Meet Shirelle Stroud of Ohio

Today we’d like to introduce you to Shirelle Stroud.

Hi Shirelle, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My passion for working with young people began at an early age, but it was God who gave me the vision to create Young Ladies Aspiring Greatness (YLAG). I saw a need in our community for a place where young girls could build self-esteem, develop self-respect, discover their potential, and learn the importance of giving back. Rather than simply talking about the challenges I saw, I wanted to be part of the solution. What started with my daughter, my niece, and a few of their friends grew into something much greater. As the girls became more involved in the community, YLAG evolved into a platform that empowers young ladies to find their voices, advocate for issues important to them, and become leaders and agents of change.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No, the road has not always been smooth. There have been challenges, frustrations, and moments when I wanted to give up, especially when the support I hoped for wasn’t there. But what keeps me going is witnessing the growth of these young ladies. Watching a girl find her voice, gain confidence, recognize her worth, and confidently engage with community leaders and elected officials reminds me why I started. Seeing them dream bigger, embrace excellence, and walk with their heads held high makes every challenge worthwhile. Knowing that I’ve played even a small part in their growth is incredibly rewarding. The challenges have been great, but the rewards have been far greater.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?

I founded Young Ladies Aspiring Greatness (YLAG) in 2013. YLAG is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to molding teenage girls into confident, compassionate, and empowered leaders through mentorship, community involvement, leadership development, and sisterhood. Now in its 13th year, YLAG continues to inspire young ladies to recognize their worth, discover their voices, and embrace the greatness within them.

YLAG provides a platform for young ladies to advocate for issues that matter to them through annual awareness campaigns, monthly podcasts, educational workshops, symposiums, and community events. Through monthly community service projects with various organizations, members develop a love, appreciation, and respect for their communities. The goal is to cultivate future leaders, community advocates, civic leaders, and public servants who understand that true leadership begins with service.

Over the years, YLAG has received numerous awards and recognitions, including a 2023 Dayton NAACP nomination for community service, the 2024 Dayton NAACP Community Service Award, and a 2023 proclamation from the City of Dayton recognizing the organization’s contributions to the community. These honors reflect YLAG’s continued commitment to empowering young ladies and making a meaningful difference.

For me , YLAG is more than an organization; it’s a labor of love and a family. I take great pride in watching them grow into confident, resilient, and purpose-driven young women. “At YLAG, we don’t just encourage greatness. We help young ladies discover the greatness that has been within them all along.”

How do you think about luck?
I wouldn’t necessarily call it luck. I believe it was divine purpose. God placed this vision on my heart long before YLAG existed. I’ve always had a passion for working with young people and once dreamed of becoming a teacher or counselor. Although my path took a different direction, God still allowed those dreams to come to fruition in a way greater than I could have imagined. I truly believe YLAG is part of my God-given purpose. It wasn’t luck; it was faith, purpose, and God’s plan unfolding in my life.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.youngladiesaspiringgreatness.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/y.l.a.g
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1BruJoNpxa/?mibextid=wwXIfr