Save the date: They Look Like Me with RAW Art Works

Posted on 1/21/15 by Amy Barrett

On February 5, 2015, RAW Art Works will host the They Look Like Me event from 6:30 – 9 PM. This event will offer youth at RAW the opportunity to engage with professionals of color. This event will also feature Real Talk: Challenge, Choice, and Outcomes. This event will create a safe space for RAW youths and other attendees to openly and honestly discuss what’s really going on in the world. This discussion will hopefully help RAW youths understand the realities of the world and how they may deal with these realities as they work to achieve their goals and move into their futures. If you are interested in attending, you can RSVP here: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/theylooklikeme

SheGives Black Circle Logo[2]

 

SheGives connects committed, inquisitive, engaged donors with a slate of diligenced nonprofits in the Greater Boston area. We provide members with relevant data about the nonprofits in our portfolio and an opportunity to meet directly with our nonprofits’ Executive Directors and senior staff in small settings that promote in-depth q&a’s and, ultimately, informed giving. Giving is personally driven, but because we give side-by-side our collective impact is greater. See a list of the vetted nonprofits selected for our slate here.

Posted in News, SheGives Slate | Leave a comment

SheShinesOn … Latiana Appleberry, My Life My Choice

Posted on 1/20/15 by Amy Barrett

STAT BOX

Mentor and Group Facilitator for MLMC for 4 years

Grew up in Boston

Currently reading “Random Families”

Last vacationed in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Works with commercially sexually exploited girls to help them recover, build trusting relationships, and find positive support outside the industry

She “Meets the girls where they are at”, helps them to become leaders in their communities and advocate for themselves

Q: What has surprised you most since starting your work with MLMC?

A: The great resiliency that these girls display. They have been through some of the most horrific things and yet they still stand strong and willing to be better young women. They still strive for more and still engage with the mentors at MLMC. Also that I would still love my job so much, and that as a survivor my opinion is held with such great importance.

Q: What has been the hardest part about being a survivor mentor?

A: The fact that girls are still being exploited. Although I am a survivor, it still hurts my heart that sex trafficking still exists at this extreme and seems to be worse than when I was being exploited.

Q: What did you have to learn to do in order to be able to do your job?

A:  I’ve learned that the girls are victims and it’s not their fault. The johns and pimps are the criminals. I had to learn that everybody has ways to cope (drug use, anger etc.) and that doesn’t make the girl a bad person; but a survivor.

Q: What’s the best experience that you’ve had as a mentor?

A:  Last year, when one of my girls was reunited with her family on my birthday. She was on the run and exploited for the previous 6 months. It was the greatest gift ever!

 SheGives Black Circle Logo[2]

SheGives connects committed, inquisitive, engaged donors with a slate of diligenced nonprofits in the Greater Boston area. We provide members with relevant data about the nonprofits in our portfolio and an opportunity to meet directly with our nonprofits’ Executive Directors and senior staff in small settings that promote in-depth q&a’s and, ultimately, informed giving. Giving is personally driven, but because we give side-by-side our collective impact is greater. See a list of the vetted nonprofits selected for our slate here.

Posted in SheGives Slate, SheShinesOn | Leave a comment

WhoIsShe? SheGives Member Nicole Underwood

Posted on 1/15/15 by Amy Barrett

STAT BOX

Married

Loves to read and has been known read books in one sitting when relaxing on Cape Cod.

Favorite vacation spot is Rio De Janeiro (although her recent honeymoon to Santorini put it in a close second)

Her husband recently gave her a "mommy-to-be" spa day.

As a child, she wanted to work for NASA and spent three years in undergrad studying Astronomy and Physics

Guilty Pleasure: loves Star Wars and has read almost all the books in the "universe."

Q: Let’s start by getting to know a little about you. Who is your favorite author or musician?

A: One author that really speaks to me is Hart Crane (I even have a verse of his tattooed on my wrist). I love his optimism (despite personal struggles) and his focus on beauty and the American experience. As for music… music is such a huge part of my life and I try to make it to live shows regularly. I think I have a too many favorites to name but a few are Bowie, The Rolling Stones, The Stooges and more recently The Drive-By Truckers.

Q: How do you like to spend your free time?

A: My city time I spend out at local music shows, dinner/drinks with friends and soaking in all Boston has to offer. However since I grew up in rural Minnesota I often find myself seeking green space on the weekends. In the summer I spend a lot of time on the Cape and in the fall/spring the Arboretum, Esplanade and other urban parks.

Q: In regards to SheGives, why did you want to be a co-chair for a focus track, specifically the Kids in Breach track?

A: Boston has so many amazing non-profits, so the hyper focus of this track really appealed to me. Because many of the Kids in Breach track non-profits work to fill gaps in the system, I thought it would be very fulfilling to bring more awareness to these programs. I also think that SheGives’ support will do a great deal of good for many of these non-profits.

Q: Finally, who brought you into SheGives and what do you like best about her?

