THE ORGANIZATION
About
Planet Venus Institute NFP is dedicated to providing educational services and mental health awareness to Black girls, college-aged women of color, and/or emerging professionals as well as scholars in the fields of education and social services.
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Our intent is to provide mental health awareness education and professional development through a cultural and gender-responsive framework and praxis. Educational services equip youth and adults alike with information and the skills needed to become peer advocates of mental health and wellness in minoritized communities, educational settings, and in the workplace so that individuals and organizations can create healthier pathways to becoming successful in their educational careers and professional lives as ambassadors of overall social, mental, physical, and financial health.
Dr. Venus E. Evans-Winters
Our Founder
SCHOLAR ACTIVIST | AUTHOR | SPEAKER
Dr. Venus E. Evans-Winters is a Professor of Education, a licensed clinical psychotherapist and certified clinical trauma professional in private practice as well as a certified health and wellness coach. She is the author of several books on Black women and girls and has published dozens of academic articles on Black women's and girls' socio-cultural, educational, and mental health.
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Due to her commitment to research on and with Black girls and women, President Obama's Administration invited Dr. V to participate in a special convening at the White House to discuss research on the state of women and girls. She was an expert on Pushout: The Criminalization of Black Girls in Schools film (Couvson, 2019). Dr. V has keynoted and guest lectured at numerous colleges and universities nationwide and internationally, including in South and West Africa.
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Dr. V enjoys teaching women how to write to heal, research for racial justice, and practice mindfulness meditation to revive the Goddess within.
Discover
Programs Designed for Girls & Women
Transformative
Below are signature programs of Planet Venus Institute, each designed to cultivate mental wealth, resilience, and empowerment in diverse communities.
The women behind Planet Venus, committed to healing, equity, and change.
Dr. Venus E.
Evans-Winters
Founder
Dr. V is the Executive Director of Planet Venus Institute NFP. She is a former Professor of Education and is a licensed clinical psychotherapist in private practice. She has more than 20 years of experience teaching in higher education and is the author of several books and academic journal articles.
Janice
Baines
secretary
Janice has nearly a decade of experience working with youth in colleges and university settings and she is a master teacher. She serves as an elementary school teacher specializing in culturally-responsive curriculum.
Kenya
Evans
treasurer
Kenya works in the corporate executive field specializing in informational technology, corporate operations, and diversity and equity. She is a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., and enjoys teaching Black women and girls how to thrive in corporate spaces while living their best life. She is also the mother of two Black young men.
THE VENUS CURRICULUMS
Programs
THE PLANET VENUS MENTAL WEALTH ACADEMY
​Too often, conversations around mental health ignore the cultural realities women of color face in school, work, and life. This Academy was designed to center your experiences and equip you with the knowledge and confidence to lead as a mental health advocate in your community.
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What We Focus On
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Mental health awareness grounded in cultural and gender-responsive practices.
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Strategies for success in academic, workplace, and community spaces.
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Building the confidence and skills to serve as an advocate for yourself and others.
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What You’ll Gain
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Practical skills to become a peer advocate for mental health and wellness.
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Tools to manage stress and navigate institutions that weren’t built with you in mind.
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Pathways to thrive in school, career, and life while safeguarding your mental, physical, social, and financial health.
Who It’s For
Black girls, college-aged women of color, emerging professionals, and scholars in education and social service fields who want to build resilience and lead in their communities without sacrificing their well-being.​​
BLACK WOMEN'S MENTAL WEALTH ACADEMY
​​For generations, Black women have carried the weight of families, communities, and workplaces — often without spaces designed to care for their own well-being. This Academy was created exclusively for Black women to reclaim rest, resilience, and joy while building financial and emotional wealth.
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What We Focus On
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Healing practices rooted in the lived experiences of Black women.
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Financial empowerment strategies tailored for long-term security.
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Community care and sisterhood as tools for resilience and restoration.
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What You’ll Gain
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A safe space to unlearn harmful narratives and prioritize yourself unapologetically.
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Tools to cultivate mental and emotional resilience through culturally affirming practices.
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Confidence to thrive in both personal and professional spaces without sacrificing wellness.
Who It’s For
Black women seeking community, restoration, and tools to rise above burnout while leading lives of purpose, power, and balance.​​
P.E.A.C.H.E.S. (Promoting Equity, Access, Culture & Healing in Education Spaces)
Women of color in higher education are often told to “push through” despite racism, misogynoir, and unsafe environments. P.E.A.C.H.E.S. was created to center your voice, protect your wellness, and ensure you don’t have to navigate these challenges alone.
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What We Focus On
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Addressing racial trauma and its impact on mental health.
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Prioritizing safety, wellness, and access for women in collegiate spaces.
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Building community and support systems that affirm your experience.
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What You’ll Gain
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A safe virtual space to heal, socialize, and connect with other women.
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Tools to advocate for yourself and bridge the support gap in educational institutions.
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Opportunities and resources that promote collective healing and resilience.
Who It’s For
Women of color in college and higher education spaces who are ready to protect their mental health, reclaim joy, and find community while navigating systemic challenges.​​
WRITE LIKE A SCHOLAR W/ DR.V
Brilliant ideas often never make it past the page because women don’t feel supported in the writing process. This program is your space to grow as a confident writer and scholar, blending healing with practical strategies for publishing and professional success.
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What We Focus On
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Writing with clarity and confidence.
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Integrating healing practices into academic and professional writing.
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Research, publishing, and professional scholarship skills.
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What You’ll Gain
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Guidance directly from Dr. Venus E. Evans-Winters.
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Tools to develop your voice and strengthen your scholarship.
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A supportive space to merge personal growth with professional excellence.
Who It’s For
Women of color, scholars, and professionals who want to publish, lead, and share their stories with impact.​​
KUUMBA
Children and youth today face unique pressures that can make it difficult to stay focused, resilient, and connected. Kuumba uses mindfulness, storytelling, and play to help young people strengthen emotional awareness, self-confidence, and academic success.
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What We Focus On
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Culturally responsive mindfulness practices.
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Storytelling and meditation for self-awareness.
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Creative play to build resilience and focus.
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What You’ll Gain
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Tools to manage emotions and stress at an early age.
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Stronger resilience, confidence, and focus for academic success.
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Skills that support healthier relationships and overall well-being.
Who It’s For
Children and youth in schools or community programs, as well as educators seeking culturally relevant wellness curriculum.​​
Join us in creating pathways of knowledge, collective power, and healing. Your donation helps us expand mental wealth education, support Black girls and women in education spaces, and fund culturally responsive programs.
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Every contribution makes a difference in building healthier communities and stronger futures. Together, we are shaping a world where Black women and girls can thrive, heal, and lead.
