Sheri is CEO and Founder of Pretty Brown Girl, LLC (PBG) and The Pretty Brown Girl Foundation. Her organization inspires self-esteem, confidence, and character in girls of all ages. Its mission is “to address adverse social issues affecting girls of color through self-acceptance and leadership development programs, in an atmosphere of celebration, empowering them to fulfill their dreams and promote positive change in their communities.”

PBG hosts the annual International Pretty Brown Girl Day and leads more than 100 Pretty Brown Girl Clubs throughout the US and the Bahamas. Its K-12 after-school programs and award-winning curriculum encourage girls to dream big in imagining their life plans and to remember they are beautiful inside and out. In addition, trademarked brands include the Signature Pretty Brown Girl Doll and a clothing and accessories line.

As noted on her nomination form, “Sheri’s passion was born of a personal struggle in helping her own young daughters navigate the messages they receive about their value, beauty, and ability. Sheri recognized the need to address the harmful messages about skin tone and beauty in media. She was very concerned about the effects on girls who rarely see images of their own likeness depicted in a positive manner. Simultaneously, she began asking God how she could use her gifts and talents to empower others.”

Sheri credits Mercy – with its multi-ethnic constituency from diverse, socio-economic backgrounds – with giving her the outstanding education, foundational faith-based character, and leadership skills needed to execute the PBG mission she believes came directly from God. Dozens of current Mercy students and recent graduates have experienced Sheri’s workshops and curriculum in the metropolitan Detroit area.

An alumna remarked, “Sheri exemplifies the leadership, power, and commitment of Mercy girls everywhere. Her motto ‘Empower a Girl, Empower the World’ is perfectly aligned with the Mercy values of dignity, mercy, justice, service, and options for the poor. I join many Mercy alumnae in recognition of Sheri Johnson Crawley as an outstanding Mercy High School alumna who is making a difference in our world.”

Sheri holds a Master of Business Administration and a Bachelor of Science from Florida A&M University. She has been widely recognized for her achievements, including:

2015 - Career Mastered Women’s Leadership in Action Award

2014 - Michigan Chronicle Woman of Excellence Award

2013 - RAY of Illinois Outstanding Humanitarian Award

2013 - 25 Most Influential Women in Detroit

To learn more about Sheri’s work, visit Pretty Brown Girl.