This organization was founded by two sisters, Sekela Coles and Kianga Mungai, from West Philadelphia who recognized a need for a mentoring and support program for young females. The goal was to expose the girls to positive women and role models that they can identify with. Together, with the combined efforts of family, friends, and a dedicated board of directors, they created a new nonprofit for  adolescent females.

S.I.S.T.A. was envisioned in 2004, planned in 2007, and officially incorporated as a nonprofit organization with the state of Pennsylvania on January 25, 2008.  S.I.S.T.A. is also exempt from federal income tax as listed under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

We are a grassroots organization that believes we can transform an urban plight into an optimistic and nurturing environment. The young women in our program are expected to have a vested interest in achieving respectful goals in higher education, peer mediation and environmental appreciation.

We expect positive outcomes such as increased communication between the young women, their family, educators, and other community members. We aspire to not only inspire the participants of the program but also their immediate environment by helping these girls become empowered, successful members of their community.