About Us
Rooted in Our Community, Committed to Our Future
The uniqueness of Because I Am My Sister's Keeper is that we currently serve the same high school where our founder and co-founders graduated from. We felt it is only right to plant seeds and watch the harvest grow where we were once planted, making our work even more personal. We have experienced lack of opportunity on the Eastern Shore and have faced some of the same life challenges as our young ladies.
There's a deep connection between our founders, the school that we serve, and the mission of our organization.
Hi, I'm Breonna Johnson
FOUNDER & CEO
It was after I graduated from college in 2012, that my purpose began to tug at my heart. I felt that there was a lack successful young women (20s/30s), reaching back to support our young, up and coming ladies on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. I knew that there were always wise elders that would try to connect, but there was something missing. I realized that us young women have recently traveled the same roads that these high school girls are traveling now, and there is a greater chance of connection. I’ve also felt that there was always an unspoken cry for help, because there is no roadmap to success. So because I found my way, I felt my purpose in life is to at least reach one, or a few girl(s), and help her to find her way to success. I wanted to show these young ladies that it’s not a far reach, but a matter of establishing and nurturing a positive mindset. It’s being exposed to success and paving a path of your own, and once that mindset is established, they can one day do the same for someone else. I remember sharing this with my best friend, Charnell Fitchett, and she, too, felt a need for this organization. We both had one more partner in mind that would help us take it to the next phase, and that was Makya Purnell. The three of us met at Panera Bread a few times with our advisor, Mrs. Verdell Shaw, in 2013.
So in 2012, this was just a thought/vision on paper, but in June of 2013, the vision was born. Today that vision is my/our reality.
Meet Our Board Members
Each of us were teenaged girls once. We know firsthand the support and guidance that is needed, and our board is made up of women from a range of backgrounds and career paths who are prepared to serve.
Michaela
Charnell
Breonna
Shakiyla
Princess
click a photo for a bio
Breonna
My name is Breonna Johnson. I am originally from the Eastern Shore (Snow Hill, MD), but now residing in Prince Georges County. I graduated from Snow Hill High school in 2008 and became a Bowie State University Bulldog graduating with my bachelors degree in business administration, concentration in accounting (2012). I continued my education at Liberty University, where I received my master’s of science in accounting (2015).
My heart has always been with the youth. I’ve always valued the women who poured into me as I navigated my way throughout life, and I want to ensure I live out my purpose of investing time with our young ladies in this next generation. My goal is to give any advice that I’ve learned throughout my journey to give the next generation an advantage on the obstacles they may face in life.
"I don’t know exactly what the future holds, but I’m stepping forward with grit anchored in grace."
-Julie Graham
Charnell
My name is Charnell Fitchett and I am a native of Snow Hill, Maryland. I completed my undergraduate and graduate studies at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore in Sociology, as well as a degree in Forensic Psychology & Treatment from Argosy University. I love serving young women in the community because I was once in their shoes! I also had women within the community who helped to guide, love, and protect me throughout my journey! I believe it’s the “village” that helps to save our communities! I am so honored to be not only a part of it, but also a product of it!
“It takes a village to raise a child.”
-African Proverb
Michaela
Hi! My name is Michaela Johnson. I’m originally from Houston, Texas but currently reside in Montgomery County, MD. I moved to the DC area to attend Howard University where I received my Masters in Social Work in 2014. Prior to attending the original HU, I graduated with my Bachelors in Public Heath from The University of Texas @ San Antonio. My passion for working with young women comes from the many women who have poured into me. I truly believe it takes a village to push you along throughout your life and I’ve been honored to have just that. My desire is to show that no matter your circumstances, when you have someone who believes in you, even if that someone is you, you’re able to move past what life throws your way.
There is no passion to be found playing small - in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living."
-Nelson Mandela
Princess
GREETINGS! My name is Princess Hall and I am a twenty-seven year old program manager for the Department of Defense reigning from Prince George’s County, MD. Having studied Sociology, Pre-Law at THE illustrious Morgan State University, I also strengthened my mentorship through various programs offered at my historically black university. It is imperative for me to serve young girls as I continue my mother’s legacy as a community leader and liaison. The passion and drive flows heavily to serve young women being that I was granted the opportunity to be surrounded by phenomenal black women who influenced me to be who I am presently.
“I am an example of what is possible when girls from the very beginning of their lives are loved and nurtured by people around them....”
⁃ Michelle Obama
Shakiyla
My name is Shakiyla Shockley! I'm a native of Berlin, Maryland, currently residing in Prince George's County, Maryland as an Elementary Educator. I graduated from Bowie State University in 2013 with a BS in Child and Adolescent Studies, and in 2020, I earned an MA in Leadership and Teaching from Notre Dame of Maryland University. I am an optimistic, innovative, and abolition-minded educator who is on a mission to diminish the gaps of education inequality, and be a catalyst of change for students whose voices and choices are often unheard. I strive on being a mirror and window for students to see more teachers who look like me in the classroom. When I'm not teaching, I enjoy shopping, eating, and spending time with my family and friends. I have a new found joy in mindfulness breathing techniques and strategies that I wish to begin incorporating into classroom spaces. Above all, I'm always eager to support and encourage young queens to reach their fullest potential, both academically and personally.
“Let your smile change the world, don't let the world change your smile.”
