Building Confidence and Character in Every Child
The journey of our program began with a simple but powerful vision: to provide youth and adults with the tools to build unwavering self-esteem. Founded by Miss La Glenda Reed, the concept was birthed in Louisville, Kentucky, at St. Stephens Baptist Church. What started as a local initiative grew into a licensed, multi-faceted educational program that has served the Jefferson County Public School System, the Kentuckiana Girl Scouts, and numerous community centers for decades.
In 1992, our curricula—including Pre-Teen/Teen, Adult-Pro, and the Male Image Program—received licensure from the Kentucky State Board for Proprietary Education. Since then, we have remained dedicated to our mission of fostering self-development through professional modeling, image techniques, and problem-solving exercises.
Meet Our Founder: Miss La Glenda Reed
Miss La Glenda, the founder of Self Esteem Inc., is a distinguished educator and former professional model who has dedicated her life to empowering others. Her unique approach combines high-fashion poise with academic rigor.
A Legacy of Excellence
- Professional Background: A graduate of Plaza 3 professional school of modeling and the Bobby Ball Talent Center, Miss Reed was voted “Most Outstanding Instructor” for Barbizon in Phoenix, Arizona.
- Educational Foundation: She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from the University of Louisville and a Master’s Degree from Spalding University.
- Community Leadership: Beyond the classroom, she is a licensed real estate professional and an active member of organizations such as the NAACP Louisville Chapter, the National Council of Negro Women, and the National Action Network.
Currently, Miss Reed splits her time between Louisville, Kentucky, and Hollywood, Florida, ensuring her life-changing self-esteem programs reach students across regions.
Organization memberships
National Council of Negro Women, St. Stephens Baptist Church, NAACP Louisville Chapter, Women of League Voters, Kentucky Alliance Against Racist & Political Repression, Al Sharpton’s National Action Network, Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH®) By Dr. Carter G. Woodson, African American Women for Political Education.
Past and current professional affiliations & honors
2025 National Action Network Community Service Award
2024 Tom Moffit Foundation Community Service Award
2023 Kentucky Alliance Against Racist & Political Repression CS Award
2020 Chairman National Council of Negro Women MLK Breakfast
2018 Job Corps of Shelbyville, Kentucky Adult-Pro Esteem Program
2018 Volunteers of America Self Esteem Training Program.
2018 Ft. Knox Devers Middle School and Teen Center
2018 Nativity Academy at Saint Boniface
2018 Jefferson County Public Schools, Louisville, The Academy at Shawnee first High School Graduating Class from Self Esteem Training Program, Western Middle School, Thomas Jefferson Middle School
2018 State of Kentucky Child Protective Services
2016 Broward County Public Schools, Florida, William Dandy Middle School First Graduating Class from Self Esteem Training Program
2014 Broward County Schools, Broward County, Florida
2013 2014 Broward County Schools, Broward County, Florida
2010 San Diego City Parks, San Diego, California
2010 City of National City, National City, California
2000 The Courier Journal, Louisville, Kentucky, University of Louisville December Commencement Featured Graduating Student, And Community Service Achievements
1999 City Of Louisville’s Christian Leadership Conference Keynote Speaker
1996 City Of Louisville, Alderman Keith Allison, Paul Bather Special Recognition For Outstanding Community Service In Youth Development
1996 City Of Shelbyville Community Newspaper Middle School Builds Students’ Self Esteem
1996 Job Corps Program Shelbyville, Kentucky Special Recognition Of Outstanding Achievement
1995 Promise And Betrayal, Universities And The Battle For Sustainable Neighborhoods, John Gilderbloom And Rob Mullins, Forwarded by Henry Cisneros (La Glenda Reed, Pg. 44, 163-164)
1995 The Louisville Defender, Louisville Kentucky School Raises Self Esteem Through After School Programming
1994 Participated in a case study and was featured in video presentation for the HUD National Conference, under the direction of Henry Cisneros, and received written recognition from the Vice President Al Gore, spoke to 150 HUD officials regarding the HANDS program and how it enhanced my education, experience at the University of Louisville.
1993 The Southwest Newsweek, Portland, Kentucky Center For Women & Families, Career Options Program, Image For Success
1992 New Albany, Indiana Courier Journal Class Tries To Instill A Drug-Free Self Image
1992 National Council of Negro Women fundraiser Fashion Show
1992 Clothe A Child fundraiser Fashion Show
1992 Jack and Jill Louisville Chapter fundraiser Fashion Show
1992 St Stephens Baptist Church Women’s Day fundraiser Fashion Show
1992 WLOU Summer fest Fashion Show Performance Chickasaw Park West Louisville