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As the founder of a youth mentoring organization, Teirra Scott MAT ’17 has established herself as a leader within Chicago’s Austin community.

She’s further honed this skill as a member of the 2024-25 Obama Foundation Leaders Program.

The prestigious six-month program aims to “inspire, empower, and connect” a diverse group of emerging leaders in government, civil service and the private sector so they can make lasting change possible in their communities— and beyond. Members participate in weekly discussions on topics related to change-making and they receive leadership coaching and mentorship.

“It’s about building connections across disciplines and recognizing the role we all play in leadership,” explained Scott, who was encouraged to apply for a spot in the program through her involvement with the Girls Opportunity Alliance, another Obama Foundation initiative.

“When I saw all the other leaders from across the world and the U.S., I felt very privileged being in a room with them,” she added.

A former Chicago Public Schools teacher, Scott is the founder of Goddess Mentoring, which aims to empower young girls from urban communities by helping them develop confidence, set goals, become successful adults and give back to their communities. It achieves this through specialized after-school programs offered at selected Chicago schools and youth centers.

“To be leading a group of young women to become leaders in their communities has been truly a blessing,” Scott said. It was her Dominican education that shaped her approach to mentorship, she says.

“My education pushed me to think beyond academics and focus on how I show up for students,” she said. “It reinforced the importance of building intentional relationships and fostering a sense of community in and beyond the classroom.”