30th Anniversary Gala Journal Final

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Welcome & Greetings from STSI’s Founder & CEO

Dr. Cheryl Lynn Brannan Greetings and welcome to all guests assembled here this evening for Sister to Sister International’s spectacular, show-stopping, rocking and rolling, 30th Anniversary Gala. And the crowd roars!

Tonight is both a celebration and call to action.

Thanks to our board of directors, led by Germaine Scott and Zelda Strong-Diaz, staff, steering committee, workgroup leaders, members, parents of our STEAM alumni and community partners for your steadfast support of our mission and programs.

Special thanks to our 30th Anniversary Gala leadership team Dr. Marcia Keizs, Tsahai Amazan, Gloria Cunningham, and Dr. Valerie Mason Cunningham, along with our sponsors, especially Spectrum, and an anonymous donor in honor of D. Marcia V. Keizs.We could not have had this level of success without their steadfast commitment and support.

Congratulations to all of our esteemed honorees for your support of STSI and our areas of focus.

You were especially selected based on your commitment, collaborative spirit and actions.

We are glad to lift up the spirit of our STSI, posthumous honorees and guardian angels, my mom Jeanette Ray; aunt Rose Taylor and long time friend, Hon. Pearl C. Quarles, along with new STSI angels in heaven, including Elders Lavinia B. Smith and Gladys Skinner.

Hat’s off to our next generation of STEM & STEAM professionals. You are the “receipts” we have for our investment of time and resources, over the years. You have blossomed, and pursued STEAM careers. We are proud of you and celebrate your growth and achievements this evening.

I extend special thanks to our UN and global partners who have collaborated with us during our annual UN Conferences, programs and campaigns.

Heartfelt thanks to my family, especially Lloyd and Sayidana, for your steadfast support along with friends who have joined me from all over the country tonight. You have all truly been the wind beneath my wings.

STSI has been a beacon of hope and a catalyst for change for 30 years, and our work is far from over. As we transition into STSI 2.0, let us continue to uplift, educate, and advocate for Black and Brown women, girls, and families in Westchester County and beyond. Stay tuned!

Now is the time and we must meet the challenges before us by doing our civic duty, understanding the issues, taking a stance and voting. We must let our voices be heard now more than ever. STSI is counting on you. We are lifting up justice, equality and freedom for all.

We are better together!

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Special Guest Mistress of Ceremonies

Carol Wilkinson is a graduate of Howard University, who covers, breaking news, colorful festivals, crime, weather and everything in between on News 12 Westchester for the past four years.

In addition to working as a General Assignment Reporter in the Greater New York area, she has covered stories of local, national and international importance in television markets in Washington, D.C., Cleveland, Ohio, and Las Vegas, Nevada.

Carol is an award-winning, and Emmy Award-nominated television news reporter and anchor with an extensive track record with in-depth reporting, and an anchoring style that connects with the viewing audience.

Sister to Sister International is thrilled to have Carol back as our Special Guest Mistress of Ceremonies for this auspicious event!

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ON BEHALF OF JAEWON, BOB & JASON PHILLIPS WE CONGRATULATE

ON YOUR 30TH ANNIVERSARY! www.kisscafecoffee.com

SCAN HERE TO SHOP NOW

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STSI Through the years 1985

Founder & CEO, Dr. Cheryl Brannan Travels to Africa as a non-govermental UN Delgate to attend the Third World Conference on Women in Nairobi, Kenya.

1987

Delivered school and medical supplies to villages in West Africa, started African fashion business under Sister to Sister Production

1993

Sister to Sister Productions evolves into Sister to Sister International and develops today’s mission statement for the organization. STSI Supports Ghana Education Scholarship Program. STSI sponsors book drives and donated over 1k books to the Gambian National Library.

1994

STSI hosts it’s first First Annual Health Symposium and UJAMAA Market Place held at Riverside High School in Yonkers, NY.

2000

STSI sponsors it’s first UN Day during the Commission on the Status of Women’s 44th session in collaboration with key global NGO UN partners.

2002

STSI is granted Special Consultative Status with the UN Department of Public Information and Economic Social Council.

2003

STSI launches a “Maama Kit Campaign” safe birthing initiative for women in Africa with the World Health Organizations raising funds to sponsor over 3k kits.

2004

STSI hosts it’s first members BBQ, Holiday Party & Charity Event, and sponsors a Community Education Forum in Westchester.

2005

STSI launches “Sisters Beating the Odds & Claiming Wellness Campaign. Knowing your Stat’s is where it’s at! First Annual High Tea event is held.

