Issuu

JazzBrunch&HatParade

Sunday,May3,2026|2:30PM

RoyalRegencyHotel

Yonkers|NY

PRESENTING SPONSORS:

SPONSORS:

MEDIA SPONSORS:

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 mmitted to education and our youth

ratulations to our honorees, Joanne Robinson-Boettcher, a Robinson Frazier, Dr Marcia V Keizs, Hon J Gary Pretlow, Hudson-Jenkins, Dr. Bettye Perkins and Westchester Medical Center heir years of committed service. We are proud of them and their contributions to our community and STSI Their long-standing 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 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.

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

AWARDS CEREMONY AWARDS CEREMONY

Aubrey McKoy Vocalist

Leading On Stage and In Her Community

Denzel Washington School of the Arts

Kaitlyn Smith Spoken Word Artist

Poet Laureate of Mount Vernon

Denzel Washington School of the Arts

DR. CHERYL LYNN BRANNAN DR. CHERYL LYNN BRANNAN

FOUNDERS CIRCLE AWARD FOUNDERS CIRCLE AWARD

E. Adell Dowdy

E Adell Dowdy is a distinguished education leader and administrator with over 30 years of service in the New York City Department of Education She holds degrees from Bennett College, New York University, and City College of New York, and has served as an adjunct professor at Mercy University An educational consultant and community leader, she supports initiatives that connect schools, colleges, and communities, and has held leadership roles with organizations such as Sister to Sister International Inc. and AMANI Public Charter School. Active in her church and a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc , she is widely respected for her commitment, compassion, and dedication to advancing educational excellence

FOUNDERS CIRCLE AWARD FOUNDERS CIRCLE AWARD

Joanne Robinson-Boettcher & Roberta Robinson Frazier

Joanne Robinson-Boettcher and Roberta Robinson Frazier are lifelong Yonkers residents, sisters, and distinguished community leaders who have dedicated their lives to service, education, and social justice As young women, they proudly represented the City of Yonkers during the historic March on Washington in 1963, standing on the front lines of the Civil Rights Movement

Both sisters built impactful careers as educators in the New York City public school system, while simultaneously serving their communities as activists and tireless volunteers Their lifelong commitment to civic engagement and advocacy has left an enduring mark throughout Westchester County Their early involvement in the Civil Rights Movement helped shape their paths of service In 1965, Roberta spent the summer in Greenwood, Mississippi, working on voter registration efforts with the NAACP During this time, she met civil rights leader Fannie Lou Hamer H O N O R E E H O N O R E E

an experience that deeply influenced her lifelong commitment to justice and equality

Joanne’s work extended internationally through her involvement with Women for Racial and Economic Equality (WREE) In 1986, she traveled to Kenya as part of a delegation focused on advancing women’s economic empowerment, further reflecting her global commitment to equity and peace

Both Joanne and Roberta are founding members of the Westchester Black Women’s Political Caucus and have each served on numerous boards and organizations, including the NAACP, WESPAC, and various local community initiatives Joanne also served as the organization’s first

Recording Secretary and has been a longtime Democratic District Leader in Yonkers. Together, they have received numerous honors, including the “Patron Saints of Yonkers” Award from the Friends of Philipse Manor Hall and the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. “Keeper of the Flame” Award from the City of Yonkers They have also served as honorary Grand Marshals of the Yonkers African American Heritage Parade. Their legacy is one of leadership, resilience, and unwavering dedication to uplifting others and strengthening their community.

HON. PEARL C. QUARLES HON. PEARL C. QUARLES

GUARDIAN OF THE MISSION AWARD GUARDIAN OF THE MISSION AWARD

r. Marcia V. Keizs

Dr Marcia V Keizs has had a distinguished nearly 50-year career within

City University of New York, rising from an accomplished classroom

teacher to a respected academic leader. She served as President of York

College from 2005 to 2019, where she strengthened academic programs, expanded enrollment, enhanced campus infrastructure, and built impactful community partnerships, firmly positioning the college on a path of excellence

A dedicated scholar of African American women writers and community leader, she has served on numerous nonprofit boards and remains actively engaged in organizations supporting women and youth A native of Kingston, Jamaica, Dr Keizs holds degrees from the University of Manitoba and Teachers College Columbia University, along with a certificate from the Harvard Graduate School of Education, and continues in retirement to mentor and uplift future generations

