About SHE University

SHE University is a non-profit organization with a powerful story woven through generations of strong women. Founded in 2024 by Alicia Edmonds and Adrena Cole, the organization honors the vision of Adrena's late sister, Arena Cole.

The roots of SHE University run deep, starting with Alicia's great-great-grandmother, Mable. A church-going entrepreneur and civic leader, Mable instilled a sense of faith, community, and a strong work ethic in her daughter, Carol. Carol, a single mother, raised Adrena and Arena with the same values of resilience and independence.

Adrena, fueled by a "hustler mentality," built a successful career in real estate alongside working for an engineering firm. However, her passion lay in empowering other women.  She pursued education and became a dedicated educator,  supporting women in gaining workforce skills.  While she enjoyed this work, Adrena yearned to make a lasting impact on a younger generation. She became a 4th-grade teacher, rising to the position of principal before retiring in 2023.  Even in retirement, Adrena continues to volunteer her expertise in education, financial literacy, and real estate workshops.

Arena's path mirrored Adrena's dedication to service.  Following a side career in real estate, Arena found her calling supporting families.  For 28 years, she worked for the Los Angeles County Department of Family and Children's Services, leaving a significant impact on the programs and families she served. Tragically, Arena passed away in September 2023, before seeing the fruition of SHE University.

Alicia, the daughter of Adrena and niece of Arena, carries the torch forward.  A product of this strong lineage, she embodies the family's service-oriented spirit with over 15 years as an educator.  SHE University serves as a testament to the collective wisdom and unwavering determination of these remarkable women.

Driven by a shared understanding of the challenges faced by women, particularly women of color, SHE University is committed to empowering young women aged 10-20.  Through career-readiness workshops, educational resources, life skills training, and civic engagement opportunities, SHE University equips  young women with the tools and support they need to thrive.  Their mission is to empower young women to set goals, build self-confidence, and flourish by living balanced, meaningful lives.

SHE University is a powerful example of how women, working together across generations, can create lasting positive change.  By honoring the legacy of the past, they pave the way for a brighter future for young women everywhere.

Our mission is to equip young women aged 10-20 with the tools and support they need to thrive. Through career-readiness workshops, educational resources, life skills training, and civic engagement opportunities, we empower them to set goals, build self-confidence, and flourish (achieve eudaimonia) by living balanced, meaningful lives.