CT Women To Host Leadership Conference for Girls

SISTERS RISE: WHY WE MATTER

9^TH Annual National Sisters of Today and Tomorrow Leadership Conference for Girls

  

New Haven, Connecticut – What does a Preacher’s wife, a Gold Medalist, a Police Commissioner, an Executive Director of a Housing organization and the Director of a Small Business Academy all have in common? Sisters of Today and Tomorrow Leadership Conference for Girls…

Thursday – Saturday, July 14-16, 2016, Sisters of Today and Tomorrow (SOT), a nonprofit organization developed to transform the lives of girls and the women who raise them, will host its 9^th Annual National Leadership Conference for girls, in New Haven, Connecticut. Registration fee is $125pp (includes: morning and afternoon snack, lunch and conference materials). 

The Conference will kick off Thursday evening, July 14^th, with SOT's Summer Swanky Affair / Fundraiser at K2 New Haven, 27 Temple St., sponsored by Jacqueline James, Director of the Small Business Academy, City of New Haven and Carla Morrison, Executive Director of Sisters of Today and Tomorrow. “The evening will include: good food (Asian style), music, empowerment speeches and a silent auction. Highlights: A soul rendering singing performance by CT Gem Ebony, and keynote address from Gold Medalist, turned Coach Alexandria Givan. “The music will be provided by Herman Ham , who never disappoints, and special guest through-out the evening, all New Haven Public Schools alumni, that have gone on to do exceptional work in their field,” says Carla Morrison, Organizer of the Conference.

Friday, July 15^th will include a full day of workshops, including self-esteem building conducted by Mayor Aide Maya Welfare; “Lunch with a Leader”, presented by Dr. Karen DuBois-Walton of New Haven Housing Authority, “Express Yourself through Writing”, facilitated by Radio Legend/ Journalist Michelle Turner & Editor Babz Rawls Ivy, “Vision Board Creation” facilitated by West Haven Police Commissioner Deborah Busch Wright, “Dress for Success” workshop with Celebrity Fashion Stylist Tanisha Bundy, “Health & Wellness” presentation from Yale New Haven Hospital and the powerful Sisters Circle facilitated by Social Worker(s) Ericka Fields and Tanisha Bundy.

Saturday, July 16^th is “SOT’s Mommy, Mentor & Me Day”, where educator Tisha Welfare will conduct a “Planting the Leadership Seed” workshop and (retired) psychologist Bettye Morrison will facilitate a SHAPE workshop for both the mothers and mentors; While Dr. Christina Cousin (first lady of Bethel AME) will facilitate a “college prep” workshop for high school age girls and Actress Tyquanda Johnson will facilitate a “creativity” workshop for the younger girls. 

“We will come back together through a combined fitness workshop lead by fitness guru / Zumba expert Chaila Gilliams of Body Workers, LLC.,” says Carla Morrison, Founder/ Executive Director, SOT.

The conference will culminate with a brunch and a surprise guest speaker.  “Later that same evening SOT guest from Georgia and other places will join us with our family and friends on the green to enjoy the musical festivities.”

For more information, contact Carla Morrison, (404) 319-2130 or log onto: www.SOT2Girls.org 

SISTERS RISE: WHY WE MATTER

SISTERS RISE: WHY WE MATTER

By: Carla Morrison

@carlamorrison

Carla and Bria

New Haven native and resident Bria Holmes, was drafted into the WNBA, as a first round draft pick, 11th overall!  What an exciting time for her, her family & friends, as well as her hometown. 

One would think, this major life event was newsworthy enough to make front page of New Haven's mainstream hometown newspaper (or at least a major feature in the Sports section), as well as, New Haven's very popular online publication. That wasn’t the case. There was a small article in the Sports section of New Haven's hometown newspaper on Bria Holmes and no mention at all in the online publication.

