About
P.E.A.R.L.S. Mentoring for Girls, Inc. was founded with one simple belief: where you come from should never limit where you can go.
Born in the Mississippi Delta and now serving across Mississippi and Tennessee, P.E.A.R.L.S. provides girls ages 10–18 with mentorship, leadership training, and life-changing opportunities. We create safe spaces where young women can grow in confidence, build resilience, and step boldly into their future.
Since 2015, we’ve mentored over 600 girls—helping them excel in school, prepare for college and careers, serve their communities, and discover their purpose. Along the way, our girls learn that they are not defined by their zip code, but by their determination, gifts, and dreams.
At P.E.A.R.L.S., we don’t just mentor girls—we equip leaders, ignite change, and transform communities for generations to come.
We’re not just shaping girls for today—we’re raising leaders who will transform tomorrow.
Our Mission
To empower girls in underserved communities through mentorship, leadership development, and access to resources—equipping them to rise above barriers and thrive with purpose.
Our Vision
A world where every girl—regardless of her zip code—has the opportunity, support, and confidence to thrive.
Our Founder
Her Why, Our Work:
Her why was simple: every girl matters. Our work makes sure the world never forgets it.
Aisha Erma Lenora Saffold is the Founder and Executive Director of P.E.A.R.L.S. Mentoring for Girls, Inc. A proud daughter of Holmes County, Mississippi, Aisha grew up seeing the brilliance of girls in her community—and the barriers that tried to hold them back.
In 2015, she turned her “why” into action, launching P.E.A.R.L.S. to remind every girl that her dreams are valid, her voice is powerful, and her future is worth fighting for. What started as one chapter has now grown into a movement spanning Mississippi and Tennessee, mentoring over 600 girls through leadership training, education, service, and health-focused programs.
Beyond her role with P.E.A.R.L.S., Aisha is a teacher, speaker, and advocate for equity in rural education. She pours her faith, passion, and personal journey into creating spaces where girls feel seen, supported, and unstoppable.
For Aisha, P.E.A.R.L.S. isn’t just an organization—it’s her life’s calling, and a promise that no girl will be overlooked.
