Writing passionately is many things: an act of power, an act of courage, an act of generosity. But it takes opportunities to unlock that passion—and opportunities don’t just happen. They are created by the revolutionary people mobilized by the programs our donors make possible. We thank you for your belief and your trust in the power of authentic storytelling as a means for healing communities everywhere.
Maya Nussbaum, girls write Now founder & executive director
Throughout 2021, nearly 1,000 donors fueled the Girls Write Now mission.
To our donors at all levels—The Girls Write Now Circle, Agents of Change Partners, Foundation and Government supporters, Board of Directors, and to all of the individuals and institutions who cheered us along and invested in our work—we thank you. And with deep gratitude, we celebrate our phenomenal mentees who, because of your support, are securing scholarships that aid the financial burden of pursuing college, accepting their first choice college offers, being exposed to relevant industry experience, walking through the doors of their dream jobs, getting promoted—and building meaningful relationships with their mentors through all of life’s phases!
Here is just one story from this season…
Mentee Kayla celebrates her full ride college scholarship with her mentor Nupur.
KAYLA MORGAN
NUPUR CHAUDHURY
“Girls Write Now has played an integral part in making my college dreams come true! From Nupur’s helpful feedback and support with my college essay, to the several informational workshops from you all—I am so grateful for the guidance you have all provided me…My single mother, who doesn’t have much experience in the American educational system, no longer has to worry about how she will pay for a private education or how I will reach my professional career goals. Most young people in my neighborhood do not have the same opportunities that I am lucky to have received, but what we do share, are the difficult experiences we go through living in East New York/Brownsville. And so, when I won the Posse Scholarship, I felt like their voices and dreams were also being honored.”
MENTEE KAYLA MORGAN
Class of 2022
“I understand deeply all that Kayla has shares with me about growing up in East New York. Additionally, as an alum of Bryn Mawr College, I was lucky enough to matriculate with the college’s first ever Posse cohort back in 2001 (graduating in 2005). AND with a Jamaican partner, there’s so much for us to bond over. These three pieces of my experience and background made for such a lovely pairing between Kayla and myself—many things don’t need to be explained, or even said…as a kid of Indian immigrants, I understand that Kayla’s win is a major accomplishment. It is a very solitary experience being a kid of immigrants trying to navigate the college process. I’m so happy that I was able to support Kayla, and I hope that Girls Write Now will continue to lift her important story and voice up—she is one in a million!”
MENTOR NUPUR CHAUDHURY
Class of 2022