As an advocate for girls (with a strong affinity for Black Girls), a proud New Haven, Connecticut native & James Hillhouse High School alumni (c/o 88) and a seasoned public relations professional, the fact that Bria Holmes was not celebrated properly in New Haven’s top two news publications concerned me. The first day, I expressed my disdain to the store cashier, where I was going to purchase a paper. The second day, I shared my concern with a friend and mentioned my healthy relationship with the mainstream hometown newspaper Editor; That friend suggested I contact her. That same evening I went to celebrate with Bria Holmes, her family and friends, with the intent to capture her special moment for the world to know who she is and what she has accomplished and to inform her and her family that I am an Elm City native, living in Atlanta, for the past 21 years, that they can count on, since Bria has been signed to the Atlanta Dream.  

 

The third day, I took action… I first wrote a letter to the editor of my hometown paper, as I did the popular online publication publisher (who is a Hillhouse alumni). I didn’t include our weekly black publication, the "Inner City Newspaper", in any correspondences, because I know, without a shadow of a doubt, within a week of this announcement, Bria Holmes will grace the cover page of the Inner City Newspaper; Because both the publisher and editor understands the significance of highlighting the accomplishment of a black girl from the inner city of New Haven being drafted into the WNBA. (Side note: The reason it is so important for black people to support black newspapers, is to make sure we will always have a vehicle to share the story and history of black people.) The mainstream newspaper editor, who is an avid supporter of Sisters of Today and Tomorrow (SOT), immediately responded. Not quite the response I was looking for, but she acknowledged my concern.

I then began writing this piece, “Sisters Rise: Why We Matter” (inspired by the Final Call Newspaper, #BlackGirlMagic article and this year’s theme for SOT's Leadership Conference for Girls, July 14-16, 2016). This article is not only to highlight the accomplishments of the outstanding, humble Basketball star Bria Holmes, a New Haven native / James Hillhouse High School alumni, who is the 2016 first round draft pick in the WNBA, 11^th overall, signed to the Atlanta Dream; but to encourage and ignite the community to take action and pride in yourself as well as each other.

Bria with former Hillhouse teammates and Coach Catrina
Hawley- Stewart.

Former Hillhouse Principal Kermit Carolina, Coach Stewart,
 Bria, her mother Carol and mentor Ty Sullivan.

Saturday night, Bria Holmes, relished in the love and support she received from the same village that has been there since day one: Her mother, aunts, mentor, fiance, AAU and high school basketball coaches, principals, teachers as well as the high school security guards, including a few good New Haven Community members, who have been a staple of New Haven pride, cheering on any young person, doing good.

WE HAVE ALWAYS MATTERED!

Long before Hillary Clinton decided to run for President, there was Shirley Chisholm, in 1972, from Brooklyn, New York, who ran for President. The USA wasn’t ready for Chisholm, however, as the first black Congresswoman (1968), she blazed a path for women politicians. Black women – Sisters have always been pioneers… from Harriet Tubman, leading hundreds of enslaved people out of slavery through the Underground Railroad, to Fannie Lou Hamer, advocating for the rights of black people to vote; Which is the vote Hillary Clinton needs to possibly win the primary for Democratic Presidential candidacy.

There is a long list of black women pioneers who have accomplished great things, for which the many women, and girls (black, white, and other) I encounter, as well as myself, shoulders we stand on.

 SISTERS RISE: WHY WE MATTER

From First Lady Michelle Obama, to singing Icon Beyonce, to 1st woman Mayor of the City of New Haven, Toni Harp and Tyisha Walker, first woman president, in the 1800 year history of the City of New Haven Board of Alders, to New Haven Police Department 1st black woman Captain Patricia Helliger and New Haven’s own WNBA first round draft pick Bria Holmes, sisters have made and will continue to make significant contributions to society.

#WEMATTER…

Captain Patricia Helliger and
Alderwoman Tyisha Walker
share their story #SOTWomenPioneers

Carla Morrison is the Founder & Executive Director of Sisters of Today and Tomorrow, a nonprofit organization dedicated to developing girls and the women who raise them, with regards to self-esteem building, education, health & fitness and careers/entrepreneurship. She is also a 20+ year Communications veteran, specializing in print media and online content. www.SOT2Girls.org 

#SistersRise

Celebrating Women of Color... "Women Pioneers Share Their Story"

New Haven, Connecticut – Alderwoman Jeanette Morrison, African American Cultural Center at Yale and Sisters of Today and Tomorrow partnered to bring New Haven an engaging Women’s History Month program, “Celebrating Women of Color… Women Pioneers Share Their Story”, last Saturday, March 19th, at the African American Cultural Center at Yale, in New Haven, Connecticut.

