Today we’d like to introduce you to Emilee Westervelt.
Hi Emilee, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started with The Lovely Project about 9 years ago as a volunteer. It was in the beginning stages. I loved their mission, to empower girls to find their value, voice, and valor. I was a teacher for many years while I was volunteering. I was able to use my background in education to help format curriculum and develop relationships in Seminole and Orange County schools. In 2021, I was offered the position of Chief Operations Officer. I am so grateful for the opportunity to put all of my efforts and focus on The Lovely Project.
Over ten years ago, Dr. Crystal Evans and her team founded The Lovely Project. The Lovely Project began with events. We host two big events each year, one for middle and high school girls called The Lovely Project Experience and one for elementary-aged girls called “Lovely Jr”. In 2015, we received the opportunity to bring our message and mentorship groups to public schools, mental health facilities, and community centers. We continue to expand and find new ways to empower young women.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Covid was our biggest hurdle. During that time, schools were closed to outside programming. We had to pivot and switch to virtual mentoring groups.
We shipped out “Lovely in your Living Room” care packages with resources and supplies so all participants could do everything with us in virtual Lovely groups. We still offer virtual groups. We are very thankful that restrictions have been lifted, and we are back in person in our schools.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m really proud of our team of incredible volunteers and our programming. The Lovely Project invites girls ages 5-19 to experience a loving and encouraging environment where they can be heard and build lasting relationships. This enables them to grow into women with immense value, powerful voices, and unstoppable valor. We are reaching girls through our programming.
Our programs include:
Lovely Groups: We partner with local organizations, behavioral centers, and public schools and provide weekly mentorship groups. Lovely Groups are safe environments where young girls meet, connect, and grow with their peers. We have an interactive curriculum that helps girls reach their full potential. Our secret sauce is using peer mentorship, for girls that have recently gone through similar things. It’s here at lovely groups where girls start to transform.
Lovely Events: We have two major events each year. One for middle school and high school girls called The Lovely Project Experience and one for elementary schools called Lovely Jr. Our events are so effective because of two reasons. 1) We utilize the arts. We partner with a dance company that coordinates beautiful performances based on the content. 2) We have interactive workshops where we break into small groups and girls are able to connect the topics to their own lives and get connected to Lovely mentors and groups.
Lovely Assemblies: Lovely Assemblies are interactive mini-events where we take TLP to schools and other organizations.
Lovely Text Line: Girls can connect to a mentor for support, advice, or direction to resources.
Lovely Hangs: These are quarterly events where our Lovely Groups meet up and do fun things around the city. We’ve done everything from ice skating to park picnics.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
We are always looking for volunteers, connectors, and financial supporters for our programming and organization.
More information can be found on TheLovelyProject.org or by emailing me directly at Emilee@theLovelyProject.org.
Contact Info:
- Website: thelovelyproject.org
- Instagram: instagram.com/lovelyproject
- Facebook: facebook.com/thelovelyproject
