Peters teaches beyond the classroom


FAMU professor Karen Peters Photo courtesy: Peters

Karen Peters, a psychology professor at Florida A&M  University, has long advocated empowering young women through education and self-awareness. She is taking her passion one step further with a program called Pretty on Purpose. Specifically designed for collegiate Black women, the initiative aims to promote environmental and health consciousness through interactive workshops and community events. 

“This program isn’t just about looking good —it’s about understanding the power of making intentional, informed choices that benefit our bodies, minds and the planet,” Peters said. “As women, especially women of color, we are often overlooked in conversations about environmental justice and holistic health. Pretty on Purpose is my way of changing that narrative.” 

The program features hands-on workshops on sustainable fashion, clean eating and mental wellness. The program’s engaging, community-focused events teach students how everyday decisions may impact their health and the environment. Peters said the program’s goal is to encourage a cultural change, beginning with FAMU students and reaching out to the larger Black community. 

Former principal Porter Smith, one of Peters’ close friends, gave her significant recognition for tackling several important concerns simultaneously. After more than 10 years of knowing Peters, Smith remarked, “Karen has always had a unique ability to connect with her students in a meaningful way.”  

“This program has a profound impact by fusing self-empowerment with environmental education. It teaches young women how to advocate for themselves while being conscious of their impact on the world around them,” Smith added. 

 Another supporter of Pretty on Purpose is Erica Franklin, a former student of Peters who now works as a wellness coach. Franklin credits Peters with sparking her interest in health and wellness.  

 “When I was in college, Dr. Peters was one of the first people to challenge me to think critically about how my choices impacted my well-being,” Franklin said. “Being ‘pretty on purpose’ is much bigger than appearances.  

 It’s about learning to be intentional in every aspect of life.” 

Both Smith and Franklin believe the program will be monumental. Smith spoke about how workshops on sustainable fashion teach students about ethical consumerism and how to reduce waste.  

 At the same time, Franklin emphasized the importance of mental wellness, particularly for young Black women navigating college life. 

 As Peters works to secure funding and partnerships for Pretty on Purpose, she hopes the program will grow into a national movement. “This is about empowerment,” she said. “When women are equipped with knowledge and resources, they can drive real change —not just in their lives but their communities. That’s what this program is all about.” 

 For Peters, Pretty on Purpose is more than just a project; it is a way she feels she can directly give to her community. By teaching women in college to care for themselves and the environment, she hopes to cultivate a generation of intentional, informed and unapologetically purposeful leaders. 

 

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