A Vision Rooted in Purpose
Empowering Young Women Since 2013
Founded in Dayton in 2013, Young Ladies Aspiring Greatness began with a God-given vision to create a supportive space where young women could recognize their potential, develop as leaders, and serve their communities.
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HOW YLAG BEGAN
From Vision to Impact
From an early age, Shirelle Stroud naturally became a source of guidance, encouragement, and support for the young people around her.
Through more than 20 years of healthcare leadership and her experience raising two daughters, she recognized the need for intentional spaces where young women, especially African American teenage girls, could strengthen their confidence, character, professionalism, and ambition.
Guided by faith and supported by her daughters and niece, Shirelle launched a small mentoring group in February 2013.
That vision became Young Ladies Aspiring Greatness: a community where young women are encouraged to pursue higher goals, support one another, serve their communities, and lead with purpose.
HOW WE LEAD
Mentorship
YLAG connects young women with mentors, community leaders, professionals, and meaningful experiences that encourage confidence, accountability, and personal growth.
Advocacy
Through annual campaigns, podcast conversations, community events, and youth-led projects, members use their voices to bring attention to issues that affect their generation.
Community Service
Members put leadership into action by serving their neighbors, supporting local organizations, and responding to needs throughout the Greater Dayton community.
A LEGACY OF IMPACT
For more than a decade, Young Ladies Aspiring Greatness and its leadership have been recognized for service, youth development, advocacy, and community impact throughout Greater Dayton.
2013
A Vision Becomes a Movement
Young Ladies Aspiring Greatness was founded by Shirelle Stroud in Dayton, Ohio, creating an intentional space for young women to learn, lead, serve, and grow.
2018
United Way Nonprofit of the Month
The United Way recognized Young Ladies Aspiring Greatness as its Nonprofit of the Month for YLAG’s service and contributions to the community.
2019
A Year of Recognition
• Honored at the Heart of Gold Foundation Annual Gala
• Recipient of The Links, Incorporated Community Impact Award
• Recipient of the Village Award from Dayton Young Black Professionals
• Invited to participate in an MSNBC live town hall addressing politics and issues affecting the community
Young Ladies Aspiring Greatness Day
Mayor Nan Whaley and the City of Dayton officially proclaimed August 25, 2019, Young Ladies Aspiring Greatness Day in recognition of YLAG’s leadership, citizenship, and commitment to Dayton’s youth.
2023
Continued Community Leadership
• OFP Jegnaship Awardee
• Community Advocate Award from Shiloh United Church of Christ
• Dayton NAACP Community Service and Youth Development Award nominee
2024
Dayton NAACP Recognition
Young Ladies Aspiring Greatness was recognized as a Dayton NAACP Community Service and Youth Development Award recipient.