children start learning these skills as young as possible. Leadership skills are not inborn but learned, and with any talent or skill, practice makes perfect. The importance of community involvement "It's important for our community to embrace diversity by getting more involved in programs and events so that they can learn more about it. P’s & Q’s encourages our community to become responsible, engaged citizens working toward creating important impacts that address issues facing our youth—to step out of their comfort zones and challenge themselves to do more." Why seeing me matters "It matters for young women of color to see visible role models like me doing good in the community because it gives them hope. I believe lots of women of color can relate to my story, and if they see me overcome obstacles and make a great impact, then so can they.
ALUMNA
Rachel Stone Founder P’s & Q’s Etiquette 2012 Alumna
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n 2006, Stone made history when she became the first African American woman to be crowned Mrs. North Dakota International. She has traveled from state to state sharing her message of living life with purpose. She currently works at Horizon Middle school in Moorhead and also holds a license in cosmetology. She has now started her own girls empowerment program called P's & Q's Etiquette, where she focuses on teaching girls leadership skills. In addition to teaching
students vocal and etiquette skills, she's a recording artist, professional model and youth leader. The daughter of a pastor, Stone says her strong faith in God and a passion for empowering girls is what drives her. Our nonprofit's mission "The mission of P’s & Q’s Etiquette is to greatly impact the lives of our young girls and women from all walks of life—with a big focus on minority youth. We want to empower and give them the necessary social and life skills needed to reach their greatest potential, manage daily activities, and face new situations, all with greater self confidence. "In an ever-changing, fast-paced world, success is determined by good choices. In what career choice are good manners not needed? With competition for spots in college and good jobs becoming increasingly tough to come by, it is crucial that our
We can be both happy and satisfied by taking the focus off of ourselves and placing it on giving and investing in the lives of others." 44
MARCH 2017
"I want to give them a realistic picture of what success is. Yes, if we are determined, we can be successful no matter where we come from or who we are. Yes, we can be beautiful without becoming another music video girl. Yes, we can be both happy and satisfied by taking the focus off of ourselves and placing it on giving and investing in the lives of others." Why I applied to 35 Under 35 "When I applied for the program, I was at a crossroads in my life. I was already stepping out of my comfort zone but wanted to really launch out into the deep and learn how others were doing that. After going through the program, I realized that there was no magic potion. We were all like-minded women with fears and anxieties. Everyone can be touched by someone. With a plan of action, determination, and the support of each other, we would definitely accomplish our goals." Our greatest workplace hurdle "I think women are always in the position of having to prove themselves. We have to prove that we are capable or even worthy of a certain position. We have to be extra tough, so to speak, to show that we have the strength and ability to carry out certain assignments. That, to me, will always be a challenge for women, as we are always looked at as the weaker vessel compared to men."