Program - Mothers Day Jazz Brunch 2025

Pre-Mother’s Day Jazz Brunch & Hat Parade

Sunday, May 4, 2025 | 2:30PM Royal Regency Hotel Yonkers | NY

www.s2si.org PRESENTING SPONSORS:

MEDIA SPONSORS:

SPONSORS: SUPPORTING SPONSORS:

DR. CHERYL BRANNAN Sister to Sister International (STSI) Founder and CEO

Greetings and welcome to Sister to Sister International’s (STSI’s) Fifth Annual Day of Education, Recognition and Action! And the crowd roars!!

2024 marked our 30th anniversary, a banner year with an extraordinary fundraising gala.

Special thanks to all who supported our efforts. Moving forward collaboration and activism will be more important now than ever.

This event showcases the power of unity and collective effort, providing updates on STSI’s four pillars and workgroups, and building on insights from our "Still I Rise: Status of Black Women and Girls in Westchester County" report.

We are grateful for our community partners who assist in our work focused on: Health and Wellness and Black maternal health; Social and Juvenile Justice; Entrepreneurship, pay equity, and economic prosperity; STEM & STEAM Camp and Academy.

Today, STSI STEAM students and alums will highlight their civic activities, emphasizing civic awareness and advocacy, hallmarks of the STSI STEAM programs. We proudly recognize three community partners: The Jack and Jill Foundation, Westchester Library System, and Andrus, for their outstanding contributions to the community. We are excited to host a fireside chat with Rashad Bilal and Troy Millings, NY Times Best Selling authors of “You Deserve to Be Rich.” Our day includes four esteemed panelists discussing key issues like mental health, justice, and economic empowerment, as well as pillar breakout groups for sharing ideas and taking action.

Sponsors play a crucial role in enhancing community value, nurturing future leaders, and supporting events like this one. Special thanks to our presenting sponsors Key Bank and the Westchester Library System.

Heartfelt thanks to Board Co-chairs Germaine Scott and Zelda Strong Diaz, our dedicated board of directors, steering committee, workgroup leaders, members, and consultants. Their leadership drives our success.

United in purpose, STSI calls upon members and allies to be the change we wish to see, promoting equity and forging a brighter tomorrow. Let's continue to take ACTION and move forward, together!

Sisterly,

Dr. Cheryl

PROGRAM Welcome & Greetings Dr. Marcia V. Keizs

Mistress of Ceremonies Brea Watkins - STSI STEAM SISTAH Founders & Presidents’ Address Dr. Cheryl L. Brannan Invocation Loren Morris Aurthor Spotlight Dr. LaRuth Gray Meal is Served Award Presentations Brenda Bracey Presented by Sayidana Brannan Douglas Germaine Scott Presented by Dr. Angela Campbell Presented by Deneé Hall Reverend Marcia White-Smith Presented by Brea Watkins Zelda Strong Dias Presented by Hat Parade Contest Judges: Sayidana Brannan Douglas | Cammie Jones Friedrichs Announcement of the Auction Winners Closing Remarks Ghia Clark Vote of Thanks Dr. Cheryl L. Brannan

MISTRESS OF CERAMONIES

Brea Watkins - STSI STEAM SISTAH Brea Watkins is a University of Pennsylvania Magna Cum Laude graduate with a degree in Environmental Studies and a minor in Theatre. She has recently worked at MDB, Inc. as a Community Engagement Specialist where she supported a wide range of projects for the National institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) and United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Brea and her colleagues worked on contracts funded by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, with a focus on bringing clean water and sanitation to rural communities.

Brea is passionate about her Christian faith, service, and uplifting the voices of underrepresented communities. Starting this fall. She is pursuing a Juris Doctor at Columbia Law School and is excited to gain skills that will make her an effective advocate.

DR CHERYL L. BRANNAN - FOUNDERS CIRCLE AWARD

Awardee: Brenda Bracey Brenda J. Bracey, a lifelong resident of Yonkers, New York, has been a dedicated supporter of Sister to Sister International (STSI) for over 30 years. As an inaugural Board Member and current Chair of the Scholarship Committee, she has worked tirelessly to advance STSI’s mission, recruit students for the STEAM Program, and lead fundraising efforts, opening doors for many pursuing higher education in STEAM fields. A graduate of Commerce High School and Pace University, Brenda had a successful career supporting engineers at Graphite Metallizing Corp. and IBM. Now retired, she is passionate about encouraging young students.

Brenda is honored to receive the Dr. Cheryl L. Brannan Founders Circle Award and thanks all who support STSI’s mission.

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HON. PEARL C. QUARLES - GUARDIAN OF THE MISSION AWARD

Awardee: Germaine Scott

Germaine S. Scott has been an active member of Sister to Sister International (STSI) for over 20 years, currently serving as Board Co-chair.

She has demonstrated exceptional leadership in various committees and has played a key role in fundraising, including securing laptop donations through her employer. Originally from Trinidad and Tobago, Germaine's Caribbean-American heritage shapes her values. A graduate of Iona University, she has a successful career spanning 25 years at companies like Revlon, Coca-Cola, and Gartner, Inc. Germaine values her faith, community service with Greater Centennial AME Zion Church, and cherishes family, healthy living, and travel. She is honored to receive the Hon. Pearl C. Quarles Guardian of the Mission Award.