Assembly since 1992, representing communities in Mount Vernon and Yonkers A former finance professional and co-founder of Moncur-Pretlow & Company, he began his public service on the Mount Vernon City Council, where he advanced housing and development initiatives In the Assembly, he notably chaired the Racing & Wagering Committee for 19 years, leading efforts to legalize video lottery terminals and expand sports betting, generating significant funding for education His legislative work also includes child protection and maternal health laws, and in 2025 he was appointed Chairman of the Ways & Means Committee. H O N O R E E H O N O R E E H O N O R E E H O N O R E E

Hon. J. Gary Pretlow

Assemblymember J Gary Pretlow has served in the New York State

South Carolina State Uni

Deborah Elizabeth Hudson-Jenkins is a dynamic leader and community advocate whose impact extends beyond her historic role as the first African American First Lady of Westchester County. A Yonkers native, she is the wife of Ken Jenkins, with whom she has shared 43 years of marriage, raising three children and enjoying life as grandparents. With over 27 years in the technology industry including work with IBM and GE Capital she now serves as a licensed Health and Life Insurance Agent. A graduate of CUNY Lehman College and Iona College, Deborah remains deeply engaged in her community through organizations like Youth Theatre Interaction Inc , exemplifying a life of service, compassion, and purpose. H O N O R E E H O N O R E E

ersity and earned numerous honors for her impact in education Dr Perkins holds degrees from North Carolina A&T State University, Pace University, and Fordham University, and continues to shape the future of education through her leadership and advocacy.

Westchester Medical Center Health Network

The Westchester Medical Center Health Network (WMCHealth) is a leading nonprofit healthcare system headquartered in Valhalla, New York, serving communities across the Hudson Valley and beyond. Anchored by Westchester Medical Center a nationally recognized academic medical center WMCHealth includes a broad network of hospitals and specialty facilities such as Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital, MidHudson Regional Hospital, and Good Samaritan Hospital The network provides advanced, patient-centered care across a wide range of specialties, including trauma, cardiac services, neurology, oncology, and pediatric care, supported by cutting-edge technology and a strong academic partnership with New York Medical College. Committed to excellence, innovation, and community health, WMCHealth plays a vital role in improving access to high-quality care while advancing medical education and research throughout the region.

STSI BOARD OF DIRECTORS STSI BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Dr.CherylLynnBrannan

Founder&CEO

GermaineScott

ZeldaStrong-Diaz,MPA

Co-Chairs

VeraCheek

Secretary

GeorgiaReidDouglas,MPA

Treasurer

PamelaVerette

FinancialSecretary

Deana Nelson, CMP

Brenda Bracey

Dr Angela Campbell

Kassandra M. Woody

Tinuke Colpa, MS, SBL, SDA

Charmaine Golding, MS

Athena Dent-Alleyne, CHC

Gwen Parris, Esq

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

Nicole Adair

STSI WORKGROUPS & CONSULTANTS

JUVENILE & SOCIAL JUSTICE WORKGROUP

Chair: Shurla Tukuru & Pat White, MA

STEM/STEAM CAREERS

Chair: Lydia K. Smith

ENTREPRENEURSHIP, PAY EQUITY, & ECONOMIC PROSPERITY WORKGROUP

Chair: Charmaine Golding, MS

Co-Chairs: Georgia Reid-Douglas, MPA & Beryl Weaver MS

STSI STEERING COMMITTEE STSI STEERING COMMITTEE

2025 Accomplishments 2025 Accomplishments

Community

Engagement

Accomplishmen

at a Glance

Over 1500

People

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.

Webinars Conducted Community Edu

Students

Pillar / Initiative Issues Raised

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

DOA Kwanzaa

STSI Friends & Family Day Picnic

Sat, Jul 11, 2026 Sprain Ridge Park

Please join the STSI Family for our

annual Family & Friends Day. Sprain

Ridge Park Pavilion #1

STSI STEAM STSI STEAM

Now in its 17th 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 providing them with o ortunities

STSI SCHOLARSHIP BRUNCH AND ACTIVITIES OVER THE YEARS STSI SCHOLARSHIP BRUNCH AND ACTIVITIES OVER THE YEARS Deadline - May 25, 2026

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!

COLLECTIVE IMPACT COLLECTIVE IMPACT

PARTNERS AND STAKEHOLDERS PARTNERS AND STAKEHOLDERS

GERMAINE SCOTT, GEORGIA REID DOUGLAS, MS, DEANA NELSON, CMP, BRENDA BRACEY, DR. MARCIA V. KEIZS, REV. MARCIA WHITE SMITH, DR. ANGELA CAMPBELL, CHARMAINE GOLDING, MS, LAUREN WILLIAMS, TSAHAI T. AMAZAN, DEVELOPMENT CONSULTANT & EVENT COORDINATOR

MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS: GLORIA LANTIGUA-CUNNINGHAM