Our Story

Karima Maryam McKenzie, the founder of Temples Are Sacred, is a woman of many talents and passions. As an entrepreneur, educator, and empowerment activist, she has dedicated her life to serving her community. Today, she is the Vice Principal at Henry Snyder High School, of Jersey City, New Jersey, the second largest public school district in the State of New Jersey. Over a decade, she has touched the lives of thousands of children as a math teacher, head coach, and senior-level administrator.

A former championship-winning athlete, Karima has always had a passion for sports and education. But her journey has not been without its challenges. Throughout her celebrated career, she has faced multiple life-threatening bouts of illness that landed her in the hospital for weeks and months at a time. But she persevered, and these experiences have fueled her dedication to wellness - for herself and for all.

Karima's journey to wellness led her to found Touch and Agree Tendaji (T&AT) Solutions, an organization focused on the health and wellness of the community. But her mission didn't stop there. Reflecting on her own teenage years, Karima realized the importance of mentorship and guidance for girls and young women navigating the complexities of life.

She remembered her high school years filled with laughter, joy, and good times. But she also remembered the lack of guidance and mentorship during those formative years. This realization inspired her to write "Temples Are Sacred and So Are You," a guide for girls and young women to refer to daily as they navigate their teenage years

Temples Are Sacred was born out of Karima's desire to provide the mentorship she wished she had during her teenage years. The organization addresses the pain points of girls and young women who are socially active but unprotected energetically, physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. It aims to help those who struggle with anger, lack healthy boundaries, communication skills, and emotional intelligence, and those who are disengaged, distracted, and emotionally unstable.

Through Temples Are Sacred, Karima aims to foster self-awareness, motivate girls and young women to exercise and incorporate body movement, teach effective meditation techniques, and help them connect their mind, body, and spirit. She strives to increase their courage and self-confidence and assist them in defining their core values.

Karima's heartfelt mission is to let girls and young women know just how special and sacred they are. She believes that every girl deserves to thrive, just like she did. Through Temples Are Sacred, she hopes to guide girls and young women closer to becoming the best version of themselves.