The inspirational program, included entertainment, food, and an enriching conversation with New Haven women pioneers. The "feel good" program highlighted and celebrated the accomplishments of women pioneers and history makers. The panelists included: First Gold Medalist in the Hammer Throw, Alexandria Givan; First black woman Captain of New Haven Police Department, Patricia Helliger; Alderwoman Tyisha Walker, first woman president of the New Haven Board of Alders and first woman elected president of the Greater New Haven NAACP, Doris Dumas.  The panel was moderated by: Babz Ivy Rawls, Editor-in-Chief of Inner City News.  Hosted by: Carla Morrison, Executive Director, Sisters of Today and Tomorrow, with a welcome by: Dean Rise Nelson, Executive Director, African American Cultural Center. And closing remarks by Alderwoman Jeanette Morrison, Ward 22 NH. Celebrating Women of Color highlights included SOT members Zaria, Knyah and Bryonna, with a special poetry performance by Tyquanda Johnson of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, Alpha Alpha Rho Zeta chapter.

“’Celebrating Women of Color’ (CWOC) is a feel good program that I’ve been producing since 2003, while living in Atlanta, Georgia,” stated Carla Morrison, Executive Director of Sisters of Today and Tomorrow. “I am now making the transition back to New Haven, after 20 years, and thought this would not only be a great way to reintroduce myself and my passion to my hometown and the beloved community, but establish a new kind of programming for New Haven girls and women. And with partners like my sister, Alder Jeanette Morrison and Dean Rise Nelson of the AfAm Cultural Center at Yale, I know I'm on the right track.”  

The event is an annual program and will take place next year, same time, different theme. The organization is also planning their 3rd SOT New Haven Leadership Conference for Girls, July 14-16th, 2016 at the African American Cultural Center at Yale. To sign up your daughter, niece or mentee, you can pre-register (no later than Thursday, June 20^th), by logging onto: www.sistersoftodayandtomorrow.org  (press the donate button) to make your $125 contribution. You can also, call (404) 319-2130 or email: sistersoftodayandtomorrow@gmail.com.  #SOTWomenPioneers

“Celebrating Women of Color…” is one of three signature programs produced by Sisters of Today and Tomorrow (SOT). The program is in its 10^th year and takes place in the month of March, in celebration of Women’s History Month. SOT has had a number of phenomenal keynote speakers including: Child Prodigy Kenya Jordana James, Publisher of Black Girl Magazine; Georgia State Senator Connie Stokes; Author/Poet Mark Anthony; Georgia State Representative Alisha Thomas-Morgan; 1^st African American Woman Fire Chief Rosemary Cloud; R&B Singer Chrisette Michele; The Honorable Mayor of Riverdale, Georgia Evelyn Wynn-Dixon; Music Executive / Community Activist Karen Marie Mason; Author/Professor Dr. Stephane Dunn; Author/Professor Rabiyah “Rah” Karim-Kincey; R&B Diva’s Executive Producer/ Cast member Nicci Gilbert; The Houston’s “On Our Own” Executive Producer Wanda Shelley and Trumpet Awards Founder Xernona Clayton.

