Florida A&M University welcomed the historic launch of an official Pretty Brown Girl collegiate chapter this spring. Over 40 young women attended the celebration in Tallahassee, marking a significant milestone for the national organization. This represents the first collegiate chapter at FAMU for the movement that has impacted over 100,000 girls worldwide.
The chapter launch becomes even more meaningful through its leadership structure. Laila and Aliya Crawley, daughters of Pretty Brown Girl co-founders Sheri and Corey Crawley, serve as president and vice president. As second-generation Rattlers, they bring both family legacy and fresh perspectives to the campus organization.
Founders’ Daughters Lead Historic FAMU Chapter Launch
Laila and Aliya Crawley represent the next generation of Pretty Brown Girl leadership at their parents’ alma mater. Their roles as president and vice president create a powerful connection between the organization’s founding vision and campus implementation. The sisters understand both the movement’s history and the specific needs of FAMU students.
“My husband Corey and I met at FAMU, 30 years ago, and the Pretty Brown Girl Movement was born from our shared passion for purpose and legacy,” explained co-founder Sheri Crawley. She emphasized how witnessing her daughters establish a collegiate chapter on their parents’ campus represents “divine alignment.”
The leadership transition to the founders’ daughters demonstrates the organization’s commitment to sustainable growth and mentorship. Their positions ensure continuity between Pretty Brown Girl’s founding principles and campus-specific programming. Moreover, their personal connection to both FAMU and the movement creates authentic advocacy for student participants.
Pretty Brown Girl Movement Expands Into Higher Education
Founded in 2010, Pretty Brown Girl has grown into a national movement serving girls and women of color worldwide. The organization focuses on confidence-building programs, school partnerships, and community initiatives. Major media outlets including NBC News, Essence Magazine, and The New York Times have recognized their impact.
The FAMU chapter joins an existing collegiate chapter at Howard University, which student Madison Belo established three years ago. Belo, a previous Pretty Brown Girl scholarship recipient, demonstrates how the organization creates pathways for continued involvement. These collegiate chapters represent the movement’s evolution into higher education spaces.
Collegiate chapters aim to foster self-love, sisterhood, and social impact among college-aged women specifically. Programming focuses on personal development, community service, and academic success for university students. This approach addresses the unique challenges and opportunities facing women in higher education settings.
Campus Programming Focuses on Empowerment and Academic Success
The Pretty Brown Girl FAMU Chapter will formally launch programming this fall under the Crawley sisters’ leadership. Their initiatives align with the organization’s core mission to empower girls to celebrate beauty, voice, and brilliance. The campus-specific programming addresses both personal and academic development needs.
Community service components connect students with local outreach opportunities and social impact projects. These activities extend Pretty Brown Girl’s influence beyond campus boundaries into the broader Tallahassee community. Students gain leadership experience while contributing to meaningful causes affecting women and girls.
Academic success programming provides resources and support systems for participating students. The chapter recognizes that empowerment includes educational achievement and career preparation. These elements help ensure students maximize their university experience while building confidence and leadership skills.
FAMU Chapter Builds on University’s Legacy of Black Excellence
Florida A&M University’s historically black college and university (HBCU) status creates an ideal environment for Pretty Brown Girl programming. The campus already emphasizes Black excellence and leadership development among its student body. The new chapter enhances these existing values through gender-specific empowerment initiatives.
The timing of the chapter launch coincides with increased recognition of women’s leadership at FAMU. Recently, the university’s Marching ‘100’ named Oluwamodupe Oloyede as their first female head drum major. These milestones demonstrate growing opportunities for women’s leadership across campus organizations.
The Pretty Brown Girl chapter adds another dimension to FAMU’s commitment to developing confident, capable Black women leaders. Students gain access to programming specifically designed for their experiences and challenges. This targeted approach complements the university’s broader mission of preparing students for professional and personal success.
National Organization Celebrates Campus Expansion Success
Pretty Brown Girl extends gratitude to board members, university supporters, and students who made the FAMU chapter possible. The collaborative effort required coordination between national leadership, campus administration, and interested students. This support system ensures the chapter’s sustainability and growth potential.
The organization’s expansion into collegiate settings represents strategic growth beyond traditional K-12 programming. University chapters create opportunities for continued engagement with older participants while reaching new audiences. This approach maximizes Pretty Brown Girl’s impact across different educational levels and age groups.
Future expansion plans may include additional collegiate chapters at other HBCUs and universities nationwide. The success of FAMU and Howard University chapters provides a proven model for replication. Each new chapter strengthens the overall network while serving local student populations with tailored programming.
