Empowering Futures: Tatiana Cooper's Vision for Adolescent Girls Through SAGE, Inc.

Tatiana Cooper's journey from a Chicago native and top-tier volleyball player to the founder and executive director of SAGE, Inc. (Saving Adolescent Girls Everywhere) in Raleigh, NC, is nothing short of inspiring. With a full-ride volleyball scholarship to NC A&T, Cooper graduated Magna cum Laude in Civil Engineering and worked as an engineer for eight years before transitioning to finance at Fidelity Investments. However, her passion for mentoring led her to establish SAGE in 2018, aiming to provide adolescent girls with examples and guidance from individuals they could relate to, addressing a gap she felt in her own upbringing.

SAGE, Inc. focuses on empowering adolescent girls in underserved communities through programs that increase awareness of critical issues like mental health, domestic violence, teen pregnancy, body image, human trafficking, and career development. The organization's mission is to guide young women to become confident, healthy, and stable individuals by offering a range of programs including SAGE Girls, Self-Made Jr., and various community partnerships that support their growth and development.

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The challenges of building SAGE involved finding donors, corporate support, and overcoming logistical hurdles like transportation for the girls. Despite these obstacles, Cooper's resilience and willingness to learn from past experiences have significantly advanced the organization. Today, SAGE not only provides a safe and nurturing space for mentoring but also connects with business owners who support and sponsor programs for the girls.

With over 130 girls on its waiting list, SAGE's impact is evident, and its need for more mentors and supporters continues to grow. The organization's dedication to building leaders and creating opportunities in the Raleigh-Durham area also extends through RDU Connect, a platform founded by Cooper to promote local businesses and events, further amplifying her commitment to community engagement and empowerment.

Tatiana Cooper's story and the work of SAGE, Inc. exemplify the power of passion and commitment to making a difference in the lives of young women, making it a compelling feature for The Bacon Magazine's audience interested in celebrating remarkable talent and community impact.

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