On September 30, I had the privilege of visiting the White House to attend a celebration that recognized ten women from across the nation as White House "Champions of Change." The event recognized these women for their work in creating extracurricular enrichment, after-school and summer programming for marginalized girls, including girls of color. I was absolutely ecstatic to receive an invitation and even more excited to find out that I worked with one of the women being recognized, just this past summer.
Infectious energy
After getting through security line, we were led into the South Court auditorium and there was just a fiery energy in the room. Everyone seemed excited to be there and eager to connect with one another, which was beautiful to see. It was a great to be in the room with so many powerful, dynamic, and passionate women, all committed to improving the lives of girls of color and girls from under-resourced communities. There were CEOs, students, PhDs, corporate executives, bloggers, activists and television personalities all there to celebrate the contributions of the women being recognized.
The program began with a welcome from Valerie Jarrett, Senior Advisor to President Obama and chair of the White House Council on Women and Girls. She thanked everyone for being there, acknowledged the "Champions of Change" honorees and closed her remarks by reminding us all that, "girls cannot be who they do not see." I was reminded in that moment of the great value of Step Up's Pathways to Professions trips, and how much of my own career had been informed by seeing women in a variety of roles in the workplace. I admire Jarrett a great deal and in that moment, I was grateful for the Obama administration and the fact that the Council on Women and Girls even exists.
"(It) reminded me why I am so privileged to do the work I do at Step Up. Around the nation we provide a space for girls to be confident, and empower them with tools to prepare for college and ultimately succeed in wonderful careers."
Amazing programs that benefit girls
The honorees shared their work on a panel and the audience got to hear what inspired their work. The variety in the program offerings ranged from a golf program for girls of color in Florida, a writing organization for girls in NYC, to a sports program that serves girls with disabilities. One of the most impressive, was a program created by a NYC high school senior. She started a non-profit to engage middle and high school girls in STEM.
Once the honorees shared, Beverly Bond of Black Girls Rock! gave a keynote address. Bond shared that it was the offensive and negative of images of Black women in media that led her to start Black Girls Rock! The theme that resonated throughout the day was that inequity, lack and negativity is often what inspires and motivates us to create positive change in our communities. The former model and DJ thanked women like Black Entertainment Television CEO Debra Lee for greenlighting the Black Girl's Rock! award show, so that women and girls around the nation can see beautiful images of themselves. Bond then invited girls from her organization to join her on stage and share with us some of the challenges that they face and their hopes for the future.
It was inspiring to hear how BGR had impacted the girls and reminded me why I am so privileged to do the work I do at Step Up. Around the nation we provide a space for girls to be confident, and empower them with tools to prepare for college and ultimately succeed in wonderful careers.
"Ya'll gotta come to Step Up"
When I returned from the White House, I got to drop in on some recruitment efforts at one of our partner schools. In the middle of one of my team members pitches about Step Up to an advisory class, a 12th grade student flat-out interrupted. While pulling her hair into a bun on top of her head, she turned to her classmates and said, "Really, ya'll just gotta come to Step Up. You can be yourself there, and you go on trips that make you wanna do the best for yourself. And everybody just looks out for you, so just make sure ya'll sign up."
While it was inspiring to hear what organizations and women are doing around the country to positively influence the life of girls, hearing that 12th grader enthusiastically share why Step Up matters to her was so rewarding.
Ready to raise up the next generation of women leaders
I'm looking forward to a phenomenal year with Step Up in New York City, and grateful that the highest office in our nation, takes the time to recognize the efforts of individuals working diligently to empower young women to maximize their potential. It will take a commitment from all of us to impact and raise up the next generation of women leaders, and after my White House visit, I am beyond grateful and even more inspired to see that vision come to fruition.
Warmly,
About to head into the
White House for a
magical day!
Sitting with "Champions
of Change" honoree,
Cheryl Ann Waddlington
of The Evoluer House.
Me and BET CEO
Debra Lee.
Quick pic on the White
House campus!
