by L.Y. Marlow, Founder of Saving Promise
At just 17 years old, I was a single mom, growing up in one of the most drug- and gang-infested housing projects in South Philadelphia. My first boyfriend—the father of my child—was abusive. My life felt like it was spiraling, with little hope of ever rising above the pain, poverty, and trauma that had defined my family for generations.
But then came Brenda.
I met Brenda Eison through a teen summer employment program. I was only 14 when I landed my first job at Horizon House, a nonprofit in South Philly providing mental health and social services to adults in crisis. I had no idea then that this job—and more importantly, this woman—would become the spark that would ignite my future.
Brenda was a top leader at Horizon House. She didn’t just give me a job—she gave me a purpose. She saw something in me that I didn’t yet see in myself. She took me under her wing, taught me work ethic, leadership, communication, and how to believe in myself. Her mentorship became the guiding light that helped me find the courage to leave my abusive relationship, go to college, secure a 20+ year leadership career in corporate America and eventually launch my own nonprofit organization.
Brenda didn’t just change my life—she saved it.
This is the power of mentorship.
Whether a girl is navigating trauma or simply seeking direction, mentors provide a mirror to reflect who she can be. They plant seeds of confidence, courage, and clarity. And while Brenda walked with me for nearly eight years, sometimes all it takes is one moment—one message—to spark a transformation.
That’s why I created Only 11 Minutes: The Leadership and Empowerment Series.
This groundbreaking program is designed to educate and empower girls and young women—particularly those from underserved communities—through three simple yet powerful pillars:
- Education on healthy relationships and self-worth
- Leadership and skill development workshops in eight key pathways, including career development, entrepreneurship, leadership, self confidence, and more
- Mentor Moments—short, powerful pre-recorded videos by women leaders, changemakers, and role models willing to share their wisdom in only 11 minutes
Yes, only 11 minutes. That’s all it takes to tell your story. To offer your wisdom. To give a young girl the inspiration she didn’t even know she needed.
As a proud grantee and friend of WomenConnect4Good, I’m turning first to this powerful community of women to help us bring this vision to life. Imagine what we can do together if even just one girl hears your words and decides to believe in herself.
Ready to make your impact?
Becoming a mentor is easy, meaningful, and only takes 11 minutes. Here’s how:
3 Easy Steps to Get Involved
- Visit: savingpromise.org/mentor-moments
- Record: Complete a short form and record a short video offering your insights, advice, and story that aligns with any of our 8 empowerment pathways
- Inspire: Once approved, your Mentor Moment will be shared with thousands of girls and young women who need your voice
This is your chance to be someone’s Brenda.
Let’s show the next generation of girls what’s possible—one moment, one story, one woman at a time.
Click here to learn how you can make a difference!
Because it only takes 11 minutes to change a life. Will you be that moment for her?