Sisters of Today and Tomorrow is a 501C(3) nonprofit organization, that helps to build confidence, character and leadership. Founded by Carla Morrison, in 2008, the organization is reputable across America for its sincere need to assist women and children. The organization has produced over 25 community programs, promoting higher education, entrepreneurship, self-esteem, health & fitness and personal development, in both Atlanta, Georgia and New Haven, Connecticut, impacting over 5,000 youth and adults. www.SOT2Girls.org 

Celebrating Women of Color… “Women Pioneers Share Their Story”

Sisters of Today and Tomorrow’s 10^th Annual Women’s History Month program

For Immediate Release!                                              March 15, 2016

Contact:               Carla Morrison,

                                Executive Director

                                Sisters of Today and Tomorrow

                                (404) 319-2130

                                sistersoftodayandtomorrow@gmail.com

New Haven, Connecticut – Alderwoman Jeanette Morrison, African American Cultural Center at Yale and Sisters of Today and Tomorrow partner to bring New Haven an engaging Women’s History Month program, “Celebrating Women of Color… Women Pioneers Share Their Story”, Saturday, March 19, 2016, 10am-12pm at the African American Cultural Center at Yale, 211 Park Street, New Haven, Connecticut. $25 - donation. The program is open to all men, women and children.

Captain Patricia Helliger

The event will include: Entertainment, food, vendor shopping and an enriching conversation with New Haven women pioneers. The program is a feel good program, highlighting and celebrating the accomplishments of women. The panelists include: First Gold Medalist in the Hammer Throw, Alexandria Givan; First woman Captain of New Haven Police Department, Patricia Helliger; and First woman president of New Haven Board of Alders, Alderwoman Tyisha Walker. Moderated by: Babz Ivy Rawls, Editor in Chief of Inner City News. Hosted by: Carla Morrison, Executive Director, Sisters of Today and Tomorrow. Welcome by: Dean Rise Nelson, Executive Director of AfAm Cultural Center. Greetings brought by Alderwoman Colon. Celebrating Women of Color highlight brought to you by SOT members Zaria Edwards and Knyah Patton, with special performance by Tyquanda Johnson of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated, Alpha Alpha Rho Zeta chapter. And closing remarks by Alderwoman Jeanette Morrison.

Doris Duma

 “’Celebrating Women of Color’ (CWOC) is a program I’ve been producing since 2003, while living in Atlanta, Georgia,” stated Carla Morrison, Executive Director of Sisters of Today and Tomorrow. “I am now making the transition back to New Haven, after 20 years, and thought this would be a great way to reintroduce myself and my passion to my hometown and the beloved community.”

To attend this event, you will need to rsvp (no later than Thursday, March 17^th), by logging onto: www.sistersoftodayandtomorrow.org (press the donate button) to make your $25 contribution. You can also, call (404) 319-2130 or email: sistersoftodayandtomorrow@gmail.com. #SOTWomenPioneers

Alexandria Givan

“Celebrating Women of Color…” is one of three signature programs produced by Sisters of Today and Tomorrow (SOT). The program is in its 10^th year and takes place in the month of March, in celebration of Women’s History Month. SOT has had a number of phenomenal keynote speakers including: Child Prodigy Kenya Jordana James, Publisher of Black Girl Magazine; Georgia State Senator Connie Stokes; Author/Poet Mark Anthony; Georgia State Representative Alisha Thomas-Morgan; 1^st African American Woman Fire Chief Rosemary Cloud; R&B Singer Chrisette Michele; The Honorable Mayor of Riverdale, Georgia Evelyn Wynn-Dixon; Music Executive / Community Activist Karen Marie Mason; Author/Professor Dr. Stephane Dunn; Author/Professor Rabiyah “Rah” Karim-Kincey; R&B Diva’s Executive Producer/ Cast member Nicci Gilbert; The Houston’s “On Our Own” Executive Producer Wanda Shelley and Trumpet Awards Founder Xernona Clayton.

Alderwoman Tyisha Walker

Sisters of Today and Tomorrow is a 501C(3) nonprofit organization, that helps to build confidence, character and leadership. Founded by Carla Morrison, in 2008, the organization is reputable across America for its sincere need to assist women and children. The organization has produced over 25 community programs, promoting higher education, entrepreneurship, self-esteem, health & fitness and personal development, in both Atlanta, Georgia and New Haven, Connecticut, impacting over 5,000 youth and adults. www.SOT2Girls.org  

Babz Rawls Ivy

Alderwoman Jeanette Morrison

Alderwoman Delores Colon

Carla Morrison