Girls Write Now is partnering with other leading nonprofits in a citywide intiative to empower more girls.
Last year, Girls Write Now, in collaboration with other leading nonprofits, helped raise $1 million in funding for girls programming from the New York City Council. This year we have increased the amount and secured another $1.2 million. The partnership offers the City of New York a unique opportunity to support the healthy development of thousand of girls and young women of color. We have worked alongside the other members of the initiative, which culminated in the first Annual Citywide Girls Summit this past June.
Recently, a Girls Write Now mentee, Shirleyka Hector, participated in the STARS Citywide Girls Initiative Press Conference and read her work. The initiative is led by New York City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito and Finance Chair Council Member Julissa Ferreras-Copeland alongside some incredible nonprofits: Row New York, Lower East Side Girls Club, Sadie Nash Leadership Project, Groundswell Community Mural Project, PowerPlay NYC, The Armory Foundation, Figure Skating in Harlem, and Girls for Gender Equity. Sharing the goal of helping girls and young women of color overcome barriers to success, grow emotionally, academically and physically stronger, and develop as leaders in their communities, the press conference kicked off the current program year.
Hector performed alongside other speakers at the press conference, including Speaker Mark-Viverito. Shirleyka said of the experience, “The speakers were so inspiring. I’m so glad that they are standing up for girls living in New York City and supporting girls on their way to college. They embody the definition of women wholeheartedly. I enjoyed the event so much.”
Be sure to follow the conversation on social media with #STARSnycgirls and stay tuned for more updates!