Girlhood experience. We developed a formula that many organizations serving Black girls now follow.

I will always, always cherish what happened at UYS. And while it will be closing its doors in less than 60 days, this isn't a goodbye from me. Just my graduation and preparation for what’s next. I'm ecstatic about what the future holds for my family and me, and the new opportunities to come by way of the Almighty – God is my source.

If you'd like to stay connected with me, please join my mailing list at fortheloveofblackgirls.com. You can also keep up with what’s happening next on Instagram at @teachblackgirls (formerly @uniquelyusummit) and @fortheloveofblackgirls.

My commitment to Black girls continues and remains genuine and steadfast.

In service, and under grace,

Shaleah Laché Sutton
President & Founder
UNIQUELY YOU SUMMIT, INCORPORATED