Mary J. Blige starts foundation to help women with careers

05/09/2008 3:00 PM, AP


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.