A: I was brought into SheGives by Kirstan Barnett. The thing I like most about Kirstan is her laugh. It is soulful and infectious. I feel it gives such a great insight into her as a person– both her intelligent and zest for life.

SheGives Black Circle Logo[2]
SheGives connects committed, inquisitive, engaged donors with a slate of diligenced nonprofits in the Greater Boston area. We provide members with relevant data about the nonprofits in our portfolio and an opportunity to meet directly with our nonprofits’ Executive Directors and senior staff in small settings that promote in-depth q&a’s and, ultimately, informed giving. Giving is personally driven, but because we give side-by-side our collective impact is greater. See a list of the vetted nonprofits selected for our slate here.

WhoIsShe is a regular column featuring an appreciative but sometimes irreverent conversation with a SheGives Member.

Posted in WhoIsShe? | Leave a comment

SheGives and the Museum of Science Celebrate Two Years of Engineering Adventures

Posted on 1/14/15 by Amy Barrett

Two years ago, Engineering is Elementary released the very first Engineering Adventures after school curriculum. After wide success, educators now have six complete units to choose from with their students. And the program continues to grow!

To date, the Engineering Adventures free educator guides have been downloaded nearly 14,000 times and hard bound copies of the guides have been made available through the Engineering is Elementary online store. Materials kits have also been made available to educators implementing the EA curriculum. This month, EA has also made a new tool available to afterschool educators in the form of an Educator Resources list for each unit. These lists feature articles, videos and books that relate back to the content of each unit and are easily downloadable.

Engineering Adventures after school curricula was extensively pilot tested and is designed on the premise that students who engage with these after school engineering materials develop more positive attitudes toward engineering and become more confident in their abilities as engineers.

The Museum of Science is the first science museum in the country with a comprehensive strategy and infrastructure to foster technological literacy in both science museums and schools nationwide. Its engineering curricula have reached an estimated 78,000 teachers and 6.5 million students (as of Oct 2014) nationwide.

SheGives Black Circle Logo[2]

SheGives connects committed, inquisitive, engaged donors with a slate of diligenced nonprofits in the Greater Boston area. We provide members with relevant data about the nonprofits in our portfolio and an opportunity to meet directly with our nonprofits’ Executive Directors and senior staff in small settings that promote in-depth q&a’s and, ultimately, informed giving. Giving is personally driven, but because we give side-by-side our collective impact is greater. See a list of the vetted nonprofits selected for our slate here.

Posted in News, SheGives Slate | Leave a comment

Remember 2014 with RAW Art Works’ Reel To Reel School

Posted on 1/7/15 by Amy Barrett

This year, students of the Reel to Reel film school at RAW Artworks completed some truly amazing work. These films explore family, music, and life. They are poetic and beautifully made and remind us of why RAW Artworks is so important. Reminisce on the past year with these films made by advanced students and join us in looking forward to more impactful and inspiring work from RAW and its students in 2015.

Advanced student work, among other films by Reel to Reel students, can be seen here.

Jordan from Real To Reel on Vimeo.

SheGives Black Circle Logo[2]

 

SheGives connects committed, inquisitive, engaged donors with a slate of diligenced nonprofits in the Greater Boston area. We provide members with relevant data about the nonprofits in our portfolio and an opportunity to meet directly with our nonprofits’ Executive Directors and senior staff in small settings that promote in-depth q&a’s and, ultimately, informed giving. Giving is personally driven, but because we give side-by-side our collective impact is greater. See a list of the vetted nonprofits selected for our slate here.

Posted in News, SheGives Slate | Leave a comment

SheShinesOn … Masiel Encarnación, RAW Art Works

Posted on 1/6/15 by Amy Barrett

STAT BOX

Project Launch Program Director

3 Years with Raw Art Works

Grew up in Lynn, MA

Describes her best meal as a blue cheese bacon burger

Gave her mom a surprise massage for Mother’s Day to show her appreciation for her mom’s hard work.

Is an alumna of RAW

Q: Tell us a little more about your professional experience.

A: After two years of working directly with the youth of RAW’s college access and career exploration program I assumed the role of Project Launch Director in June 2014. Along with the Youth coordinator, we expanded our annual calendar of workshops offered to teens and their families, added more field trips to colleges and universities, and recruited more one-on-one volunteer mentors to accommodate our Launch teens. For example, our workshops included “The Inside Scoop on the College Admissions Process” (a panel and college fair), Information sessions on other alternatives like Job Corps and Year Up and provided more individualized support to our youth, mentors and families.

Q: What has been the hardest part about your job?

A: The hardest part about my job is that every young person’s life, situation, family circumstances and drive are different and as a team, we must learn to adapt to that with patience and without judgement.

Q: What has surprised you most since starting your work with your org?

A:  The true genuine dedication of the staff and mentors to the youth.

Q: What would the world be like without your organization?

A: If it wasn’t for RAW I would not be the woman I am today and other youth would not have the opportunity to build their strengths and express themselves freely. It would be a sad world.

