Text-based logo reading 'BAMLA PROGRAMS' in bold, stylized white font on a black background.
A group of four boys wearing black shirts that read, "My Name Is Mr." and a tiger logo, posing playfully with one boy flexing and hiding his face in the middle, in front of a black wall decorated with portraits of notable figures.

My Name is Mr. is an eight-week leadership and identity development program for young men between the ages of 12 and 21. The program provides participants with a culturally responsive and developmentally supportive environment in which they can explore identity, strengthen character, develop leadership and life skills, and prepare for academic, professional, and community success.

Through interactive workshops, mentorship, group discussions, leadership exercises, guest speakers, personal reflection, and community engagement, participants learn to lead themselves, build healthy relationships, make responsible decisions, communicate with confidence, and contribute meaningfully to their communities.

The title My Name is Mr. represents more than maturity or status. It reflects a young man’s growing understanding of his identity, values, responsibilities, purpose, and potential.

Participants are challenged to answer three central questions:

Who am I?

Who am I becoming?

How will I use who I am to contribute to others?

A diverse group of four women smiling and posing together indoors, with large windows in the background, and text at the bottom that reads 'MY NAME IS MISS.'

My Name is Miss is an eight-week leadership and identity development program for young women between the ages of 12 and 18. The program provides participants with a culturally responsive and developmentally supportive environment in which they can explore identity, strengthen character, develop leadership and life skills, and prepare for academic, professional, and community success.

Under the direction of program developer Dr. Franchesca Capellan, leader-facilitators draw upon their lived experiences and professional expertise to expand participants’ opportunity capital, encourage holistic self-care, and foster a strong sense of identity, purpose, and community engagement.

Through interactive workshops, mentorship, group discussions, leadership exercises, guest speakers, personal reflection, and community engagement, participants learn to lead themselves, build healthy relationships, make responsible decisions, communicate with confidence, advocate for themselves, and contribute meaningfully to their communities.

The title My Name is Miss represents more than maturity or status. It reflects a young woman’s growing understanding of her identity, values, voice, responsibilities, purpose, and potential.

Participants are challenged to answer three central questions:

Who am I?

Who am I becoming?

How will I use who I am to contribute to others?

Group of diverse young people smiling and looking down at the camera, which is held at a low angle.

Implementing a holistic approach to health and social survival by encouraging participants to learn tools of discipline, leadership skills, and to develop strategic networks that are necessary to accomplish their life goals. The objectives are to uplift and guide our participants by helping young people understand who they are, where they are going, and how to get there.

A woman with dark hair wearing a black top with gold embroidery, ripped jeans, and an orange bandana around her neck, standing outdoors at a table with food. She holds a fork near her mouth and appears to be eating or about to eat. On the table are a slice of cake, a brownie, green beans with almonds, and breadsticks. In the background, there are other people seated at tables under pink umbrellas, some wearing white shirts, and a small green tree.

BAMLA has launched an Anti-Food Apartheid Mission to deliver 500 free healthy meals, including (Vegan, Vegetarian, and Healthy Options), to “Food Deserts & Swamps” within locally disenfranchised communities. We are supporting this effort seeking individuals in the age group of 9yrs-24 years of age who want to make a difference in their communities.

Part of the phrase "WHERE YOUTH THRIVE" in stylized white text on a black background, with the rest of the phrase cut off.