Awardee: Dr. Angela Campbell

Dr. Angela Campbell has been a member of STSI for nearly 25 years. She founded Academic Pathways, an award-winning After-School STEAM Center that served over 1,400 students and secured $20 million in scholarships. With over 30 years of experience, Dr. Campbell is now the Director of Women’s Services at Westchester Community Health Center (WCHC). She leads the OB/GYN department, addressing Social Determinants of Health for pregnant individuals and families and collaborating with organizations like STSI to tackle issues like premature births. She believes that health and Social Determinants of Health are interconnected, stating, “It is easier to educate a child than repair an adult. We need community-based organizations to help address disparities in black maternal and infant health.”

Awardee: Rev. Marcia White Smith Rev. Marcia White-Smith has been a dedicated member of Sister to Sister International (STSI) for over two decades, serving on the Scholarship Committee and as the inaugural Co-Director of Organizational Effectiveness.

She secures funding for STSI and invests personally in the Reach for the Stars Scholarship Program, championing the mission to empower women, girls, and families. A lifelong advocate for education and social justice, Rev. Marcia worked as a School Psychologist in New York City for over 30 years and is an ordained United Methodist clergyperson. Her ministry includes leading prayer groups, grief support, hospice volunteering, and end-of-life doula support. As a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, she is committed to faith, family, and uplifting her community.

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LAVINIA B. SMITH - DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD

Awardee: Zelda Strong-Diaz Zelda Strong-Diaz, Board Co-chair for Sister to Sister International (STSI), is a lifelong advocate for youth and community empowerment.

She oversees Marketing, TECH, Public Relations, Membership, Sunshine and Hospitality, and Human Resources Management at STSI. Zelda has played a key role in the organization's digital migration, launching membership campaigns, merging committees, and securing funding to support growth. A graduate of Lincoln University and Pace University with a B.A. and M.P.A., she is also a Program Manager at Gartner, Inc., where she manages client-facing meetings. Her commitment to service and inspiring future community leaders drives her work with STSI and beyond.

AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT

LaRuth Gray Dr. La Ruth Gray is a distinguished educator, writer, and community leader.

With over two decades of experience analyzing the influence of presidential personalities on education, she began her career in the New Rochelle Public Schools, eventually becoming Assistant Superintendent and leading reforms to combat minority isolation and declining enrollment, as detailed in her book, "What about Barnard." As the Superintendent of Abbott Union Free School District, she received honors from the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts for her contributions to arts education. After retiring in 1989, she joined NYU’s Steinhardt School as Deputy Director of The METRO Center and Affiliate Professor. Dr. Gray has earned numerous awards, including recognition for her outstanding service and leadership in education. She serves on various boards and committees, including as President Emeritus of Arts Westchester and a mentor in the American Association/Howard University Superintendent Preparation Program. In addition to her book, she has authored several journal articles and holds degrees from Howard University, Nova University, and Columbia University Teacher's College. Dr. Gray is married to educator Joseph Morgan and is the mother of Reverend Dierdra Gray Clark and Philip Gray.

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STSI BOARD OF DIRECTORS Cheryl Brannan, MS Founder & CEO Germaine Scott Zelda Strong-Diaz, MPA Co-Chairs Kassandra M. Woody Secretary Georgia Reid Douglas, MS Treasurer

Deana Nelson, CMP Brenda Bracey Dr. Angela Campbell Vera Cheek Tinuke Colpa, MS, SBL, SDA Charmaine Golding, MS Subomi Macaulay Athena Dent-Alleyne, CHC

Alyssa Gillespie, Esq. Parlemantarian

Gwen Parris, Esq. Dr. Darlene Russell Rev. Marcia White-Smith, MS, MDiv. Athena Dent-Alleyne, CHC Ghiliane Clark Chiatogu Onyewu, MD, PhD Donna Elise Bell, MBA CHES Jordanne-Ashley Lewis, MS Pamela Verette Mara Calderon Guerra Sybil St. Germain

STSI WORKGROUPS & TEAM SOCIAL & JUVENILE JUSTICE WORKGROUP

Chair: Shurla Tukuru & Pat White, MA Co-Chairs: Dr. Darlene Russell & Dr. Alexandria Connally

BLACK MATERNAL HEALTH & HEALTHY LIFESTYLES WORKGROUP Chair: Millissa Bess, BSN RN OCN Preeclampsia Chair: Nubia Martin, MS SBTO Co-Chair: Khalia Jones, CPA & Erica Williams-Woodley, RN MSN NP Communications: Jennifer Jones & Gloria Cunningham

ENTREPRENEURSHIP, PAY EQUITY, & ECONOMIC PROSPERITY WORKGROUP Chair: Charmaine Golding, MS Co-Chairs: Georgia Reid-Douglas, MPA & Weaver, MS

