License to Thrive

"Be Present"

Be Present, Inc. is committed to women and girls of all races and backgrounds who want to create positive change in their own lives and in their communities. Since 1989, more than 3500 women and girls have participated in Be Present workshops, retreats, trainings, peer facilitated support groups, and community collaborations.  This year's conference in Atlanta, June 24-29, will celebrate 25 years since the inaugural presentation of the "Black and Female:  What is the Reality" workshop.  

Lillie P. Allen founded Be Present, Inc. and developed the Be Present Empowerment Model (BPEM) to support the development of a diverse national network of women and girls committed to changing their circumstances and leading social change efforts within their families and communities. Her groundbreaking workshop, “Black & Female: What is the Reality?” was presented at the 1st National Conference on Black Women’s Health Issues in 1983 at Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia. Following the conference, the workshop served as a primary organizing tool of the National Black Women’s Health Project.

Be Present uses the BPEM to provide individual empowerment and collective leadership skills first, to African-American women, and now to women from all walks of life, as well as men and boys.