2007

STSI hosts the first Gala Awards Dinner “Queen of the Nile” and secures office space, part-time staff and consultants.

2010

STSI sponsors it's first Annual STEM Camp for Black and Latina girls in partnership with Academic Pathways; and begins STEMP Camp for high school students and hosts a STEM Camp for High School Students from Lagos, Nigeria; STSI restructures and expands the Board of Directors and creates an International Advisory Board.

2012

The Supreme Court upholds the ACA and the theme for STSI’s healthy Weekend Extravaganza: “Affordable Care Act: Access, Prevention & Career Opportunities.

State Farm sponsors STEM Camp.

2013

STSI sponsors a bus trip to the 50th Anniversary of the March on Washington.

2019

STSI undergoes a digital transformation allowing for better community engagement.

STSI completed a 4 year groundbreaking research report that provides a snapshot on Black women and girls in Westchester County. STSI adopts collective impact framework and creates workgroups for their 4 pillars. STSI International Advisory Board evolves into the STSI Steering Committee.

2022

STSI launches the “Black Business Directory”.

2023

STSI launches the “Westchester Black Maternal and Child Center of Excellence”.

2024

STSI celebrates 30 years of excellence.

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STSI Mission Founded in 1994 by Cheryl Brannan and her family, Sister to Sister International, Inc. (STSI) is a nonprofit, non-governmental 501 (c) (3) tax-exempt organization with a singular focus: to educate and advocate for the advancement of Black women, women of color, girls, and their families locally and globally. Headquartered in Yonkers, NY—one of the most densely populated cities in Westchester County with a majority-minority population including numerous communities of color—STSI works to empower those it serves and ensure their safety, rights, and well-being.

Locally, our program effort is anchored by our groundbreaking STEM and STEAM offerings where middle and high school girls are introduced to the world of science and math through a cultural lens, including advance introduction to these subjects by accomplished professionals that serve as role models.

This ultimately enhances their self-confidence and competency, as well as, life and career choices. In 2010 STSI offered the first ever STEM/STEAM summer camp in the Lower Hudson Valley New York region for Black and Brown Girls. This has since matured into a highly acclaimed year-round academy.

The program has had a life altering impact on the outlook of over 1,000 girls and their families.

Globally, STSI has held Special Consultative Status with the United Nations since 2004. There, we cohost an annual United Nations Commission on the Status of Women global event.

Recently, in 2019 STSI undertook a seminal research project, “Still I Rise: Status of Black Women and Girls in Westchester County” to better understand the scope of the issues facing Black women and girls in Westchester County.

The research was driven by four pillars of inquiry that have led to a report and the creation of collective impact workgroups with diverse stakeholders including business, government, community, academic and faith-based organizations.

STSI PILLARS Donate Online!

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STSI Initiatives The statistics are alarming. Black women in Westchester County face a significantly higher risk of maternal mortality, Type 2 diabetes, and obesity compared to their White counterparts. Nationally, Black women experience 3 to 4 times higher maternal mortality rates than White women. It's time to take action. Our long-term goal is to address these disparities by raising public awareness, providing support to pregnant women and their families, and educating healthcare providers about the social determinants of health and biases that impact Black maternal health outcomes.

It's important to recognize the barriers Black and Brown girls face in accessing STEAM programs. By addressing this issue, we can create a more inclusive environment in STEAM fields and ensure equal opportunities for young girls. Let's empower and support these girls to build a more diverse and innovative future in STEAM.

It's evident that Black women face significant challenges due to systemic racism, resulting in unequal pay and hurdles in establishing successful businesses. This leads to higher poverty rates and a substantial wealth gap.

The statistics reveal the urgent need to address these disparities and provide support for the entrepreneurial endeavors of Black women. By offering equal opportunities and resources, we can empower Black women to build thriving businesses and contribute to a more equitable society.

Black students, especially girls, are unjustly subjected to out-of-school suspensions and are excessively represented in the juvenile detention system, causing trauma and creating obstacles for their future. It is crucial to break the school-to-prison pipeline, ensure fair opportunities, and educate parents and school staff on equity and inclusion. join a workgroup | Pillar

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Email: Info@s2si.org

STSI STSI Accomplishments At-A-Glance Funded over forty (40) Reach for the Stars Scholarships over the last ten (10) years.

Sponsored and executed thirteen (13) Annual STEAM Summer Camps and eight (8) year-round academies for Black Girls and Girls of Color.

Created the Westchester Black Maternal Health and Child Center of Excellence (WBMCCE) in partnership with St. John’s Riverside Hospital and various community partners to educate and train expectant mothers, their families and health care providers to improve birth outcomes for Black women.