CONSULTANTS

Dr. Valerie Mason Cunningham, Strategic Planning Beryl Weaver, MS, Community Partner Liaison Tsahai Amazan, Development & Administration Gloria Cunningham, Marketing & Tech Lydia Smith, MBA, STEAM Program Cheryl Hunter-Grant, MSW, Black Maternal Health Eden Gilliam, Social Media

STSI STEERING COMMITTEE Dr. Marcia V. Keizs, Allison Lake, MBA, Dr. La Ruth Gray, E. Adell Dowdy, MA, Judge Janet Malone, Jamie Hubert, MBA, Lauren Williams, Patricia White, MA, Rashida Thigpen, Esq., *Roslyn Abrams, Kecia Palmer-Cousins, Hon. Shawyn Patterson-Howard, MA, Suzanne Greenidge-Hewitt, MD, Hon. Terry Clements, Yedidah Yehudah, MA RD, Paige Long Sharps, MD, Cammie Jones-Fredrichs, MA, April Bourne, Bianca Gambrah, MHC-LLP, CLC, OWDS, Stephanie Lovinsky-Desir, MD, Hon. Gina Jackson, Sade E. Amazan, MBA, Dr. Kenya Beard, Victor Petenkemani, Hon. Shanae Williams, Judge Verris Shako *Honorary Steering Committee Member

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2024 Accomplishments

2024 Community Engagement Accomplishments at a Glance

16 Webinars Conducted 14 Community Education Forum

Over 1500 People Impacted

275 Students Engaged

10

Pillar / Initiative Issues Raised

STSI Initiatives STSI empowers young women of color to pursue STEAM, STEM, and health careers through hands-on experiences like our STEAM Summer Camp, Money, Marketing & Mindset Conference, and industry partnerships with UKG and Regeneron. Our initiatives, including virtual college prep and site visits, provide the knowledge, exposure, and mentorship needed to build successful futures in these fields.

STSI actively addresses Black maternal health and overall wellness through community education, outreach, and engagement, including webinars on Black maternal health, mental health, and heart health, as well as initiatives like the “Sister is Beating the Odds” physical activity challenge. Our efforts empower Black women with critical health knowledge and resources, promoting healthier lifestyles and reducing health disparities.

STSI advances entrepreneurship, economic prosperity, and pay equity by equipping Black women with financial literacy, business networking, and certification opportunities. Through Smart Money workshops, Black Women’s Equal Pay Day advocacy, and MWBE certification training, we empower women to build wealth and sustain successful businesses.

STSI advocates for Juvenile & Social justice by supporting parents, engaging youth, and driving policy change.

Through partnerships with Braveheart, focus groups in group homes, and advocacy for Solutions Not Suspensions legislation, we work to improve youth mental health and create equitable opportunities for system-impacted youth

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UPCOMING EVENTS

Mental Health Friends and Family

Deadline - May 30, 2025

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Deadline - May 30, 2025

COLLECTIVE IMPACT PARTNERS AND STAKEHOLDERS Department of Health Office for Women Women’s Advisory Board

COMMITTEE: A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO THE SCHOLARSHIP AND FUNDRAISING COMMITTEE FOR THEIR OUTSTANDING EFFORTS IN PLANNING AND EXECUTING THIS YEAR’S PRE-MOTHER’S DAY JAZZ BRUNCH AND HAT PARADE. THEIR DEDICATION, CREATIVITY, AND COMMITMENT HELPED MAKE THE EVENT A TRUE SUCCESS. WE ARE DEEPLY GRATEFUL TO EACH OF THEM FOR ALL THEIR HARD WORK IN ADVANCING OUR MISSION AND CREATING SUCH A MEMORABLE CELEBRATION JAZZ MUSICIANS: A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO OUR TALENTED STUDENT JAZZ MUSICIANS, SAXOPHONIST, ALEXANDER JONES, AND VIOLINIST, RICKIDO SCARLETT OF THE DENZEL WASHINGTON SCHOOL PERFORMING ARTS FOR THEIR OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCES. YOUR ARTISTRY ADDED A BEAUTIFUL AND INSPIRING TOUCH TO OUR CELEBRATION AND WE ARE PROUD TO SHOWCASE YOUR GIFT.

Serving the Community Since 1994

Sister to Sister International, Inc. P.O. Box 351 Yonkers, NY 10703 Email: info@s2si.org Phone: 914 207 0368 Fax: 914 207 0369

JOIN STSI TODAY! MEMBERSHIP OVERVIEW Members are the life force of Sister to Sister International, Inc. and as such are relied upon to make the organization successful in attaining its mission and strategic objectives. We invite new members to join us and “Catch the Spirit!”

STSI implements its mission-driven programs and signature activities through volunteer committee members. Our programs and activities are produced throughout the year, along with quarterly “themed” membership meetings.

MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS​

​ 1. Broaden your exposure and information network to include women who are change agents throughout the African Diaspora.

2. Become a part of a support network that Connects, Advances and Strengthens women of African descent globally.

3. Complimentary subscription to the STSI Newsletter that features timely updates on critical issues, conferences and events pertaining to women globally.

4. Discounts on STSI events!