Who We Are

We are a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization incorporated in the state of Mississippi. Our mission, aims, and purpose align with our founding scripture, 2 Corinthians 1:4: “He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.”

We are an organization dedicated to the enhancement and maintenance of women and girls as they transition through different phases of life. We aim to support and empower women and girls personally, academically and professionally by hosting impactful events, fostering mentorships, community service projects, pageantry and more.

Our Founding

Alexandria Walls founded Womanhood as an on-campus club seeking to help freshman women adjust to their new environment. Tougaloo Womanhood is the original branch of Womanhood International Incorporated. In 2011, with the guidance of our first advisor, Mrs. Alfredene Armstrong, Alexandria officially registered Womanhood as a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. In 2014, Natosha Pengarthit drafted our first set of bylaws and constitution, and continued to grow the organization after Alexandria's graduation from the College.

Tougaloo Womanhood is still an active student led club at our founders Alma Mater. 

Our Roots at Tougaloo College

Tougaloo College is a private, historically Black, liberal arts college located in Tougaloo, Mississippi. The college has historically produced over 40% of the African American physicians and dentists practicing in the state of Mississippi, as well as more than 33% of the state’s African American attorneys and educators, including teachers, principals, school superintendents, college and university faculty, and administrators.
 

Rooted in an institution known for cultivating excellence, leadership, and service, Womanhood emerged within an environment that has long valued education, empowerment, and community impact. This foundation helped shape the organization’s commitment to developing strong, confident leaders while extending support beyond campus and into surrounding communities.

Growth & Impact

In 2014, the first set of bylaws and constitution was written by co-founder Natosha Pengarthit. In 2016, our first auxiliary program, Crown Jewels Leadership Academy, began with seven high school girls. The following year, in 2017, Be More Youth Club began with a class of over ten middle school girls. Since our first branch at Tougaloo, we have been empowering and enhancing leaders. To date, we have impacted the lives of over 1,000 girls and women in our surrounding communities for more than ten years and counting.

Our Vision

Our vision for Womanhood is to create additional initiatives to help address specific issues within our community. We aim to provide jobs, rare opportunities, multiple scholarships, and to establish a Womanhood House in the state of Mississippi. We envision our mentoring programs becoming an integral part of any educational institutions.

Our Commitment

Positively impacting the lives of women and girls is our first priority!  In Womanhood that begins with mentorship. Mentorship that leads to a healthy friendship later in that journey. Friendships that will lead to holistically healthy women. Women who will lead, nurture, and expand our communities. Our commitment to women and girls is rooted in our dedication of enhancing and maintaining of women as they transition through different phases of life!