In the October 2009 Billboard Magazine, Beyonce: Billboard Woman of the Year issue, The multi-platinum star talks about her career and philanthropic work with GEMS. An excerpt from Beyonce interview:

Billboard: Outside of music, you're committed to several charitable causes. What attracted you to these particular organizations?

Beyonce: Then there's GEMS [Girls Educational and Mentoring Services]. I saw something about it on television and wanted to help. It's real important for people not to judge. That's why I sit down and talk to these ladies about what inspires me to be strong, and they inspire me as well. To talk and cry with these ladies, to hug these ladies and invite them to the shows to hear songs about empowering women to set their own standards in relationships and build self-esteem. Those are things I can share with these young women. These are all things that have something to do with my purpose in life.

READ FULL INTERVIEW HERE: Knowles first learned about GEMS after viewing 'Very Young Girls' the critically acclaimed Showtime documentary that follows thirteen and fourteen year old American girls as they are seduced, abused, and sold on the streets of New York. She subsequently visited the Harlem based organization and became a dedicated supporter. Their visit was featured on the Grammy winner's Thanksgiving special. Watch Here. For more info go to www.gems-girls.org