SheGives Black Circle Logo[2]

SheGives connects committed, inquisitive, engaged donors with a slate of diligenced nonprofits in the Greater Boston area. We provide members with relevant data about the nonprofits in our portfolio and an opportunity to meet directly with our nonprofits’ Executive Directors and senior staff in small settings that promote in-depth q&a’s and, ultimately, informed giving. Giving is personally driven, but because we give side-by-side our collective impact is greater. See a list of the vetted nonprofits selected for our slate here.

Posted in SheGives Slate, SheShinesOn | Leave a comment

SheShinesOn…Ashley Hannah, College Bound Dorchester

Posted on 12/30/14 by Lindsay Durgin

STAT BOX

ESOL Instructor for CBD

From Buffalo, NY

Currently reading "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks"

Loves to eat...her favorite meal is every meal

Last vacationed in the Dominican Republic

Q: Tell us about your work with CBD.

I help ESOL students achieve their goal of attending and graduating from college.

Q: What has surprised you most since starting your work with your org?

The commitment of other staff to the same goals as me.

Q: What did you have to learn to do in order to be able to do your job?

To be more patient! It is challenging to get adults to commit to the hard work it takes to achieve their goals.

Posted in SheShinesOn | Leave a comment

Connie Chow steps down as Executive Director of SCFG

Posted on 12/24/14 by Amy Barrett

Connie Chow has been Executive Director for Science Club for Girls since 2006. She personifies the spirit of SCFG with her passion, curiosity, and confidence as she seeks create an environment of inclusion in STEM.

The impact she has made on the girls of SCFG shows through in this video that was presented at the 2014 Catalyst Awards.

You can contribute to SCFG in Connie’s honor by donating, or consider volunteering in the future!

Thank you, Connie, for all the work you’ve done!

Posted in News, SheGives Slate | Leave a comment

SheShinesOn…Maura Hackett, Science Club for Girls

Posted on 12/23/14 by Amy Barrett

STAT BOX

Teen Program Director

Has worked for Science Club for Girls since May 2013

Oversees teen programs for grades 6-12 including the middle school program, challenge teams, high school internships, summer program, and junior mentors

Lived in NYC prior to moving to Boston

Grew up in New Jersey

Has a dog named Zoey

Q: Could you tell us a little more about your professional experience?

A: I have a Master’s in Environmental Public Health from Boston University and a Bachelor’s in Sociology and Anthropology from The College of New Jersey. Prior to my position at SCFG, I worked with museums and traditionally rigged ships across the US to teach middle and high school students about coastal ecology, water quality, leadership, and navigation.

Q: What previous job or training has best prepared you for your work with SCFG?

A: My education in various sciences, experience working with students of all ages (K-12), and years of working with volunteers and interns helped prepare me for my role as Teen Program Director.

Q: What has surprised you most since starting your work with SCFG?

A: The longevity of our students’ participation always amazes me. I think our programs offer fantastic opportunities for all ages and it’s reassuring to work with teens who are in 10th and 11th grades and have been involved since Kindergarten.

Q: Finally, what advice would you give to people who are interested in your org’s type of work?

A: This is a great position for individuals who like to have variety in their workload. Each day includes something different, from rocket launches to attending community meetings to engineering structures out of cereal boxes with first graders. This is a great organization to build relationships with others.

SheGives Black Circle Logo[2]

SheGives connects committed, inquisitive, engaged donors with a slate of diligenced nonprofits in the Greater Boston area. We provide members with relevant data about the nonprofits in our portfolio and an opportunity to meet directly with our nonprofits’ Executive Directors and senior staff in small settings that promote in-depth q&a’s and, ultimately, informed giving. Giving is personally driven, but because we give side-by-side our collective impact is greater. See a list of the vetted nonprofits selected for our slate here.

Posted in SheShinesOn | Leave a comment

EiE Named Top 100 Product in Education

Posted on 12/18/14 by Amy Barrett

District Administration magazine has named EiE a Reader’s Choice Top 100 product for 2014. District Administration provides K-12 leaders with critical news and information for school district management through its monthly magazine, website, e-newsletters and District Administration Leadership Institute Superintendent Summits. This list recognizes products that work to make a positive difference in education.

This year, a record 2,400 nominations were submitted to District Administration‘s editors. Products were then selected for the list based on how many nominations it had received as well as the descriptions provided by the readers (including 72,000 principals, superintendents, and district leaders).  The Reader’s Choice Top 100 has been announced online and in the December issue of District Administration.

See EiE in action as students learn to use the design processes in engineering:

Engineering is Elementary is a project of the National Center for Technological Literacy at the Museum of Science, Boston. 

SheGives Black Circle Logo[2]

 

SheGives connects committed, inquisitive, engaged donors with a slate of diligenced nonprofits in the Greater Boston area. We provide members with relevant data about the nonprofits in our portfolio and an opportunity to meet directly with our nonprofits’ Executive Directors and senior staff in small settings that promote in-depth q&a’s and, ultimately, informed giving. Giving is personally driven, but because we give side-by-side our collective impact is greater. See a list of the vetted nonprofits selected for our slate here.

Posted in News, SheGives Slate | Leave a comment