“Do what you can, with what you’ve got, where you are.”

This maxim, popularized by Theodore Roosevelt in his 1913 autobiography, drives Jupiter Community High School senior Jessie Brooke Baxter to spend her days supporting young women in her community.

Jessie has taken the idea of “support” literally. For the past few years, she has been building a nonprofit organization called Ta Ta for Now, which provides bras and underwear to young women in need.

The idea struck Jessie when she was just 14. A soccer player, she learned that some players lacked the proper undergarments for playing sports. “It was an uncomfortable realization of the stark disparities in my own community. Not everyone has access to things that many of us take for granted.”

Taking Roosevelt’s words to heart, Jessie began with what she had, donating her own gently used athletic wear. But she was determined to make an even broader impact. She soon rallied her peers to form a school club. Jessie, her best friend Holly Milsom, and nearly fifty more of their classmates were soon organizing donation drives, writing empowering notes, and raising money to support their efforts.

When she realized that her idea had traction, Jessie took the initiative to establish Ta Ta for Now as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. She had to do a lot of research, fill out a lot of forms, learn to build a website (armed with no experience and a single library book as a guide!), and navigate a thorny legal process — but she was successful!

Ta Ta for Now opened a bank account with a single $100 donation, and Jessie commandeered a section of her family’s garage to store inventory. After a Fortune 500 company donated 10,000 items, they moved operations into a 1,000 square foot warehouse that Jessie affectionately calls “the Giving Factory.” That’s where volunteers sort and store items in a full range of sizes; curate thoughtful gift bags with personalized notes of support; coordinate distribution to schools, community centers, and shelters; and plan networking events and speaking engagements.

Since its inception, Ta Ta for Now has raised over $365,000 in funds, collected nearly 7,000 bras and 11,000 pairs of underwear, and supported over 3,400 young people across 7 countries. Although it began as a sports-focused effort, Jessie realized that having appropriate undergarments can provide a confidence boost that impacts all aspects of life.

“We aim to not only address a practical need but also to uphold girls’ dignity and empower them to participate fully in school, sports, and daily life.”

As for the name? “It reflects both the playful and serious aspects of our mission,” Jessie says. Especially since the organization serves young women, Jessie hoped that lighthearted wordplay would help initiate conversations that might otherwise be sensitive and awkward.

While Jessie is very proud of what her group has achieved, she is determined to continue expanding Ta Ta for Now’s reach and impact. “As our initiative gained momentum,” she says, “I found myself stepping out of my comfort zone to advocate for Ta Ta For Now on bigger platforms.” She recently participated in both regional and national start-up competitions, securing $20,000 in grant funding.

Jessie was surprised to find that she loved public speaking. “I learned the power of storytelling and advocacy in mobilizing support,” she says. She plans to study political science in college en route to becoming a public interest lawyer.

“Being a CEO has taught me invaluable lessons in leadership, entrepreneurship, and perseverance. I am excited about the future and remain steadfast in my mission to ensure that every girl, regardless of her circumstances, has access to the essentials she needs to thrive.”