Advocated for change through the Momnibus Act; Created a Pre-eclampsia Campaign; Created a County-wide dashboard highlighting birthing statistics; Sponsored Town Hall’s with government and hospitals on birth equity.

Launched the Black Online Business Directory for Westchester County and beyond with over 120 registered businesses. The directory may be found online - s2si.org/BBD Raised parent and community awareness of the unequal treatment of Black and Brown girls in the school environment by hosting private screenings of films like "Pushout" and “On These Grounds” with over 500 participants.

Conducted eight (8) workshops for parents to advance their knowledge on the issues of equity and inclusion and how to develop their civic voice, to advocate on behalf of their children in a school and community environment.

Hosted over ten (10) financial literacy, lunch and learn and pay equity workshops.

Hosted two (2) informational workshops for Minority Women-Owned Business Enterprise (MWBE) certification.

Subscribe to our Mailing List

join a workgroup | Pillar Email: Info@s2si.org

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Follow us on social media @ sistertosisterinternational @ stsionthemove @ stsiinternational

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Gala Sponsors Visionary Sponsor

Transformational Sponsor

Trailblazer Sponsor

Media Sponsor

Honorary Chairs We extend heartfelt appreciation to our extraordinary Honorary Chairs for their support of tonight's celebration.

Community Partners Department of Health Office for Women Women’s Advisory Board

*Partial listing

WE ARE GRATEFUL TO ALL OF OUR ELECTED OFFICIALS FOR THEIR SUPPORT OF SISTER TO SISTER INTERNATIONAL AND OUR COMMUNITY PARTNERS: NYS Senate & Assembly Delegation Westchester County Executive Government Westchester County Board of Legislators US Congressional Delegation Westchester County Local Municipalities

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www.s2si.org

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Sunny Hostin

ABC’s “The View”Co-Host & NYTimes best-selling author Sunny Hostin is a four-time Emmy Award-winning legal journalist, two-time New York Times bestselling author, and co-host of The View.

In May 2021, Hostin released her debut novel, "Summer on the Bluffs" (William Morrow), which skyrocketed to #11 on The New York Times Bestseller List and is currently being adapted into a series as the first major project for Sunny Hostin Productions alongside Octavia Spencer's Orit Entertainment for Amazon MGM Studios.

On May 2, 2023, Hostin released the second book in her "Summer" trilogy, "Summer on Sag Harbor," which became an instant New York Times bestseller. In May 2021, Hostin released her debut novel, "Summer on the Bluffs" (William Morrow), which skyrocketed to #11 on The New York Times Bestseller List and is currently being adapted into a series as the first major project for Sunny Hostin Productions alongside Octavia Spencer's Orit Entertainment for Amazon MGM Studios. Her most recent release is her third novel of the series, "Summer on Highland Beach" released on May 28, 2024.

In the fall of 2020, Hostin released her memoir, "I Am These Truths: A Memoir of Identity, Justice, and Living Between Worlds," with HarperOne. Hostin has been featured in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Forbes Woman, Essence, Latina, The CUT, and Ebony, amongst others. A sought-after public speaker, she has spoken at and moderated panels for the U.C. Berkeley Graduate School of Journalism, Corporate Counsel Women of Color, and the National Bar Association.

She has also served as a witness at the Federal Judiciary's Congressional Hearing for the Public's Right of Access to the Courts.

Hostin was part of the groundbreaking ABC primetime newscast, "Soul of a Nation," the first broadcast network newsmagazine aiming to put Black life in America front and center.

Hostin lives in New York with her husband and her two children.

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Mayor Yadira Ramos-HerberT City of New RochellE, NY Yadira Ramos-Herbert is the 24th Mayor of the City of New Rochelle, New York, serving as the first woman and person of color in this capacity since her inauguration in 2024. From 2020-2023, she served as a member of the New Rochelle City Council, representing District 3.

As a council member, some of Yadira’s accomplishments include facilitating the city’s police reform plan, securing and deploying a COVID-19 vaccine bus to the heart of the district to help close the vaccination disparity gap, and leading an initiative to increase the number of youth applying for summer employment.

Prior to Yadira’s service on the City Council, she served as an elected member of the New Rochelle Public Library, a member of the Lincoln Avenue Task Force, a member of the Task Force on Reducing Violence in the Lives of Children and Youth, a member of the Downtown Revitalization Initiative Planning Committee, and president of her homeowner’s association.

