By Justin Criado

Local non-profit Gwen’s Girls announced recently Dr. Kathi Elliott has been selected to serve as the organization’s Executive Director, according to a press release. Dr. Elliott’s mother, the late Gwendolyn Elliott, one of the first African American female police officers in 1973, and eventually the first woman promoted to Sergeant and ultimately Commander founded the organization in 2002. Since then the organization has continued to equip girls and young women to become self-sufficient adults that build strong family units, develop strong support systems and contribute to their communities. The mission of Gwen’s Girls is to empower girls and young women to have productive lives through holistic, gender-specific programs, education and experience.

As executive director, Dr. Elliott is responsible for the strategic development of the organization and its programs as well as generating financial and community resources to support the mission of Gwen’s Girls.

Dr. Elliott brings over 15 years of experience in social service, community and individual mental health treatment. As a visionary leader, Dr. Elliott’s culmination of education, work and life experiences will assist her in continuing the legacy of providing a comprehensive approach to addressing the issues that impact the well-being of girls, women and families, according to the release.

An alumnus of Chatham University, Dr. Elliott holds a Doctor of Nursing Practice Degree and a Master’s degree in Nursing and Social Work from the University of Pittsburgh. A native of Pittsburgh, she is passionately involved in public service and participates with organizations that continuously work to obtain rights for women, victims and disadvantaged populations.

This year, Gwen’s Girls, which operates out of Allegheny Center, will be aggressively seeking foster parents and will be soon launching a campaign to encourage positive self-esteem in girls and young women.

For more information about Gwen’s Girls, call 412-904-4239 or visit the official website.

Photo courtesy of Gwen’s Girls