Sunday,May4,2025|2:30PM
RoyalRegencyHotel
Yonkers|NY
PRESENTING SPONSORS:
SPONSORS:
MEDIA SPONSORS:
SUPPORTING SPONSORS:
DR.CHERYL. BRANNAN
SistertoSisterInternational(STSI) FounderandCEO
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, on. Pearl C. Quarles and Elder Lavinia B. Smith. They were both mmitted to education and our youth.
atulations to our honorees, Brenda Bracey, Germaine Scott, Dr. Campbell, and Rev. Marcia White-Smith for their years of committed e are proud of them and their contributions to STSI Their longitment 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 HON. PEARL C. QUARLES
GUARDIAN OF THE MISSION AWARD 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 LAVINIA B. SMITH
DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD 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 PROGRAM
WELCOME&GREETINGS
Dr.MarciaV.Keizs-SteeringCommitteeMember
MISTRESSOFCEREMONIES
BreaWatkins-STSISTEAMSISTAH
INVOCATION
LaurenMorris-STSIBoardMember
FOUNDER&PRESIDENT’SREMARKS
Dr.CherylLynnBrannan
AUTHORSPOTLIGHT
Dr LaRuthGray-SteeringCommitteeMember|Recognitionby:TsahaiT Amazan,Consultant
AWARDS CEREMONY AWARDS CEREMONY
DR. CHERYL LYNN BRANNAN
DR. CHERYL LYNN BRANNAN FOUNDERS CIRCLE AWARD FOUNDERS CIRCLE AWARD
BRENDA BRACEY
Presented by:
Sayidana Brannan-Douglas, MA
STSI STEAM SISTAH
HON. PEARL C. QUARLES HON. PEARL C. QUARLES GUARDIAN OF THE MISSION AWARD GUARDIAN OF THE MISSION AWARD LAVINIA B. SMITH
GERMAINESCOTT
Presentedby: Jordanne-AshleyLewis,MS
STSISTEAMSISTAH
DR.ANGELACAMPBELL
Presentedby: DeneéHall,PA
STSISTEAMSISTAH
REV.MARCIAWHITE-SMITH
Presentedby: BreaWatkins
STSISTEAMSISTAH
ZELDA STRONG-DIAZ, MPA
Presented by: Sagar Sarr
STSI STEAM SISTAH
Brea Watkins - STSI STEAM SIST
Brea Watkins - STSI STEAM SIST MISTRESS OF CEREMONIES MISTRESS OF CEREMONIES
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 DR. CHERYL LYNN BRANNAN
FOUNDERS CIRCLE AWARD FOUNDERS CIRCLE AWARD
Brenda Bracey 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.
HON. PEARL C. QUARLES HON. PEARL C. QUARLES
GUARDIAN OF THE MISSION AWARD GUARDIAN OF THE MISSION AWARD
Germaine Scott 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
Dr. Angela Campbell 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 ”
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. H O N O R E E H O N O R E E H O N O R E E
Rev. Marcia White-Smith, MS MDi
Rev. Marcia White-Smith, MS MDi
LAVINIA B. SMITH LAVINIA B. SMITH
DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD
Zelda Strong-Diaz 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 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 AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT
Dr. LaRuth Gray
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.
STSI BOARD OF DIRECTORS STSI BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Dr.CherylLynnBrannan Founder&CEO
GermaineScott
ZeldaStrong-Diaz,MPA Co-Chairs
KassandraM.Woody Secretary
GeorgiaReidDouglas,MPA Treasurer
PamelaVerette FinancialSecretary
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
STSI WORKGROUPS & TEAM STSI WORKGROUPS & TEAM
SOCIAL & JUVENILE JUSTICE WORKGROUP
Chair: Shurla Tukuru & Pat White, MA
Co-Chairs: Dr. Darlene Russell
ENTREPRENEURSHIP, PAY EQUITY, & ECONOMIC PROSPERITY WORKGROUP
Chair: Charmaine Golding, MS
Co-Chairs: Georgia Reid-Douglas, MPA
2024 Accomplishments
Community Engagement
Accomplishmen at a Glance
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.
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 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
STSI STEAM STSI STEAM
Nowinits16thyear,thedemandfortheSTEAMAcademyandsummerprogramisgrowingrapidly Sisterto Nowinits16thyear,thedemandfortheSTEAMAcademyandsummerprogramisgrowingrapidly Sisterto SisterInternational'sSTEAMSistahsprogramisdedicatedtoempoweringwomenandgirlsofcolorby SisterInternational'sSTEAMSistahsprogramisdedicatedtoempoweringwomenandgirlsofcolorby providingthemwithopportunitiesandresourcesinthefieldsofScience,Technology,Engineering,Arts,and providingthemwithopportunitiesandresourcesinthefieldsofScience,Technology,Engineering,Arts,and Mathematics(STEAM) Weserveadiversegroupofgirlsfromunderservedcommunities,helpingthembuildthe Mathematics(STEAM) Weserveadiversegroupofgirlsfromunderservedcommunities,helpingthembuildthe skillsandconfidenceneededtopursuesuccessfulcareersinthesecriticalareas skillsandconfidenceneededtopursuesuccessfulcareersinthesecriticalareas
quarterly “themed” membership meetings.
Broaden your exposure and information network to include women who are change agents throughout the African Diaspora.
Become a part of a support network that Connects, Advances and Strengthens women of African descent globally.
Complimentary subscription to the STSI Newsletter that features timely updates on critical issues, conferences and events pertaining to women globally.
COLLECTIVEIMPACT COLLECTIVEIMPACT
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
