WHY E MARIE PROJECT EXISTS

Founder Erica experienced the power of mentoring firsthand. She became a mother at 16, left high school, and was raising four children by age 20.

A mentor told her she saw something special in her and encouraged her to believe beyond her circumstances. Erica returned to school, earned her GED, continued to college, and eventually earned three degrees, including an MBA.

She became the first in her mother's bloodline to earn a college education, purchase a home, and become an entrepreneur. The pattern of teenage pregnancy that had touched three generations also did not continue with her children.

That experience helped shape a belief at the heart of E Marie Project: sometimes the right support, faith, opportunity, and intentional decision can change what comes next.

OUR PERSPECTIVE

We Can Honor Where We Come From and Still Choose What Comes Next.

Generational Transformation isn't about rejecting our past. Every generation carries lessons, sacrifices, strengths, challenges, and patterns.

We honor what was planted before us while becoming intentional about what we plant next.

It happens when awareness leads to different choices, and those choices begin creating new possibilities for ourselves and the generations that follow.

Generational Transformation is continuous.

OUR FOUNDATION FOR GROWTH

Leadership Begins With S.E.L.F.

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STEWARDSHIP

EQUIP

LEADERSHIP

Take responsibility for your choices, abilities, opportunities, resources, and actions.

Gain practical knowledge, tools, experiences, and skills that support continued growth.

Practice making intentional decisions, communicating effectively, setting goals, taking responsibility, and taking action.

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FOUNDATION: FAITH

Have faith to believe beyond what you can currently see and recognize that your life has purpose.

Faith is our foundation, and everyone is welcome.

OUR FAITH FOUNDATION

Plant. Water. Grow.

The one who plants and the one who waters work together for the same purpose.

1 Corinthians 3:8

Parents plant. Teachers plant. Mentors water. Community partners create opportunities. Supporters help make the work possible.

We believe growth happens through faith, intentional action, meaningful relationships, and people willing to invest in what has been planted.

The Hearts Guiding Our Mission

E Marie Project is led by dedicated voices committed to creating safe spaces, elevating self-courage, and stewarding generational transformation for girls and women.

Founder, CEO

Shantae Wofford — Operations Manager

Kahlia Dunning — Secretary

Why This Work Began: Driven by a vision to help women discover their God-given potential, our founder established this safe space to cultivate self-courage and break generational barriers.

Read her full founder story above.

A results-oriented leader and Certified Scrum Master and life coach dedicated to driving social innovation and organizational growth. With deep expertise in strategic planning, resource management, and stakeholder engagement, Shantae has a proven track record of exceeding program targets and building high-impact community partnerships. At E Marie Project, she leverages her background in program development and performance measurement to streamline operations and maximize the organization's reach and social impact.

Kahlia is a business owner for whom caring for others has always been central. For the past 12 years, she has proudly owned a Level 4 accredited program — the highest level of recognition in Indiana childcare — where she helps children learn, grow, and build confidence. She is honored to serve as Secretary on E Marie Project's board. She volunteers with the E Marie Girl Scout Program on Mondays, helping girls build confidence, leadership skills, and positive community connections.

Charmaine Long, BSN, RN — Treasurer

Charmaine is a Registered Nurse with more than 17 years of experience across hospitals, primary care, case management, and home health, currently serving as a Clinical Supervisor. She's passionate about educating others and helping people make healthy choices, and as a mother of two, she enjoys encouraging young people to build confidence, care for their bodies, and understand the changes that come with growing up.