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Mary J. Blige, who grew up in Yonkers, N.Y., listens to a question as she announced the Mary J. Blige and Steve Stoute Foundation for the Advancement of Women Now, at Roosevelt High School in Yonkers, N.Y. Friday, May 9, 2008. The organization was founded by Blige to inspire women from all walks of life to reach their individual potential through scholarships, grants, and programs that foster strong self-esteem, career development, and personal growth
YONKERS, N.Y.—The queen of hip-hop soul is establishing a foundation to help women develop careers and gain self-confidence.

Mary J. Blige and Steve Stoute, who founded a youth-oriented brand consulting firm, say they're setting up the Foundation for the Advancement of Women Now.

The foundation will concentrate first on the Yonkers, New York, area where the 37-year-old Blige grew up. The charity will fund scholarships, grants and programs that help women gain confidence and skills to succeed in their careers.

Blige and Stoute say they expect to expand to the New York metropolitan area and then the nation.

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