About Blessing Our Women, Inc.

Empowering Women. Mentoring Girls. Strengthening Communities.

Blessing Our Women, Inc. (BOW) is a New Orleans-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2015. We exist to bless, empower, and uplift women and girls through intentional programming, community connection, and access to resources — meeting people where they are and walking with them toward where they're going.

Our Story Mission & Values Who We Serve What We Do Our Impact Leadership

2015

Blessing Our Women, Inc. founded by Nydia S. Wells in New Orleans, Louisiana.

2016

First Purple Passion Luncheon held — establishing BOW's signature annual fundraising and community event.

2018

BOW expands programming to include workshops, educational services, and community engagement initiatives.

2020

Launch of PURPLE Girls, BOW's first youth-focused mentorship and leadership development program.

2022

Purple Wings transitional support program formalized, providing wraparound services for women navigating major life changes.

2023

H.E.R. Circles (Healing, Empowerment & Restoration) launched as a peer support and community healing initiative.

2026

10th Annual Purple Passion Luncheon: UNBROKEN — celebrating a decade of service, resilience, and community.

Our Story

BOW Began with Survivors. BOW Grew with Women. BOW's Future Includes Girls.

Blessing Our Women, Inc. was founded in 2015 by Nydia S. Wells out of a deep commitment to women who had survived domestic violence and were navigating life on the other side of trauma. The organization began as a space of refuge, healing, and practical support — a place where women could find community, resources, and the encouragement to rebuild.

In the years that followed, BOW grew beyond its founding focus. Women from all walks of life — not only survivors — found their way to BOW's programs, events, and community. The organization expanded its reach to include mentorship, leadership development, education, and professional growth. BOW became a place where women came not only to heal, but to thrive.

By 2020, BOW had launched its first youth-focused initiative, recognizing that empowering the next generation of women required investing in girls today. Programs like PURPLE Girls formalized that commitment — creating structured mentorship and leadership development pathways for young women ages 10–18.

Today, BOW stands at the intersection of survivor support, women's empowerment, and youth mentorship. We are an organization shaped by the women we serve, guided by the community we love, and committed to the work of building a New Orleans where every woman and girl has the support, resources, and community she needs to flourish.

Mission, Vision & Values

Values & Vision

Our Mission

To bless, empower, and uplift women and girls through intentional programming, community connection, and access to resources that promote healing, growth, and leadership.

Our Vision

A New Orleans — and a world — where every woman and girl has the support, community, and opportunity she needs to live a full, purposeful, and empowered life.

Our Core Values

Empowerment

We believe every woman carries the capacity for strength, leadership, and transformation. Our work creates the conditions for that capacity to flourish.

Compassion

We meet every person with dignity, empathy, and care — honoring the fullness of her story without judgment.

Integrity

We do what we say. We say what we mean. We hold ourselves accountable to the women, girls, and communities we serve.

Community

We are stronger together. BOW is built on the belief that sisterhood, connection, and belonging are not luxuries — they are necessities.

Resilience

We honor the strength it takes to survive, to rebuild, and to keep going. BOW walks alongside women through every season.

Advocacy

We speak up. We show up. We work to change the systems, conditions, and narratives that hold women and girls back.

Who We Serve

BOW Is for Every Woman Ready to Take Her Next Step

BOW programs and services are designed to meet women and girls across a wide range of life experiences. You do not have to be in crisis to belong here. You do not have to have survived something to deserve support. BOW is for every woman who is ready to grow, heal, lead, or connect.

👩

Women

Adult women of all ages, backgrounds, and life stages — from young adults navigating early adulthood to women in midlife transition and beyond. BOW's programs, services, and community are built for you.

🌟

Girls & Young Women

Girls ages 10–18 and young women in their early twenties who are building identity, confidence, and leadership skills. BOW's youth programs provide mentorship, structure, and community during formative years.

💜

Survivors

Women who have experienced domestic violence, trauma, or abuse and are navigating recovery, rebuilding, or transition. BOW provides survivor-informed support, wraparound resources, and a community that understands.

