Program - Mothers Day Jazz Brunch 2025 (2)

Pre-Mother’s Day Jazz Brunch & Hat Parade

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

www.s2si.org PRESENTING SPONSORS:

SPONSORS:

MEDIA SPONSORS:

wcp

WESTCHESTER COUNTY

PRESS

SUPPORTING SPONSORS:

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

Welcome to Sister to Sister International's Pre-Mother’s Day Annual Scholarship Fundraiser and Hat Parade, which continues to evolve over the years. We are pleased to commemorate our dedicated board members who have become role models and beloved ancestors, Hon. Pearl C. Quarles and Elder Lavinia B. Smith. They were both committed to education and our youth.

Congratulations to our honorees, Brenda Bracey, Germaine Scott, Dr. Angela Campbell, and Rev. Marcia White-Smith for their years of committed service. We are proud of them and their contributions to STSI. Their longstanding commitment is amazing!

Special thanks to all of our sponsors, board members, members, and community partners for their ongoing collaboration and support.

Kudos to the STSI event planning committee and all of our STEAM Sistahs. We thank you all for your support and encourage our STEAM Sistahs to keep Reaching for the Stars. Enjoy, Stay Tuned, and Stay Connected!

Sisterly,

Dr. Cheryl HON. PEARL C. QUARLES GUARDIAN OF THE MISSION AWARD Hon. Pearl C. Quarles was an inaugural Sister to Sister International, Inc. (STSI) Board Member who served as the Parliamentarian and a staunch supporter of fundraising for educational initiatives and scholarships. As a former County Legislator and Community Leader, her legacy continues with the strong work ethic and leadership exhibited by STSI Board Members focused on scholarships and pathways to careers.

LAVINIA B. SMITH DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD Mother Lavinia was a retired school counselor and dedicated Board Member of Sister to Sister International, Inc. (STSI) for over ten years. She was active with all of STSI's empowerment strategies, especially related to youth. Our Board Members and the Community loved her dearly, and she was well known as the leader of the "Granny Rappers" a group of elders in Mount Vernon who “rapped” about and advocated for youth. Her legacy continues through the steadfast hard work and commitment of STSI board members.

PROGRAM WELCOME & GREETINGS

Dr. Marcia V. Keizs - Steering Committee Member

MISTRESS OF CEREMONIES

Brea Watkins - STSI STEAM SISTAH

INVOCATION

Lauren Morris - STSI Board Member

FOUNDER & PRESIDENT’S REMARKS Dr. Cheryl Lynn Brannan

AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT

Dr. LaRuth Gray - Steering Committee Member | Recognition by: Tsahai T. Amazan, Consultant 

PRE-MOTHER’S DAY DINING

AWARDS CEREMONY DR. CHERYL LYNN BRANNAN

HON. PEARL C. QUARLES

LAVINIA B. SMITH

FOUNDERS CIRCLE AWARD

GUARDIAN OF THE MISSION AWARD

DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD

BRENDA BRACEY Presented by: Sayidana Brannan-Douglas, MA STSI STEAM SISTAH

GERMAINE SCOTT Presented by: Jordanne-Ashley Lewis, MS STSI STEAM SISTAH

ZELDA STRONG-DIAZ, MPA Presented by: Sagar Sarr STSI STEAM SISTAH

DR. ANGELA CAMPBELL Presented by: Deneé Hall, PA STSI STEAM SISTAH REV. MARCIA WHITE-SMITH Presented by: Brea Watkins STSI STEAM SISTAH

HAT PARADE CONTEST STSI STEAM SISTAHS

CHAMPAGNE TOAST

Deana Nelson, CMP - STSI Board Member

ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE AUCTION WINNERS

CLOSING REMARKS

Ghiliane Clark - STSI Board Member

VOTE OF THANKS

Dr. Cheryl L. Brannan

MISTRESS OF CEREMONIES 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 LYNN BRANNAN FOUNDERS CIRCLE AWARD

HONOREE

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 Co-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

Germaine Scott HONOREE

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.

Dr. Angela Campbell

HONOREE

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.”

HONOREE

Rev. Marcia White-Smith, MS MDiv. 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

Zelda Strong-Diaz HONOREE

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 currently works for the New York State Office of Medicaid Inspector General. Her commitment to service and inspiring future community leaders drives her work with STSI and beyond.

AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT Dr. 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 Dr. Cheryl Lynn Brannan Founder & CEO Germaine Scott Zelda Strong-Diaz, MPA Co-Chairs Kassandra M. Woody Secretary Georgia Reid Douglas, MPA 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 Gwen Parris, Esq.

Dr. Darlene Russell Rev. Marcia White-Smith, MS, MDiv. Ghiliane Clark Chiatogu Onyewu, MD, PhD Donna Elise Bell, MBA CHES Jordanne-Ashley Lewis, MS Mara Calderon Guerra Sybil St. Germaine

Pamela Verette Financial Secretary

STSI WORKGROUPS & TEAM SOCIAL & JUVENILE JUSTICE WORKGROUP

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

BLACK MATERNAL HEALTH & HEALTHY LIFESTYLES WORKGROUP Co-Chair: Donna Elise Bell, MBA CHES, Millissa Bess, BSN RN OCN 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 & Beryl Weaver, MS

CONSULTANTS

Dr. Valerie Mason Cunningham, Strategic Planning Beryl Weaver, MS, Community Partner Liaison Tsahai Amazan, Development & Administration Gloria Cunningham, Marketing & Technology 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., 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 *Roslyn Abrams *Honorary Steering Committee Member

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2024 Accomplishments

Community Engagement Accomplishments at a Glance

16 Webinars Conducted 14 Community Education Forums

Over 1500 People Impacted

275 Students Engaged

10

Pillar / Initiative Issues Raised

STSI Initiatives 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 “Sisters 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.

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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 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.

UPCOMING EVENTS

STSI Friends & Family Day Picnic Sat, Jul 12, 2025 Sprain Ridge Park Please join the STSI Family for our annual Family & Friends Day. Sprain Ridge Park Pavilion #1

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STSI STEAM

Deadline - May 30, 2025 Now in its 16th year, the demand for the STEAM Academy and summer program is growing rapidly. Sister to Sister International's STEAM Sistahs program is dedicated to empowering women and girls of color by providing them with opportunities and resources in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM). We serve a diverse group of girls from underserved communities, helping them build the skills and confidence needed to pursue successful careers in these critical areas. ​

STSI SCHOLARSHIP BRUNCH AND ACTIVITIES OVER THE YEARS

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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!

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

SCHOLARSHIP & FUNDRAISING 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 GERMAINE SCOTT, GEORGIA REID DOUGLAS, MS, DEANA NELSON, CMP, BRENDA BRACEY, DR. ANGELA CAMPBELL, CHARMAINE GOLDING, MS, TSAHAI T. AMAZAN, DEVELOPMENT CONSULTANT

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