Meet our Junior Board

Parker Cuff
My name is Parker Olivia Cuff. I am a junior at Odyssey Charter School. I am a member of the National Honor Society and Business Professionals of American (BPA) Student Organization. I intend to attend college to study Business and Law. Outside of school I serve my local and global community. I have traveled to five of the seven continents. I have participated in missions in Kenya, India and Morocco. I aspire to become a global leader who changes the way people think and honor the global majority.
My goal is to own businesses that promote and help people of all races and abilities. I want equality in the world. I want a system that can reduce homelessness, world hunger, and poverty. I want to fix the injustice in the world. My goal is to create and own businesses that provide opportunities for the less fortunate in an effort to create a better world.
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Skylar Cooper Ferguson
​Hi, My name is Skylar Renee’ Cooper-Ferguson, I was born on December 2, 2012 and I am 13 years old. I have been in Girls With Pearls for 3 years. I am in the 7 th grader and on the Honor Roll at Springer Middle School, where I sing in the school choir and was a cheerleader. My passion is to be an Art Teacher, so I think I want to go to Cab Calloway School for the Arts. There I can do everything including dance and sing.
Along with dancing for Girls With Pearls, I also praise dance in “Essence of Praise” at my church, Word Alive Worship Center, “Angels of Praise for NDC Chapter Choir and my cousin and I have formed our family ministry dance group called “Legacy Voices & Praise.” I have also been the president of the “Amicettes” of Epsilon Rho Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated.
Being in Girls With Pearls has impacted me to push forward and be myself and show people my confidence and capability. I have learned a lot on how to conduct myself when I am in the presence of others and how to speak up and speak out so that others will listen. I have used that at my church when I read the scripture. I love to lead and represent my peers and I know I will be a great asset to the Junior Advisory Board of Girls With Pearls if given the chance.
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Aliyah Green
My name is Aliyah Green, and at almost 13 years old, I’ve already learned that life is best lived
with a mix of creativity and drive. I’m someone who loves the process of making something from
nothing, whether I’m baking in the kitchen, painting a canvas, or crocheting a new project.
These aren’t just hobbies to me; they’re how I relax and express who I am. My family, my
friends, and my dog are the heartbeat of everything I do, giving me the support and inspiration I
need to keep dreaming big.
When I’m not being creative, you can usually find me moving. I’m incredibly passionate about
basketball and dance, especially when I get to step up and create my own choreography. Being
an athlete and a dancer has taught me way more than just skills; it’s taught me how to be a
leader. I’ve learned how to stay locked in on my goals while making sure I’m always the one
lifting my teammates up. To me, success doesn't mean anything if you aren't bringing your team
along with you.
At the end of the day, my biggest strength isn't just what I can do, but how I treat people. I have
a genuine heart for service, and I’m always ready to jump in and help, whether that’s by
listening, giving advice, or sharing whatever I have with someone in need. I believe that
kindness is a superpower and that empathy can change the world. I’m not just here to show up;
I’m here to make an impact and leave things better than I found them.
I’m Aliyah Green: a creator, a leader, and a helper. I’m just getting started.

Kamaya Ortiz
My name is Kamaya Ortiz, and I am a student at Hodgson Vo-Tech, currently enrolled in the Nurse Tech program. I plan to further my education in the healthcare field because I enjoy helping others, learning new things, and continuing to grow as a leader.
Being a part of Girls With Pearls has helped me become more confident, responsible, and comfortable using my voice in positive ways. Working with others in the program has strengthened my teamwork skills, and I am grateful for everything Girls With Pearls has taught me.
As a Junior Advisory Board member, I would use the leadership skills the program has helped me develop to support and encourage the other girls. This opportunity would also allow me to continue learning and practicing leadership. I am organized, kind, helpful, and driven, and I believe these are strong qualities for this role. I would be honored to serve and to continue supporting the mission of Girls With Pearls.

Makayla Ortiz
My name is Makayla Ortiz. I am sixteen years old and currently a junior in high school. I am working toward earning my Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification, which I will complete by the end of my junior year. During my senior year, I plan to take dual enrollment classes while working. Obtaining my certification early will allow me to gain hands-on experience in the healthcare field and further confirm my passion for helping others.
I have been a part of Girls With Pearls for eight years, where I currently serve as a youth leader and role model for younger girls in the program. Through Girls With Pearls, I have developed leadership skills, confidence, and a strong commitment to service.
I am also a leader at my church. I work closely with the youth pastor and actively participate in praise dance, where I help lead worship through movement and expression. I serve as the youth treasurer and am responsible for managing and counting funds from youth activities and fundraisers. In addition, I assist with the children’s ministry by helping with activities, reading Scripture, and supporting them in their faith journey.