Kianna Franks

My name is Kianna Franks, and my DDP journey began in the 6th grade. They say it takes a village to raise a child and that’s what DDP was for me. DDP was a village of influential women such as Mrs. Lorraine Thomas and many others that helped me become the woman I am today. The program consisted of a sisterhood and mentorship that provided the life development skills a young girl needs to get through this world.

Destiny Daughters of Promise was developed to provide life development skills for young women. Each and every woman is unique. DDP allowed each of us to explore and showcase that uniqueness in different aspects of the program. If you were interested in singing, dancing or modeling; you could showcase your talents during the annual showcase. If you loved to talk, it was time for you to lead the showcases and become listed as a speaker during yearly award ceremonies or important programs. This is where I shined, but it was not the same as talking to fellow peers. It was time for me to master my speaking skills with peers, family and supporters of the program. I can say that I truly appreciate Mrs. Thomas for pushing me into this direction because I would not be speaking to you all today if I didn’t start early.

DDP also served as a liaison for young women to create change and impact our communities. We completed community service projects while building connections along the way. From cleaning Acworth Beach to baking cookies for our local first responders, a sense of fulfillment was reached. These trips and extracurriculars were the stepping stone to helping me figure out what I wanted to accomplish as an adult. What I wanted to do “when I grew up.” This is what DDP is best known for. I didn’t appreciate all aspects of the program at the time, but today, I realize that Mrs. Thomas and Mrs. Serena saw our potential to develop the activities to fulfill each of our underlying passions. I had a passion for making change in the community and speaking on behalf of my generation. The jobs and career choices following college were chosen to fulfill this passion. The impact of DDP constantly remained on my mind and within my heart as I made these choices. It prepared me to stand in front of the cameras with LSU’s Tiger TV as a reporter and anchor. It prepared me to walk alongside a variety of GA politicians. And now, rub elbows with state judges and lawyers in my current role.

As we transitioned to high school, the program’s focus shifted into building the DDP brand, advocating for middle school girls, and discussing future life opportunities. We were given guidance on preparing resumes, college applications and career choices. We began to formally build relationships with our local leaders, state legislators and so many others in the community. Our conversations in meetings became more meaningful as we began to mature and become adults.

I’ve said a lot about how DDP has guided me through my transformative years, but DDP has continued to support me way beyond middle and high school. Mrs. Thomas made a promise to all of us that the DDP journey did not end after we graduated high school. She most definitely kept that promise. Each year of college, Mrs. Thomas checked on me. She made sure that I was continuing to be the young woman I set off to be as I completed the program in high school. Even though I was miles away at Louisiana State University, she continued to invite me to each year’s annual symposium and invite me to speak/include my feedback in different virtual meetings/events hosted by the program. My younger sister “tried” to actively participate in the program before she was of age, but she successfully joined the program once she entered middle school. As Mrs. Thomas did for me, she did for my sister and continues to do so. My sister is now in college and Mrs. Thomas checks on her as she checks on me. I truly want to thank Mrs. Thomas for founding this program, advocating for young women, and being an active contributor in shaping me into the woman I am today.