Yadira received the B.A. from St. Francis College, J.D. from SUNY Buffalo Law School, and the M.Ed. from Northeastern University. Her prior experience includes service as a litigator in various New York City area law firms and ten years at Columbia Law School, most recently as the Associate Dean of Student and Registration Services. In 2023, as Mayor-Elect, she was selected to join Bloomberg’s Center for Cities Program for New Mayors, where she participated in an immersive classroom experience focusing on leadership and strategic planning.

Yadira and her husband, Jeffrey, moved to New Rochelle in 2007 and are the proud parents of two wonderful children.

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Yedidah T. Yehudah Sister to Sister International Ambassador to Africa

Yedidah T. Yehudah is the founder of The Black Doll Project in Ghana. Through this platform, she encourages young men and women to embrace their African heritage. Yedidah is also the Co-Chair of Bridge to Africa 360° Inc., a group of independent nonprofit organization providing services and programs in Africa and the Caribbean.

She dedicated 25 years to the Westchester County Health Department, serving as Program Administrator for various health programs, including nutrition, tobacco control, chronic disease prevention, HIV counseling, testing and prevention, and STD/HIV partner services investigations.

Yedidah also chaired coalitions throughout the county on various health issues, including Project WAVE Westchester (War Against the Virus Escalating), Westchester AIDS Council, the Steering committee of POWR against Tobacco, Women Organized Around Wellness (WOW), and served as an Advisory Board Member of Westchester County Youth Council and Sister to Sister International Inc. In 1987,Yedidah moved to Ghana with her three children and lived there for over a year in various communities, from Accra to Cape Coast and Elmina. Upon her return to the USA, Yedidah promote Africa, especially Ghana, as a place for Africans in the Diaspora to connect with and explore and for the past thirty-seven years, she has organized numerous tours to Ghana.

Yedidah earned a bachelor's degree from Marymount College, her master of science degree in Nutrition and Human Ecology from Herbert Lehman College, and a master's degree in Public Administration from Pace University.

Yedidah T. Yehudah now resides in Ghana since her retirement in 2018.

STSI salutes Sis. Yedidah as our Ambassador to Africa. She is a former Board Member and current steering committee member.

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Legacy

Posthumous honorees celebr

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Jeanette L. Ray

Rose Taylor

STSI Co-Founder

STSI Co-Founder

HONORABLE PEARL C. QUARLES STSI Inaugural Board Member

Sister to Sister International proudly recognizes three of its past leaders posthumously, including Cheryl's mom, Jeanette Ray, and her aunt, Rose Taylor. Jeanette was a Licensed Practical Nurse and a genealogist for her family. Rose worked in the clerical department at the Yonkers Housing Authority and was a proud member of the Samuel H. Dow American Legion Post 1017, along with other family members.

During the early days of STSI Jeanette and Rose were always there providing a helping hand and were strong shoulders for Cheryl to lean on. They were her protectors. Rose passed away in 2008 and Jeanette passed away in 2012. After Jeanette and Rose transitioned, they passed the torch to Pearl C. Quarles, who assumed the role of Cheryl's protector. The Honorable Pearl C. Quarles was an inaugural STSI board member and became like family. She was the first African American woman to serve on the Westchester County Board of Legislators. Our "Madame Pearlie", as she was affectionately called by Cheryl, also shared all of her connections and love for young people with STSI. The Honorable Pearl passed away in 2023. All three women leave behind a legacy of love and service. As we commemorate our 30th anniversary, STSI proudly salutes three of our guardian angels, Jeanette Ray, Rose Taylor, and the Honorable Pearl C. Quarles.

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STSI STEAM Program Alumni Showcasing 15 years of Investing in the Next Generation Sister to Sister International proudly honors our remarkable STEAM Sistah alumni. We celebrate your years of dedication, commitment, and contributions to the STEAM student community. Thank you for your invaluable impact.

Nicole Adair Oluwafadeyemi Testimony Akinkuolie-Ibidapo Nia M. Baptiste Taylor Nelson Simone Brannan Gillian Parris Sayidana Brannan-Douglas Sachi Russell Jenna Cherasard Nalo Russell Michaele Freeman Zoe Russell Kyla Golding Khadyja Sarr Tamara Gordon Sagar Sarr Denee Hall Maya Smith Jordanne-Ashley Lewis Diale Takona Monifa Fay Mayo Mabel Takona Simisola Macaulay Jasmine Verette Deliah Manigaul Brea Watkins *Partial listing

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Jan Fisher Nonprofit Westchester, Executive Director Jan Fisher, is the Executive Director of Nonprofit Westchester (NPW) who started her career as a case manager working with Holocaust survivors more than 35 years ago. Nonprofit Westchester is a 300-member organization dedicated to strengthening Westchester’s nonprofit sector, the people and communities served, and the nonprofit workforce.

