Hi everyone, my name is Sumyah Tate, and I’m raising $1,500 to help me participate in my Debutante Cotillion.

I want to be honest and real, because this isn’t just a fundraiser to me… this is my story.

I’m an Honor Roll student , and I stay involved in programs and organizations like YAPC (Young Adult Police Commissioners), and former student with the STARS Law Program, and other leadership opportunities but my journey wasn’t always perfect.

I’ve been through a lot.

I’ve faced incarceration, I’ve faced judgment, I’ve faced grief, I’ve faced moments where I felt alone, misunderstood, and counted out. I’ve made mistakes. I’ve had trials that could’ve broke me… but they didn’t.

Instead, after everything I’ve been through, I decided I wasn’t going to let my past be the reason I stay stuck. I turned my pain into purpose.

That’s when I started my nonprofit, Positive Mindset for the Youth, because I wanted young people to see that your mistakes don’t have to be the end of your story. You can fall and still get back up. You can lose your way and still find yourself again.

And through all my trials, I didn’t just survive… I became a leader.

Today I’m proud to say I’m not only a student I’m also:

✨ a leader in my community

✨ a youth activist

✨ a poet

✨ an author

✨ and someone who is still growing into even more

This cotillion means so much to me because it represents a new chapter not just dressing up, not just taking pictures… but standing in a moment that proves I’m becoming the young woman I’ve fought to be.

The $1,500 will help cover my cotillion fees, dress, accessories, hair, makeup, and all required expenses.

If you can donate anything $5, $10, $20, even $100 anything helps I would truly appreciate it. And if you can’t donate, please share this for me. Support is support, and it all means the world.

Thank you for believing in me, supporting my growth, and helping me continue to rise

With love,

Sumyah Tate