Youth & Professional Development
To address the inequities and unfair distribution of resources for youth and community members, primarily Black and Brown women in the South Queens community, we host a series of workshops primarily focused on bridging the equity gap. Previous workshops include our week-long Youth Mentorship Series as we recognized that networking opportunities were limited for students and community members during the pandemic. This series continues to be well attended as we host over 150 participants throughout the week who have the opportunity to listen and network with professionals and students from various industries selected based on a community-wide survey to mentor and support those entering the job market. In 2023, we held our first ever Prom Clothing Drive to ensure that costs for clothing would not be a barrier to local students attending their high school prom. We also held our first in person networking mixer, which was the culmination of our weeklong mentorship panel series.
A glimpse into our College Applications 101 Workshop in October 2023, featuring Harvard University student and South Ozone Park resident Janna Habibulla.
Spotlight on Rise Up & Lead
South Queens Women's March is proud to report that we partnered Future Leaders in Action (FLIA) in the Summer of 2023 to host our inaugural “Rise Up & Lead” Summer Institute. FLIA cultivates leaders and strengthens youth-oriented nonprofits through a fellowship program. Fellows, individuals interested in entering the social sector, work on-site full-time at a partner nonprofit to develop or implement a pre-determined enrichment program. Throughout the fellowship, fellows gain various professional skills including time-management, communication, program development, in a fast-paced, hands-on learning environment. With the support of FLIA, South Queens Women's March served as a host site to a fellow selected by FLIA and South Queens Women's March. The fellow was paid a living wage through FLIA.
The fellow supported in the implementation of South Queens Women's March's first summer leadership institute. The institute met throughout the summer at the South Queens Women's March office as well as in the field for hands-on learning experiences. The institute ended in a graduation ceremony for all participants. Participants were recognized by local elected officials for their commitment to serving as future community leaders.
The institute featured sessions led by issue area experts covering a myriad of topics needed to cultivate grassroots leaders in local communities. Sessions included the following:
Qualities of an Effective Grassroots Organizer
Public Speaking 101
How to Organize an Advocacy Campaign
Grassroots Outreach Skills
Building Confidence
At SQWM, we center survivors.
One of the leading causes of Gender-Based Violence is economic dependence on perpetrators and abusers. As a result, we create a series of workshops directly for women and gender nonconforming people impacted by the pandemic and GBV. Our Personal Finance 101 series outlined and provided resources on becoming financially independent, building a credit score, savings account and more. We also hosted a Resume Revamp, LinkedIn and Personal Branding and virtual interviewing workshops to help community members enter/re-enter the job world. We also continuously share resources through our social media outlets for students and community members.
At SQWM, we will continue to use our movement and organization to bridge the equity gap and ensure survivors and our community members get the resources they deserve.