What is Dear Mixed Girl®?
This program by Dr. KayLa N. Allen-Young is evidence- and research-based and includes elements of positive psychology, CBT, and positive intelligence coaching. It is an experience delivered with wisdom, compassion, and a dose of gentle but tough love.
The program is well-structured and strategically tailored to the needs and goals of the client.
Who Created Dear Mixed Girl®?
Dr. KayLa N. Allen-Young created Dear Mixed Girl®. She has a Doctorate in Healthcare Administration (DHA), a Master’s degree in Public Health, and a Post-Master’s certificate in Epidemiology. She is a Wellcoaches Certified Health and Well-Being Coach and ICF member- the gold standard in credentialed coaches. Dr. KayLa’s programs are rooted in evidence- and research-based coaching practices.
Uniquely, Dr. KayLa specializes in developmental coaching for biracial/multiethnic women. Her coaching programs are well-suited for graduate and doctoral students, women who have previously been affected by domestic violence, single moms, executive business leaders, and those moving past traumatic life-changing events.
What You Will Learn From The Dear Mixed Girl Coaching Program?
– Life Skills
-How to Be Proud of Your Complete Identity
-What Makes You Special
– How to Embrace Your Differences
– How to Face Your Feelings & Challenges
– Personal and Professional Development Methods
– Parenting Support Tools
Ready to level up and help create a future where you and your mixed daughter/the mixed girl in your life? Click the button below to contact Dr. KayLa and start this journey today!
How Did Dear Mixed Girl® Begin?
From Dr. KayLa N. Allen-Young, the creator of Dear Mixed Girl:
I guess things truly started with my story. I am a bit of a woman of the world. I hate the applications and paperwork that ask me to identify my race and ethnicity because I do not “fit” into a box, which I’m sure many of you can relate to. Nonetheless, I am the daughter of a Black mother and a Hispanic (Mexican family history) father. I grew up with a single but strong mother in Houston, Texas. I struggled with my identity in school and life throughout my childhood years, but after finding friends and spaces where I could be myself from time to time, I could be free. I am what one would call a “self-taught” Spanish speaker; I am indeed not fluent, but I have come a long way from my “Tex-Mex” and “Spanglish” that I picked up in the barrio and from the love of family friends! Lol.
I grew up in very diverse areas of town, and at times, this meant that I heard things like “You aren’t Black enough” (even though I loved chitlins and I grew up knowing nothing except what it meant to be Black). I also heard things from random whispering people in the stores listening to my conversations, saying, “Why is she speaking Spanish?” To this day, I still run into people being so bold as to ask me when I am ordering (in Spanish) my food at the taco stands or IN Mexico “Where are you from?” or “Who taught you how to speak Spanish, because you speak so well?” I had to face the reality that I was different and that would always be a part of my life.
Throughout my teenage years and into young adulthood, I struggled with my cultural and ethnic/racial identity, my hair, culture, personal growth, and beyond, but where I faced difficulties, I had to grow through them as well. Love and relationships were and are, in some ways, surely a part of my journey, and learning what it meant to be more than a pretty face and understand what beauty inside and out were powerful tools that I gained in due time. It wasn’t until I became an adult that I learned anything about the other side of my family and this opened a new world for me in terms of clarity, history, and some new relationships. All in all, with my education and experiences, I empowered myself to gain pride, clarity, and learn about my true greatness so that I could grow into greater versions of myself over and over again.
In 2019, I decided to create a space where girls and women felt heard, knew that their experiences were valid, and could seek ways to become better versions of themselves without being judged, mistreated, invalidated, or disrespected because of who they are or how they look. I knew that writing about some of my experiences in a “real” way may be important, as others probably had similar experiences. From childhood through adulthood, there were and still are many experiences faced and lessons learned, so I wanted to use those things in combination with my education to empower others…and that is what I have done and will continue to do.
Does this snippet of my story resonate with you? If your answer is yes, then you know that you have found a space that will be of much value to you and your family, no matter where you are in your journey.
Why Does Dear Mixed Girl® Matter For You?
When you think about who you are, things like your family, culture, hair, favorite clothes, preferences in music, and identity may be at the top of your list. However, when it comes to facing the world, addressing other people, changes in life, different family members, demanding respect, walking into diverse work cultures with pride, and being who you are as you evolve throughout your life, there are elements of yourself that you must address consistently. With Dear Mixed Girl®, there will be no judgment about who you are, and you will find tools of support, new ways to support your daughter, strategic methods of co-creating your future self and wanted outcomes, and new ways to tap into who you are without doubting your identity.
What Has Made Dear Mixed Girl® What It Is Today?
Using Dear Mixed Girl letters that Dr. KayLa has written, spoken about, learned, and shared with others, Dear Mixed Girl® continues to evolve and level up for the benefit of mixed girls and their families. There has been no right path or perfect next step to take. However, with dedication, compassion, and attention to detail, the Dear Mixed Girl® impact will continue to grow and help girls and women of all ages internationally for years to come.
Something extraordinary is unfolding through Dear Mixed Girl®—a movement rooted in coaching, storytelling, and truth-telling.
From heartfelt letters to global speaking engagements, Dear Mixed Girl work/efforts has reached children, parents, educators, and even national leaders—including a personal response from Vice President Kamala Harris to a Dear Mixed Girl letter. These moments affirm that when we offer understanding, compassion, and culturally grounded support, we truly have the power to change lives.
Whether it’s a shift in mindset, a deepened sense of identity, or the courage to lead with authenticity, Dear Mixed Girl® is creating space for healing, growth, and possibility—one powerful connection at a time.
🪧 You can read some of these transformational letters—and the response from the Vice President—on the Dear Mixed Girl® Letters page.
If you can see yourself in the images below, or if you are from a multicultural/mixed-race family, then Dear Mixed Girl ® services are for you! There is no one-size-fits-all, and Dear Mixed Girl understands your walk through school and life firsthand.
If you are ready to begin this coaching program, would like a personalized letter, or would like to connect with Dr. KayLa to arrange a speaking engagement, interview, workshop, etc., click the button below to go to the contact page.