About Us
Our Story & Impact
DETOUR is a mentoring program for girls of color. Our vision is to see equity and inclusion for teen girls of color in higher education and priority sector employment. Our mission is to increase access to education and employment opportunities for girls through our Focused And Naturally Confident Youth (F.A.N.C.Y.) Leadership programs (Expo, Leadership Academy, and Ambassador Internships.)
We provide a series of educational workshops and activities to engage teen girls by fostering a safe-space allowing them to express themselves, ask questions surrounding their experiences, and create positive relationships with females to enhance growth and development. Our evidence-based curriculum includes lessons on confidence building, personal growth, developing leadership skills, accountability, and team building.
Our world is in desperate need of programs that introduce girls of color to fields and demonstrations they are not typically exposed to. DETOUR sets out to dismantle stereotypes while building the girls up with self-confidence and the desire to pursue their passions, regardless of today’s societal boundaries.
Our Challenge & Impact
Empowerment Through
Outreach & Urban Redevelopment
Discover our vision, mission, history & objectives
Our Vision
Our vision is to see equity and inclusion for teen girls of color in higher education and priority sector employment.
Our Mission
DETOUR (Depositing Empowerment Through Outreach & Urban Redevelopment) is a mentoring program for girls of color. Our mission is to increase access to education and employment opportunities for girls through our Focused And Naturally Confident Youth (F.A.N.C.Y.) Leadership programs...
Our History
Depositing Empowerment Through Outreach & Urban Redevelopment (DETOUR), a 501(c)3 organization, uplifts, motivates, and inspires girls to become personally, academically, and professionally successful through education, empowerment, and the arts...
Our Objectives
Increase teen girl's self-esteem, self-awareness, and self-development • Host seminars/conferences that focus on motivation and empowerment • Promote motivational speakers, artist/entertainers, and vendors...
Our Vision
Our vision is to see equity and inclusion for teen girls of color in higher education and priority sector employment. We strive to create a world where every young woman has the opportunity to pursue her dreams without barriers.
Through our programs, we aim to transform communities by investing in the next generation of leaders, ensuring that girls of color are not only seen but celebrated and supported at every step of their journey.
Our Mission
DETOUR (Depositing Empowerment Through Outreach & Urban Redevelopment) is a mentoring program for girls of color. Our mission is to increase access to education and employment opportunities for girls through our Focused And Naturally Confident Youth (F.A.N.C.Y.) Leadership programs.
Our F.A.N.C.Y. initiatives include:
- Expo – An immersive experience showcasing career pathways and educational opportunities.
- Leadership Academy – A transformative program that builds confidence, public speaking, and leadership skills.
- Ambassador Internships – Hands-on professional development and mentorship in priority sectors.
We are committed to breaking down systemic barriers and creating a pipeline of success for teen girls of color.
Our History
Depositing Empowerment Through Outreach & Urban Redevelopment (DETOUR), a 501(c)3 organization, uplifts, motivates, and inspires girls to become personally, academically, and professionally successful through education, empowerment, and the arts.
Tinesia Conwright launched My Little Sisters, a DETOUR youth development mentorship program, in 2009. The program was the first phase of DETOUR, which began with monthly breakfast meetings held by Tinesia and her five little sisters and included discussion forums that provided a platform for the girls to voice their life experiences and challenges.
Upon observation of the girls getting older and becoming of age, she felt that moment would be the perfect time to begin providing additional guidance and assistance to them throughout some of the most difficult years they were facing ahead. Her goal was to always set an example, be a resource, and constantly support them during their times of need.
In 2010 she expanded the program and implemented more extensive and interactive weekly sessions at the City of San Diego's Skyline Recreation Center for one year. This experience prompted her to return to school to enhance her knowledge and skills pertaining to effectively operating her organization.
In 2013, Tinesia graduated from the Masters in Nonprofit Management & Leadership program at the University of San Diego. She continues to further her vision through DETOUR and contributing her knowledge and passion to nonprofit organizations throughout her Southeastern San Diego community.
Our Objectives
We are driven by a clear set of goals that guide our work every day:
- Increase teen girl's self-esteem, self-awareness, and self-development
- Host seminars and conferences that focus on motivation and empowerment
- Promote motivational speakers, artists/entertainers, and vendors
- Encourage positive living and lifestyles through apparel and entertainment
- Provide an environment that nurtures growth for teen girls
- Partner with organizations that share our vision
“Every girl deserves the chance to shine — we're here to make sure she gets it.”
Meet Our Leaders
Passionate individuals driving equity & inclusion for girls of color









Emeritus Board Members
Our Annual Reports
Explore our impact summaries and achievements over the years
