Dr. Nicole Steele founded Diamond In The Rough in 2006 as an organization dedicated to providing girls with a safe space to be nurtured, empowered, and equipped throughout the beginning of their lives. Dr. Steele’s philosophy is that every girl, like a diamond, is unique and beautiful. Inspired by the adults who supported and guided her during adolescence, Dr. Steele explains that “mentoring is the heartbeat of what we do at Diamond In The Rough.”
Diamond In The Rough first became a client of PBPA In 2007, not long after both organizations were founded. As one of Diamond In The Rough’s first partners, Dr. Steele recognizes PBPA as “an extension of our team.” PBPA and its volunteer attorneys have helped Diamond In The Rough with about 20 legal matters including corporate documents, contracts and trademark and copyright advice. Dr. Steele celebrates the forward-thinking advantage PBPA has provided Diamond In The Rough over the years.
Diamond in the Rough offers programs and services such as group mentoring, leadership training, college and career coaching, family enrichment, and mental health and wellness to girls ranging in age from four to eighteen. . Families are encouraged to get involved by attending weekly meetings, parent conferences, and speaking engagements. Diamond in the Rough has touched the lives of nearly 10,000 girls in the greater Atlanta community.
Some of the PBPA volunteer attorneys who have recently worked with Diamond in the Rough include Louisa Johnson (Chick-fil-A), Robert Kennedy and April Woo (Troutman Pepper), D’Ree Cooper (Travelport), Lucette Alphonse (LexisNexis) and Anne Marie Garavaglia (Akerman).