Cleo Garner

Cleo, who was raised on the Southside of Chicago, learned at a young age that she has the tenacity to not become a product of her environment. Throughout her life, she had a mentor to help guide her through those challenging moments. Cleo moved to Charlotte at 21 to discover life. While in Charlotte, she began volunteering at a women’s shelter. Listening to the women‘s story, she fell in love with helping others.

Eventually, she moved back to Chicago and volunteered at organizations that benefited women and young girls. When she was presented with the opportunity to work with The Girls’ Place, she was excited to join the team because she trusted Endla’s vision and knew her life’s experiences could help young girls going through the same thing.

Cleo loves to motivate and inspire through writing. She is currently finishing her studies and mentoring other students at Strayer University.