Our Story
Go To Grow was born from the journey of Kelly Barnes-Ford, a woman who became a mother at 16 but refused to let that define her future. She beat the odds, earned two degrees, built a thriving career in luxury hospitality, and traveled the world. Through every setback, she found strength. Through every trip, she found clarity. She knew that if exposure could change her life, it could do the same for others. Go To Grow was created to give that same opportunity to girls and women who’ve been underestimated, overlooked, or boxed in by their beginnings. But a vision this big requires more than one voice. That’s why Kelly invited Ninah Moore and Nicole Miles-May to help bring it to life. Together, they form the heart of Go To Grow’s leadership, each woman bringing her own story, expertise, and passion to serve. It’s not just a nonprofit, it’s a movement built on lived experience, sisterhood, and the belief that growth has no limit. Because exposure ushers growth and every girl deserves to bloom.
Our Mission
To empower teenage girls, teen moms, and single mothers through transformative travel experiences that broaden their worldviews, build confidence, and disrupt generational cycles.
Our Vision
A world where every girl and woman, regardless of background, has the opportunity to grow, thrive, and explore the world through travel.
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Who We Serve
Teen Girls
Teen Mothers 16-19
Daugthers of Single Mothers
Single Mothers 35-65
Meet the Team
Chairperson
Kelly Barnes-Ford
Kelly Barnes-Ford is the founder of Go To Grow, Foreign We Go, and KB Accommodations—three impact-driven brands rooted in her mission to create exposure through travel. Born and raised in Chicago and now based in Shreveport, Louisiana, Kelly is a former teen mom who turned her lived experience into a legacy of purpose. She holds two degrees in hospitality and management and brings over 25 years of experience in luxury hotel operations.
At Foreign We Go, she curates unforgettable international travel experiences rooted in luxury, culture, and adventure. Through KB Accommodations, she offers hospitality-centered short-term rentals. And with Go To Grow, she empowers teen girls and single mothers to break generational cycles through transformative travel.
Kelly proudly serves as Program Director for both Boundless 16 and Seasoned Sojourners, two of Go To Grow’s signature programs. She is married and remains committed to helping others see the world and themselves, differently.
Vice Chairperson
Ninah Moore
Ninah Moore brings over two decades of dedicated experience as a Non-Profit Association Program Professional. She is deeply committed to empowering professionals to excel in their roles, ultimately enhancing their service to the public. This commitment is central to her life's mission, guided by her motto: "Never look down on others unless you are extending a hand to help them climb."
Having become a mother at 18, Ninah is passionate about supporting teen mothers, aiming to help them achieve their goals through mentorship, sisterhood and exposure to new opportunities and cultures as Vice-Chair of Go To Grow, Inc. and Program Director of Her New Horizon.
Beyond her extensive professional achievements, Ninah is a proud wife, mother of two, and "Nana" to four.
Secretary
Nicole-Miles-May
Hello, my name is Nicole Miles-May. I serve as the Secretary for Go To Grow and the
Program Director for Promise in Bloom. As a single mother of three, who began this
journey at the age of 19, I have always refused to let societal expectations or detractors
define my path. I am a passionate advocate for education.
Holding a Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering with a minor in Mathematics, as
well as an MBA with a concentration in Human Resources, I deeply value academic
achievement. With two of my children already college graduates and another currently
pursuing their degree, this program holds a special place in my heart.
I firmly believe that students who maintain a GPA of 3.5 or higher, regardless of their
circumstances and who have not had the opportunity to travel abroad, deserve the
chance to do so. International experiences can be transformative, broadening
perspectives and exposing individuals to diverse cultures and lifestyles.
Throughout my own college years and into adulthood, I have been fortunate to travel to
eight countries and 26 states, sharing many of these experiences with my children. It is
my goal to extend similar opportunities to students facing challenges similar to those my
children have overcome, empowering them to expand their horizons and make informed
decisions that will propel both their professional and personal growth.