Lovin’ the Skin I’m In, a nonprofit based in De Pere, Wisconsin, is dedicated to supporting and empowering girls of color in northeast Wisconsin. The organization was founded by Rhonda Chandler, who moved to De Pere with her husband over a decade ago and found that her children faced challenges in the predominantly white school district.
Creating a Safe Space
Chandler started inviting other Black families to her home for monthly meetings, which eventually grew into the nonprofit organization. Lovin’ the Skin I’m In now runs regular meetings during the school year at local elementary, middle, and high schools, providing peer support and cultural education. Guest speakers have taught students about hair care, career development, and mental health, and field trips include visits to historically Black colleges and universities.
One of the girls who has benefited from the program is 15-year-old Amelia Culotta, who recently visited Atlanta and saw the city’s rich African American culture and history. ‘I feel safe for the first time in a long time,’ Amelia said. ‘It was so shocking, just stepping into the airport, the difference in the community… I was like, oh my gosh, I’m in a whole different world.’
Expanding Opportunities
Lovin’ the Skin I’m In has also launched a weeklong summer camp for elementary and middle school students, where they can learn new skills and build community. The organization has received recognition for its work, including the 2026 Nancy Armbrust Impact Award from the Women’s Fund of the Greater Green Bay Community Foundation.
Chandler’s goal is to provide a welcoming environment that girls may not feel at school. ‘We have hard conversations, so sometimes that can be challenging… We talk about how the issues with immigration may affect our families, or what’s happening at school, or the political climate, and the mistreatment in our community and in our world,’ Chandler said. ‘We talk about those things because it’s life and it’s going to affect our family.’
Original reporting: Wisconsin Watch — read the source article.
