Planet Venus Institute

The Planet Venus Institute is a U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization headquartered in Peoria, IL. It focuses on providing educational services and mental health awareness specifically tailored for Black girls, college-aged women of color, and emerging professionals in education and social services.

Mission and Activities

The Institute's mission centers on promoting mental health education and professional development through culturally and gender-responsive frameworks. It aims to equip both youth and adults with the skills needed to become peer advocates for mental health and wellness within minoritized communities. This approach is designed to support individuals and organizations in creating healthier pathways to success in educational careers and professional lives.

Educational Programs

The Planet Venus Institute offers various courses, including the Black Women's Mental Wealth Academy and Write Like a Scholar, which are led by Dr. Venus E. Evans-Winters. These programs focus on enhancing socio-emotional, educational, cultural, and financial well-being. Additionally, the Institute supports intersectional research programs designed to foster youth participatory action research.

Leadership

The organization is led by Dr. Venus E. Evans-Winters, who serves as its President and Executive Director. Dr. Evans-Winters is a former professor of education and a licensed clinical psychotherapist. She has extensive experience in higher education and has authored several books and academic articles. The team also includes Janice Baines, who serves as Secretary and specializes in culturally responsive curriculum development, and Kenya Evans, the Treasurer, who focuses on corporate operations and diversity equity initiatives.

Objectives

The Institute's core objectives include:

• Mental Health Awareness: Providing educational services to raise awareness about mental health across diverse communities.
• Cultural and Gender Responsiveness: Implementing programs that are culturally and gender-sensitive to address specific needs of Black women and girls.
• Professional Development: Offering courses and workshops to enhance professional skills and advocate for mental health in educational settings and workplaces.