About Founder Ivory Freeman

Ivory Freeman is the Founder and CEO of The Bessie Morris Foundation.

Ivory is a deputy probation officer. In her over three decades working with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and the Los Angeles County Probation Department, Ivory has seen many women in her caseload. She has reflected upon how their lives may have turned out better had they made different choices and, perhaps, had mentors along the way.

This observation has deep roots in Ivory’s own personal experience. Both of her parents suffered from mental illness, in part, because of drug use. Ivory was fortunate that her strong and loving grandmother, Bessie Morris, was there to raise her and her five younger siblings. Growing up in south Los Angeles and experiencing many obstacles, Ivory realized she may have been in a very different place had it not been for her grandmother. As a result of her experiences, Ivory is passionate about educating, empowering, and helping young ladies build their self-esteem, character, and opportunities.

In 2005, Ivory founded and named the 501(C)(3) non-profit foundation out of respect for her instrumental grandmother. Through the Bessie Morris Foundation programs, underserved Los Angeles young ladies learn leadership skills and find hope for the future. Horizons and aspirations are broadened through exposure to new experiences, community service, and learning life skills needed to persist and succeed.

Ms. Freeman has earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from California State University at Long Beach and a Master of Art degree in Negotiation and Conflict Management from California State University at Domiguez Hills. She has also earned a certificate from the Los Angeles County Second District Capacity Building and Leadership Development program and the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Leadership Development program. (DLI). She is an inspiration and mentor to the young women who participate in the programs.