Ms. Willie Brooks shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Good morning Willie, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: When have you felt most loved—and did you believe you deserved it?
I felt most loved when I was awarded an accommodation from the 18th Congressional District in Houston, Texas, for the work BenCheri Educational Center “STREAM44” is doing in the community of Acres Home and surrounding areas.
I deserved it because I have dedicated myself to empowering youth and families through education, innovation, and community engagement. The work we do isn’t just about teaching STREAM (Science, Technology, Reading, Engineering, Arts, and Math); it’s about creating opportunities, building confidence, and showing young people that they can shape their futures. Receiving that recognition reminded me that our efforts are making a real difference — that others see the value in what we’re building together and believe in our mission to uplift and transform the community.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Willie Elaine Brooks, and I am the Founder and CEO of BenCheri Educational Center, “STREAM44” — a youth-focused program dedicated to empowering students through Science, Technology, Reading, Engineering, Arts, and Math. Our mission is to help young people in Acres Home (the “44”), and any areas in the city of Houston and surrounding communities discover their potential by combining education with creativity, innovation, and real-world experiences.
What makes STREAM44 unique is our holistic approach: we don’t just teach skills — we inspire purpose. We provide hands-on learning opportunities that help students see themselves as future engineers, artists, coders, and community leaders. Our programs are designed to build confidence, and create a pipeline of diverse talent for tomorrow’s workforce.
We don’t just focus on academics — we focus on people. We create a space where students feel seen, supported, and encouraged to explore their passions. We want them to know that learning can be exciting, meaningful, and life-changing.
This journey started with a passion for community and a belief that every child deserves access to quality education and opportunities that prepare them for the future. Today, we’re growing, collaborating, and continuing to build programs that make a real impact — one student, one project, and one dream at a time.
Right now, we’re expanding our initiatives to reach even more youth and families, while building partnerships that support education, career development in Sign Language, financial literacy, entrepreneurship, mentorship, and community development. At BenCheri, we believe that when we invest in our young people, we invest in a stronger, smarter, and more united future.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
A moment that really shaped how I see the world was the first time I saw the impact of STREAM44 on a young student’s life. I remember a child who had struggled with confidence and felt like they didn’t belong in a learning environment. After weeks of mentoring, hands-on projects, and encouragement, I saw their eyes light up with pride and possibility. That moment made me realize that opportunity and support can completely transform a life, and that no one’s potential should ever be overlooked.
It changed the way I see the world, not as a place defined by limitations, but as a place full of untapped potential waiting to be nurtured. It reminded me that when we invest in people, especially the youth, we’re investing in the future of our entire community.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
If I could say one kind thing to my younger self, I’d say, “You’re going to be okay. Even when things feel uncertain or heavy, hold on, because everything you’re going through is shaping you into the person you’re meant to become.
You have a good heart, and that’s your greatest strength. Don’t let anyone make you doubt your worth or your dreams. Keep showing up, keep loving people, and keep believing that what you’re doing matters, because it truly does.” Trust the process, keep your faith strong, and never stop learning, your voice and your vision matters.”
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
A belief and project I’m committed to; no matter how long it takes is empowering young people through education and opportunity. I believe every child, no matter where they come from, deserves access to quality learning experiences that help them see their potential and believe in their future.
Through BenCheri Educational Center and STREAM44, I’m committed to building programs that not only teach STREAM skills but also nurture confidence, creativity, and leadership. My goal is to create a lasting impact that transforms communities from the inside out — one student, one classroom, and one dream at a time.
This isn’t just a project to me; it’s a lifelong mission. As long as there are children who need hope, guidance, and someone to believe in them, I’ll keep doing this work — no matter how long it takes.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What do you understand deeply that most people don’t?
What I understand deeply that most people don’t is that God’s timing is perfect, even when it doesn’t make sense to us. I’ve learned that life’s challenges, delays, and detours aren’t setbacks, they’re part of a bigger plan shaping us for the work we’re meant to do.
Through my journey with BenCheri Educational Center and STREAM44, I’ve seen how patience, faith, and perseverance create opportunities that talent and effort alone cannot. Trusting God has allowed me to keep moving forward, even when the path seemed unclear, and to see purpose in every obstacle, every lesson, and every triumph.
I believe that understanding this, really believing it, changes how you approach life, leadership, and service. It turns fear into faith and uncertainty into opportunity.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.bencheri-educationalcenter.org
- Instagram: BenCheri Educational Center
- Linkedin: BenCheri Educational Center
- Facebook: BenCheri’ Educational Center “STEM”
