Deirdre Love on the Power of Being a MENTOR to Local Youth

Over three decades, Deirdre Love has poured herself into her community. From Harlem to Virginia Beach, she has shared knowledge and resources, cultivated relationships and guided young people to tap into the best version of themselves through creative expression.

Several of Deirdre’s mentees, many of whom have turned into her colleagues, were in attendance at The Garage on this Virginia Beach summer morning to applaud Deirdre as she let guests in on her journey as a formidable MENTOR.

Deirdre learned the importance of strong and supportive adult role models at an early age. She was raised in Harlem by a single, widowed mother alongside seven siblings during a time riddled with sociocultural and economic challenges. Short in stature and large in generosity and grit, Deirdre’s mom showed her that anything was possible. So, too, did Sister Bridget Ann encourage Deirdre to see her value, power and purpose despite life’s challenges. These women, Deirdre says, planted the first seeds that would eventually bloom into a career in youth mentorship.

When her cousin and best friend was diagnosed with and eventually lost his battle with HIV/AIDS, Deirdre became steadfast in caring for those in marginalized communities. Moved to help young people with HIV prevention, Deirdre set out to inspire, help and protect others like her beloved Stephen through a youth ministry at the Basilica of St. Mary’s, establishing Teens With A Purpose in 1996. Since then, Deirdre has been on a mission to empower teens.

In 2007, Teens With A Purpose became TWP-The Youth Movement, a 501© (3) nonprofit organization centered on youth development. Encouraged by one of her longest friends and now Board member–the only and only Al Roker of TODAY Show fame–Deirdre poured herself full-time into her nonprofit work.

Under Deirdre’s leadership, TWP has become an impressive arts-centered platform that empowers young people to use their voice, creativity, reflection and action to affect personal growth, transform lives and impact communities. In addition to a wide range of year-round programming, TWP provides the region’s only gateway to the National Youth Poet Laureate Program.

Deirdre credits the organization’s impact to her own mentors, who have included her son Andre, as well as the mentees and young colleagues to whom she’s simply “Momma D.” Over her 30 years in this line of work, Deirdre has witnessed firsthand the importance of serving others with passion and commitment. She believes that by pouring ourselves into others, we can empower others to pour into their communities and so on.

Mentorship, Deirdre says, can often feel like a daunting task, but it’s quite simple. It entails giving of ourselves without expectation so that others can build.

“Mentorship is knowing your worth and being willing to openly share your gifts without pretense.”

Now semi-retired, Deirdre is excited to see TWP continue to evolve in the hands of a new and inspiring generation – fittingly, one that she so lovingly helped mentor.

_

Written by CMVB volunteer blogger Valeria L. Palmertree
Photo of CMVB team with speaker Deirdre Love by Misty Saves the Day

Join us every third Friday in 2025 as we explore, along with 236 other cities in 69 countries around the world, 12 new themes in a face-to-face community format. Recent themes have included Cycle, Layers, Revival, Punk and Parallel. August’s theme is NOMAD, and our featured speaker will be Gabe Niles.

CM also has virtual field trips and a database of previous talks to enjoy and explore at home.