Today we’d like to introduce you to Naijah Allen.
Hi Naijah, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Having a mature body at a young age brings problems. Not just with boys but grown women as well. As I was getting older people, my elders would make it their point to tell me how mature my body was. How they thought I enticed older men. I believe these comments made me turn my attention to boys that obviously told me the opposite. They thought my body was pretty and perfect. Well, I ended up getting pregnant in 10th grade. A lot of people had things to say. Not much was positive. I ended up with depression before, during and after my pregnancy. Mental health is not something talked about within a black household. I started A Mother’s Choice because I knew there were young girls out there like me. Needing guidance and a true friend. The reason I chose the name: A Mother’s Choice is because the choices that mother make can determine a child’s future. I wonder if my future would have been different if I was guided? My mom wasn’t the worst mom but, she also wasn’t the best at educating me on things that I struggled with. I took the lessons that I learned on my own and turned it in a curriculum to teach young adults how to maneuver through this world. Most of the time, our community service is done out of my pocket but, it does not matter to me. I want to ensure I educate as much as possible to ensure our young adults are supported and heard fully.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No, starting a nonprofit is not smooth at all. Event planning isn’t smooth at all either. The biggest challenge is funding and finding the right people to support you. People may say they support but, their actions proved otherwise. You have to be diligent and resilient. Hard work definitely pays off, and if both roads are blocked BUILD another one.
As you know, we’re big fans of A Mother’s Choice. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
A Mother’s Choice is a Houston-based nonprofit dedicated to helping young adults ages 16–24 build confidence and success through leadership, emotional intelligence, life skills, career readiness, and entrepreneurship. We bring learning to life with engaging workshops and large-scale community events like our annual Crayon Carnival Back-to-School Bash.
What sets us apart is our holistic approach—we blend fun, creativity, and community with practical skill-building. Whether through mock interviews, financial literacy games, or leadership projects, we make sure young people gain tools they can carry into every part of their lives.
We’re most proud of creating a safe, inspiring space where students and families feel supported. From our school supply pantry to our Learn It to Earn It rewards program, everything we do is about empowerment and opportunity—giving youth the choice and the chance to succeed.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
The most important lesson I’ve learned on this journey is that impact starts with consistency and community. Big goals can feel overwhelming, but showing up every day with intention—whether for one young person or an entire event—creates lasting change.
I’ve also learned that listening is just as powerful as leading. By taking the time to hear what youth and families truly need, our programs and events have become more meaningful and effective.
Most importantly, I’ve realized that growth doesn’t happen alone. Building a network of volunteers, partners, and supporters has shown me that when people come together with a shared purpose, the impact multiplies far beyond what one person or organization could do on their own.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.amotherschoice.net/
- Instagram: Amotherschoice_
Image Credits
BriaB Management
Instagram: @b.r.i.a_b
She was the marketing coordinator for A Mother’s Choice.
