Press Release: CEO for Teens With a Purpose passes the torch after 28 years

For Immediate Release

Date: April 30th, 2025 Contact: Michelle Sims & Andre Love

Phone:  757-747-2679

Email:    Twpmichelle@gmail.com

Website: www.TWP-Themovement.org  

Norfolk—Empowering the next generation of leaders is the mission of Teens With a Purpose, and it is the founder and CEO’s life purpose. So it is no surprise that when Deirdre

Love decided to step down from her role as the Executive Director after 28 years on the TWPs Board of Directors, she decided to transfer those duties to two young people who have been with the organization for a combined 34 years!  In this moment the organization celebrates her immense contributions and the legacy she leaves behind, and its future Executive Leadership.

Al Roker, a Board of Director member for Teens With a Purpose, says:  “My friend, Deirdre, has spent the better part of her adult life dedicated to the mission of TWP.  It started with a dream and continues to grow and be a vital part of the Hampton Roads community and beyond.  What an amazing legacy.”

Dr. Onyirimba, wrote: “As someone who grew up as a teen within Teens With a Purpose and now has the honor of serving on the Board of Directors, I know TWP was, and still is, a safe haven, a launchpad, and a home for so many because of our founders vision and tireless work. Ms. Love sees us, hears us and  empowers us to lead.”

Delegate Jackie Glass stated: “Love is a visionary leader and community advocate with experience in youth development, creative programming, and nonprofit leadership. She has a proven track record of empowering young people through the arts, mentorship, and community engagement. She is recognized for pioneering transformative programs, fostering social-emotional learning, and advocating for systemic change.   Virginia House of Delegates Resolution” here

Love says:   “I am confident in the capabilities of my successors, Michelle Sims and Andre Love, who have been a part of TWP, combined for over 30 years”.  They have been actively preparing for the roles of Co-EDs for the past several years. I am placing the care of TWP into skillful hands and loving hearts of the people I trust the most with this daunting and rewarding  responsibility.   I am excited for the future of our organization under their executive  leadership.”

Founder, Deirdre Love assumes the title and duties of  TWP Chief Cultural Officer, responsible for maintaining its culture, mission, vision, and values and overseeing the community safety and well-being initiatives.  

Michelle Sims

Co-Executive Director | Youth & Community Advocate | Mental Health & Wellness Advocate

Michelle Sims serves as Co-Executive Director of Teens With a Purpose (TWP), bringing over 15 years of passionate service, visionary leadership, and operational excellence to the organization. Starting as a volunteer, Michelle has grown through every level of the organization—serving as Administrative Assistant, Coordinator, Marketing & Administrative Director, and Assistant Executive Director—demonstrating an unwavering commitment to TWP’s mission of empowering young people through creativity, purpose, and community. Michelle serves as a Board of Director for Alternate Roots, is a certified National Mental Health First Aid Instructor, has served as a judge for the National Scholastic Art and Writing Awards, member of Associate Fundraising Professionals, and serves on many committees that empower youth, arts and wellness.  Sims is a graduate of Rider University, New Jersey. Full resume available here.  

Richard Andre Love   

Co-Executive Director | Creative Catalyst | Youth Advocate | Cultural Producer | Master Gardener

Richard A. Love is the Co-Executive Director at Teens With a Purpose (TWP), where he uses art as a tool for transformation, leadership, and healing. A true creative force, Love trains teen leaders, facilitates social-emotional learning, and develops programs that build self-esteem, workforce readiness, and peer mentorship. Recent graduate of the Norfolk’s Master Gardener program and currently serves on the Executive Committee for Alternate Roots and on the Norfolk Food Equity Council.  Love is a  certified National Mental Health First Aid Instructor and a High Risk Interventionist. Whether he's mentoring teen poets, DJing community block parties, or facilitating healing spaces through art, Richard Love continues to shape the future through creativity, purpose, and passion. View his full resume here

About Teens With a Purpose

Teens With a Purpose was formed in 1996 by Deirdre Love. In 2007, Teens With a Purpose became TWP-The Youth Movement, a 501(c) (3)non-profit youth development organization. The organization is celebrating over 27 years of experience in providing peer leadership training and has been recognized both regionally & nationally. For additional information, please visit TWPTheMovement.org, Call 757-747-2679 or email info@twpthemovement.org