Influential Woman · Nonprofit Work
Whitney Brown
Founder, The Crown Confidence Project
South Bend, IN 46619
Her Story
About Whitney
Whitney Brown is the founder of The Crown Confidence Project, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering underserved children and fostering confidence through programs that promote self-esteem, cultural pride, and personal growth. Inspired by her own experiences and the needs she observed within her community, she established the organization to provide natural hair care, grooming education, hygiene resources, and positive mentorship for foster youth and underserved girls. Through innovative initiatives such as "Braids for a Cause," she combines entrepreneurship with community service to create lasting opportunities for young people.
In addition to leading her nonprofit, Brown brings a diverse professional background that includes medical assisting, customer service, account management, hair care and styling, and entrepreneurship. She is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Applied Science in Computer and Information Sciences at Post University while continuing to expand her technical skills and passion for problem-solving. As a lifelong learner, she embraces new challenges and is committed to building solutions that strengthen both individuals and communities through education, technology, and compassionate leadership.
Brown's work is guided by the principles of compassion, empathy, integrity, grace, and resilience. She believes meaningful change begins by recognizing unmet needs and taking purposeful action to address them. Through her nonprofit leadership, entrepreneurial ventures, and commitment to continuous growth, she remains dedicated to helping underserved youth discover their confidence, embrace their potential, and build brighter futures while inspiring others to serve their communities with purpose and authenticity.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Whitney
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to being a lifelong learner who embraces every experience as an opportunity to grow. I have always been driven by recognizing the needs of others, particularly young girls and young men who deserve to feel confident and valued regardless of their circumstances. My willingness to take initiative, remain resilient, and continually learn has allowed me to transform my passion for serving the community into meaningful action.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have received came from my friend Carla, who encouraged me to stop waiting and start taking action. She inspired me to hit the ground running and focus on discovering how I could make a positive difference in my community. That advice gave me the confidence to pursue my vision and begin building something meaningful.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I encourage young women to protect their dreams and not allow others to discourage them before they have had the opportunity to bring their vision to life. Stay positive, remain true to yourself, and continue moving forward with resilience and consistency. Believe in your purpose, take initiative, and trust that your persistence will help you overcome obstacles and create opportunities.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
I believe there are tremendous opportunities for women and minorities, but many of them are not widely known or easily accessible. One of the greatest challenges is identifying the right people to connect with and finding reliable guidance, mentorship, funding opportunities, and resources. Success often depends on taking the initiative to seek out those opportunities and building the right relationships.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Compassion, empathy, integrity, and grace are the values that guide both my work and my personal life. I also believe in lifelong learning, resilience, and consistency. Maintaining balance is important to me, so I establish healthy boundaries, avoid overworking myself, and embrace variety and meaningful experiences rather than repetitive routines.
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