Guide, Love, and Offer Wisdom

GLOW 414 was founded by Dr. Mickell Dent, a Black woman born and raised in Milwaukee whose understanding of this work began long before her credentials did. Before "Dr.," before "licensed therapist," before "EMDR certified clinician," she was a young person navigating neighborhoods and systems that too often overlooked her. She knows what that feels like. She also knows what it feels like when someone finally sees you.

That experience did not just shape her; it became her mission. Dr. Dent's path to this work was never a straight line. It was a calling, forged through years of walking alongside young people, sitting with families through difficult conversations, and doing her own healing work along the way. What she learned in her own life, and later confirmed in her clinical practice, is this; healing is not a privilege reserved for a few. It is a birthright for every young person, regardless of zip code or circumstance.

Her doctoral research on the wellbeing of inner city educators and its connection to student outcomes only confirmed what her upbringing had already taught her; when the people and systems surrounding young people are supported and whole, young people rise. But it is her own story, not the research, that lit the fire behind GLOW 414.

Named for the 414 area code where it all began, GLOW 414 was built to be the space Dr. Dent needed growing up; one rooted in culture, community, and truth telling, where young people ages 11 to 24 are met exactly where they are and empowered to define their own futures. What started in Milwaukee has since grown into an international movement, with a full continuum of care that includes GLOW to Inspire for younger youth, Transition to Adulthood for older teens and young adults, and GLOW Units, a transitional living program for those navigating independence.

Today, GLOW 414 partners with schools, state agencies, and community organizations both locally and abroad, including its collaboration on PATH+ (Prevention, Accountability, Transformation, Healing and Support), to deliver programming that meets the whole young person; academically, emotionally, relationally, and practically.

Dr. Dent leads this work alongside a dedicated team who share her commitment to trauma informed, community rooted care. Together, they carry forward a simple but powerful mission; to GLOW, to guide, love, and offer wisdom to the next generation.