🤝

Families & Communities

The families, children, and communities connected to the women BOW serves. When a woman is supported, her entire network benefits. BOW's work ripples outward.

What We Do

Six Areas of Work. One Unified Purpose.

BOW's work spans six interconnected areas — each designed to address a different dimension of what women and girls need to thrive.

Mentorship

Structured, intentional mentoring relationships that connect women and girls with guides, role models, and community. BOW's mentorship programs build confidence, direction, and belonging.

Empowerment

Programs, workshops, and experiences designed to help women recognize their own strength, voice their needs, and step into leadership — in their families, workplaces, and communities.

Education

Workshops, classes, and educational services covering life skills, financial literacy, health and wellness, professional development, and more. Learning is a cornerstone of BOW's model.

Survivor Support

Trauma-informed, survivor-centered support for women navigating domestic violence recovery, reentry, or life transition. BOW provides wraparound resources and a community that walks alongside survivors.

Personal & Professional Development

Coaching, workshops, and programming that help women build the skills, confidence, and networks they need to advance personally and professionally.

Community Engagement

Events, partnerships, and initiatives that connect BOW to the broader New Orleans community — building relationships, raising awareness, and creating pathways for women and girls to access support.

Our Approach

How BOW Does the Work

Survivor-Informed

BOW was founded by and for survivors. That foundation shapes everything — how we design programs, how we communicate, how we create space, and how we hold the stories of the women we serve.

Woman-Centered

Women are not the recipients of BOW's work — they are the center of it. BOW programs are designed with women's voices, needs, and leadership at the core.

Youth-Conscious

BOW recognizes that empowering the next generation requires investing in girls today. Our youth programming is intentional, structured, and built to develop the whole young woman.

Community-Driven

BOW is rooted in New Orleans. Our work is shaped by the community we serve, the partners we build with, and the belief that lasting change happens from the inside out.

Our Impact

A Decade of Showing Up

Since our founding in 2015, BOW has grown from a small community effort into a recognized nonprofit organization with multiple programs, a growing network of partners, and a track record of showing up for women and girls in New Orleans.

10+

Years of Service

Founded 2015

Signature Programs

PURPLE Girls, Purple Wings, H.E.R. Circles

Annual

Purple Passion Luncheon

10th Anniversary in 2026

501(c)(3)

Nonprofit Status

Federally recognized

Leadership

The People Who Guide BOW's Work

BOW is governed by a dedicated board of directors committed to the organization's mission, integrity, and long-term impact.

Board of Directors

Nydia S. Wells

President / Director

Nydia S. Wells is the founder and President of Blessing Our Women, Inc. Her vision, lived experience, and commitment to women and girls in New Orleans are the foundation on which BOW was built.

Audrey Wells

Vice President / Director

Audrey Wells serves as Vice President and Director, supporting organizational leadership and helping guide BOW's strategic direction and community relationships.

Tammy Williams

Secretary / Director

Tammy Williams serves as Secretary and Director, overseeing organizational records, governance documentation, and board communications.

Robert Glass

Treasurer / Director

Robert Glass serves as Treasurer and Director, providing financial oversight and stewardship of BOW's resources in service of its mission.

Cyntrell Brooks

Director

Cyntrell Brooks serves as a Director of Blessing Our Women, Inc., contributing leadership, community perspective, and organizational guidance to BOW's board.

Partners & Community Support

Built Together

BOW's work is made possible through the generosity, partnership, and support of individuals, organizations, and businesses who believe in our mission. We are grateful for every relationship that has helped us serve women and girls in New Orleans.

Partner relationships are updated regularly. If your organization is interested in partnering with BOW, please reach out through our contact page.

Become a Partner

Help Us Continue the Work

Every dollar, every volunteer hour, and every partnership helps BOW reach more women and girls in New Orleans. There are many ways to support our mission.

Donate Volunteer Partner with BOW