The mission of the Teens Igniting Change Association (TICA) is to help

 

Christian teens transform their potential into reality by nurturing their

 

artistic talents and guiding them toward higher education and personal

 

growth.

 

We spread the message of Jesus by incorporating scriptures into

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​our workshops and prayer. ​​

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Our goal is to support teens in their journey from high school to their ​

 

future endeavors, fostering their development into confident, capable ​

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individuals.

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​​​​TICA was Founded in 2011 by Lauren Doriahna Walker.  Lauren is a

 

philanthropist, accomplished performance poet, and actress.  

 

Her theatrical website is found here: www.laurendoriahna.com

 

She attended Emory University from 1997-2002. Emory  at the time she

 

attended was ranked as the 9th top college in the United States by the

 

National US College Rankings Board in 1998 and  is considered the

 

Harvard of the South outside of Rice University.

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Lauren is a proud graduate of Tri-Cities High School whereupon she was

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a drama major taking acting coaching from the famous acting coach

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Freddie Hendricks whereupon Kandi Burrus and Kenan Thompson were

 

also in the Magnet Drama program at the same time as Lauren. Other

 

famous actors in the program during that time frame were Saycon

 

Sengbloh broadway actress and actress on the reboot of the

 

"Wonder Years" and Christina Horn (actress on the hit show BMF created

 

by 50 cents and Broadway actress in the Lion King. Other notable names

 

that attended TCHS at the time Lauren was enrolled in the program.

 

OutKast were also graduates of Tri-Cities two years before Lauren

 

attended.

 

She has met Andre 3000 and Big Boi many times and is a proud fan.

 

Lauren majored in English and works in corporate America as a Proposal

 

Director.

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Emory graduate who attended Emory on a full scholarship. As a way of

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giving back she teaches scholarship workshops to teenagers ages 13-18

 

to help them fund their education. She helped her god daughter, Jasmine,

 

earn $250,000.00 in scholarships to attend an Ivy League College, Bard

 

College in New York with some of the wealthiest people from around the

 

world.

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Jasmine grew up from humble beginnings and is the oldest of 11 siblings.

 

Lauren mentored Jasmine from 5 years old through adulthood. Her

 

guidance helped Jasmine attend Zell Miller's Governor's Ball for high

 

achieving scholars, participate in the National racer engineers club, and

 

secure scholarships. Jamine maintained a 3.8 GPA from 9-12th grade and

 

she was enrolled in the Dual Enrollment College Program while in high

 

school at Atlanta  Metropolitan College. Jasmine was a Posse Scholar, &

 

the first Coke scholar from Georgia in more than a decade at the time

 

when she won in 2013, Horatio Alger scholar, Zeta Phi Beta scholar,

 

Scholarship points recipient. Jasmine was a National Honor Society

 

recipient, VP of  the Beta Club from her h.s Douglas High School in

 

Atlanta, GA, Co-founder of TICA from 2011-2014, VP of the Debate

 

Team, an  Emory University  National Debate Team Competition

 

participant.

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Lauren's influuence and mentorship over the years led her other six

 

brother's and sisters to also secure college scholarships and her younger

 

sister has been accepted into 30 colleges and attends Carver High

 

School in Atlanta, GA in 2026.

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Lauren is a devout Christian and ​spreads the message of "You can do all

 

things through Christ who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13 is dedicated

 

to celebrating the unique artistic abilities of teens ages 13-18 (8th-12th).

 

We provide a supportive environment where young talents can thrive,

 

offering workshops and  programs that build self-esteem, confidence,

 

unity, and appreciation for  diversity. Our organization empowers teens

 

through various initiatives, including scholarship workshops, etiquette

 

classes, media training, acting lessons, stage presence workshops, and

 

community service opportunities. Welcome to TICA, where the future

 

starts now!