About Us — YOU ARE

Our Story

Because of an instinctual urge to go to Africa, and a random conversation, I (Jess) took a trip to Uganda and saw first-hand the differences of available opportunities…especially for women.

One night I traveled to a local village to speak with a group of 20 women involved in sex work. Acknowledging my privilege into which I was born, I had no idea what to share with them. I’ve never been in their shoes..

And that’s when I shared all I knew in that moment:
how incredibly worthy, valuable and capable they are.

This raw, honest connection became the seed for YOU ARE, a non-profit born in 2019 where it began building self-efficacy through physical education and sports.

While this was very important work, there was still an instinctual unknown feeling we were meant to empower women.

In 2021, I met a local woman in Uganda who is passionate about empowering women in sex work through vocational training. She revealed a heartbreaking truth: girls as young as thirteen were seeking refuge.

This was a call to action YOU ARE couldn't ignore.

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Today, YOU ARE is a sanctuary. We’re more than an organization; we’re a lifeline for young women and girls trapped in the shadows. We rescue them from the streets, offering a haven where they can heal, dream without limits, and rediscover their worth.

Our growing sisterhood, spanning Uganda and the globe, is a testament to the power of connection. Together, we create a space where they feel safe, cherished, and empowered to become their best selves.

Our vision is to build thriving development centers in communities ravaged by poverty. These will be places of refuge, where women and girls can find safety, belonging, and the support they need to reach their full potential.