Mission, Vision & Values
Building stronger communities.
Our Mission
To prevent bullying, violence, and suicide among youth, families, and communities, through direct service, mentoring, and prevention education.
Our Vision
A world in which youth are resilient, socially responsible leaders who advance human rights and strengthen communities.
Our Values
- Leadership
- Service
- Equity
- Integrity
- Compassion
- Community
History
National Voices for Equality, Education, and Enlightenment (NVEEE) was established in 2009 to address the high rates of bullying and suicide among youth. Founder Jowharah Sanders recognized that despite millions of dollars being invested into popular anti-bullying campaigns, these efforts were failing to produce real, lasting change. Determined to alleviate the suffering she witnessed, Jowharah set out to address not just the symptoms of bullying, but the root causes.
With the support of a multidisciplinary team of educators, business leaders, and health professionals—and in collaboration with the University of Miami School of Education, Community, and Social Change—NVEEE developed an innovative school-wide bullying prevention program. Guided by a core belief that “bullying itself is not the problem, but rather a symptom of unresolved challenges,” NVEEE focuses on fostering connection, empathy, and leadership to break cycles of alienation and harm.
Since its inception, NVEEE has expanded its mission to prioritize mental health and wellness across all of its programs. The organization is equally committed to helping high school and college students develop leadership skills, while also providing mentoring and preparing them for success in higher education. Together, these elements form the foundation of NVEEE’s comprehensive approach to empowering youth, equipping them with the tools and support they need to thrive personally, academically, and professionally.
To date, NVEEE has engaged more than 35,000 students, parents, educators, medical providers, religious leaders, and social service providers through its educational dialogues and leadership programs. Thousands of South Florida students, educators, and parents have participated in NVEEE’s signature Be Upstanding Bullying and Harassment Prevention Program, which equips participants to safely and effectively intervene when bullying occurs. These “upstanders” take an active role in creating safer, more inclusive communities.
Now a nationally recognized leader in bullying and suicide prevention, NVEEE continues to innovate with dynamic, equity-based leadership programs. These immersive programs help high school and college students think critically about relevant social issues, access trustworthy resources, develop practical leadership skills, and turn their pain into purpose.
Graduates of NVEEE’s programs often join the organization as Peace Ambassadors, serving as peer mentors and advocates for social change in their schools, communities, and beyond. By integrating mental health, wellness, and leadership development into every aspect of its work, NVEEE ensures its impact is both immediate and generational—building a future where every young person can thrive.
