Indianapolis – Founded in 2009, Ladies Under Construction (LUC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to empowering young girls throughout Central Indiana. Through group and individual mentoring, educational trips and life‑skills workshops, the organization serves girls ages five to seventeen, helping them develop confidence, leadership abilities and a sense of community.
Founder’s Vision
Founder Aleanya Moore launched LUC after reflecting on her own childhood, which lacked consistent female role models. “I was raised with my grandmother, my mother was absent, my father was absent, and it lacked a lot of women role models,” Moore said. She turned those early challenges into a purpose‑driven mission, working for years in the grassroots “weeds” before the program’s impact could be widely shared.
Impact on Youth Leaders
Current participants describe how LUC has shaped their growth. Fifteen‑year‑old Youth Ambassador Noelle Wolfing, who has been involved for three years, notes that the program teaches leadership skills, confidence and personal development. Wolfing also recruits peers and mentors younger members at Frederick Douglass, emphasizing kindness and gratitude.
Seventeen‑year‑old Jazmyn Lottie, a Carmel High School student who joined six years ago after her family moved to Indianapolis, says LUC helped her “come out of my shell” and understand what it means to grow up as a young African American woman. She encourages new participants to “just open up to it, because there’s so much you can learn and grow from and do in life.”
Family Benefits
Parents report that the program’s community‑driven approach benefits the whole family. Jacquese Tucker enrolled her daughter two years ago and witnessed her child launch a lawn‑care service and a cookie business after exposure to LUC’s entrepreneurial resources. “It’s a family, just try it,” Tucker advised hesitant parents, adding that getting to know other families creates a supportive village.
Young Members Thrive
Even the youngest participants feel the positive impact. Eight‑year‑old Taylin Davie, a three‑year member, enjoys hanging out with friends and learning from mentors. Fellow eight‑year‑old Demi Morton says her favorite part of LUC is “making new friends” while learning how to “work together and play together.”
Community Events and Future Plans
LUC’s programming includes group mentoring sessions, campus visits, civic outings and annual events such as the upcoming Youth Fashion Show at the Irvington Event Center. These activities reinforce the organization’s mission to build a strong village for the next generation of female leaders.
As the program continues to expand, Moore emphasizes the importance of sharing the story so more families can benefit. “Now knowing that it’s bigger than me… I try to make sure in this season of my life that I continue to share the story,” she said.
How to Get Involved
Families interested in joining Ladies Under Construction can contact the organization through its website or attend upcoming community events. With a focus on mentorship, leadership development and entrepreneurial skill‑building, LUC offers a valuable resource for Indianapolis families seeking to empower their daughters.
Original reporting: 93.1 WIBC (Indianapolis) — read the source article.
