We all have a life story. We all have had struggles to overcome, a hill that seemed too steep to climb, and moments where believing things would get better was way too difficult to do.  Regardless the nature of your story, we all have one, however, what you do with that story is what defines you, makes you and grows you (if you allow it to)!
          Tameka S. Raines also known as Earth, founded W.A.M. We Are More because of her life story.  On January 5th 2013, W.A.M launched its first empowerment event introducing its first guest Alexis Mandry, a young African American Syracuse University student striving to be one of the youngest Biology & Pre-Med Graduates in history.  W.A.M plans to hold many more empowering events where exceptional stories are shared, talents are displayed and growth is experienced.

          Tameka wants to use the kinks, twists and turns of her life as a catalyst to teach young woman to make better choices in their lives.  She wanted to create something that would allow young women to feel that they had full access to support and inspiration-something like a 24-hr hotline.     Many of the young ladies she met over her personal and professional life had mothers they couldn't relate to, some were mother less, some had mothers who didn't care and others had great mothers. No matter their background of circumstance, Tameka understood all young women needed advice and direction and she wanted to provide it. W.A.M. We Are More is the seed she has planted, hoping to yield the strongest crop of women who understand, individually and universally, that We Are More. 
          After ten years of working with youths in programs like Americorps, New Jersey Youthcorps, Project Change at Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Newark and The Opportunity Scholarship Program (OSP/EOF) at New Jersey City University, Tameka knew it was time to venture on her own. What she didn't realize about this venture, was she was already in transition. Tameka has worked as a Mentor, Youth Crew Leader and Retention Counselor to a very diverse set of young adults.  As a result of working with so many young adults, all who faced an array of personal challenges, Tameka created many miniature programs to assist their needs-programs she has implemented into W.A.M. We Are Mores programming.
          Tameka Raines received her B.A. in English with a concentration in Creative Writing from New Jersey City University.  She is also a well renowned poet / spoken word artist and author. She has blessed the stages of NJ, NYC and Boston. Harlem Fusion, Mike Markman’s A-Fusion Art Show, New Jersey City University’s Chi Alpha Epsilon Induction Ceremony and NYCs Youth to Youth Artistic Fundraiser are just a few of the institutions calling on the talent of this resourcefully creative young woman. Her first self-published book I Am Poetry, which debuted in 2009, remains a request of many.  Tameka has also served in the capacity of a guest speaker and presenter at the Hudson County Community College (2009-2011) Humanities 101: Cultures and Values Course, New Jersey City University (2007-2011) and the 18th Annual Transition Conference: NJ Higher Education Opportunities for Student with Learning Disabilities (2010).  She has infused poetry/spoken word in all she work and all of the Workshops/Seminars to add that lasting impression.  Her creative, empathic and compassionate way of speaking and relating to people inspires all who encounter her.  This Jersey City native plans to grind until the name W.A.M We Are More is spoken by every mouth. Her gift of articulation, combined with the radiant light her spirit exudes, is sure to make sure W.A.M. We Are More is known and remembered.

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"Every time a young woman decides to rise above any sort of pressure, she is in more of a relationship with her divine inner strength and beauty." Tameka S. Raines