Jan has worked in various capacities related to mental health, trauma, after-school programs LGBTQ youth, early literacy, older adults, people with disabilities, and community development for the full extent of her career. She has been recognized by her peers for her advocacy, training, professional development, community relations, and fundraising efforts. Jan's work is deeply rooted in understanding the social determinants of health, and she addresses the life-limiting and deadly impacts of poverty, historical racism, and other systemic and institutional inequities.

Under Jan’s leadership , Non Profit Westchester launched the report–"Taking Action: Charting an Anti-Racist Path Forward in Westchester’s Nonprofit Sector," resulting in the creation of Peer to Peer, the only affinity group in New York State for nonprofit personnel of color. The organization continues to make ongoing efforts to advance racial equity.

Jan has led the formation of the partnership with disabilities organizations during the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to the establishment of NPW’s Disabilities Affinity Group. This group has brought together organizations across physical, intellectual, developmental, cognitive, and invisible disabilities. It continues to serve as a platform to educate and advocate for issues related to employment and transportation access.

Jan is proud that in all her work, she aims to foster partnerships and build coalitions among government, business, and nonprofit stakeholders to fortify communities for all people.

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Maheen Kaleem, EsQ.

Grantmakers for Girls of Color (G4GC) Vice President Maheen Kaleem, Esq. is a human rights lawyer dedicated to creating a world where girls and genderexpansive youth of color are safe and free. She serves as the Vice President of Programs and Operations at Grantmakers for Girls of Color (G4GC), the nation’s primary philanthropic organization exclusively focused on amplifying and mobilizing resources to support transformative organizing work led by girls and gender-expansive youth of color. During her time at G4GC, she has co-stewarded the regranting of over $25 million to 386 organizations in just 3 years.

With over twenty years of experience, Maheen has been supporting youth and families impacted by interpersonal and state violence to lead efforts to advance racial and gender justice. She roots her work in the wisdom of women and girls of color who have survived being criminalized and incarcerated for experiences related to child sexual exploitation and abuse. Previously, she served as a Program Officer at the NoVo Foundation, where she led the strategies to deploy more than $20 million to support projects that close on-ramps into the sex trade and open exit ramps for survivors.

Maheen has also advocated for the successful passage of numerous laws and policies to address conditions impacting girls of color affected by violence at the international, federal, state, and local levels. She holds both bachelor’s and law degrees from Georgetown University.

Maheen Kaheem is a first-generation Pakistani American who was raised mostly in the Bay Area of California, on Ohlone land, and was named as one of Unboxed Philanthropy’s 2023 most influential individuals.

STSI is proud to honor Maheen tonight for her impactful work in behalf of black and brown women and girls.

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Ron Corti

St. Johns Riverside Hospital, President/CEO Ron Corti, originally from Queens, received his education in NYC public schools. He attended Fordham University, where he earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting and his Master's Degree in Public Administration, Health Administration from Long Island University. During college, Ron met and married his wife, Lorraine, and they had two children, Jennifer and Michael.

Ron's career progressed through various positions at Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield of New York as an Auditor and Assistant Director of Finance at Mt. Sinai Medical Center.

In 1988, he joined Yonkers General Hospital's finance department, and later became Vice President of Finance. Ron played a crucial role in facilitating a full asset merger with St. John's Riverside Hospital.

After the merger, Ron took on the role of Vice President of Strategic Planning and Business Initiatives. He formulated and executed an acquisition strategy for the financially troubled Community Hospital at Dobbs Ferry. In 2002, he became President and CEO of Community Hospital, overseeing its transformation into a successful and thriving facility. In October 2010, Ron was appointed as President & CEO of St. John's Riverside Hospital, where he combined his strategic leadership, financial acumen, integrity, and ability to motivate staff and physicians to achieve an impressive quality of services and a financial turnaround.

During his sustained tenure at St John's, Ron has earned a well deserved reputation as both a strategic and compassionate leader, demonstrated most tangibly through his exceptional guidance of the institution and his unparalleled commitment to the staff and the community during the Covid 19 pandemic .

Despite his busy work life, Ron maintains his passion for the outdoors, enjoying hobbies such as fishing, gardening, breeding tropical fish, and collecting antique fishing tackle.

He is also an avid fan of New York sports.

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Sharon Epperson CNBC Senior Personal Finance Correspondent Sharon Epperson can be seen frequently on NBC’s TODAY, NBC Nightly News, NBC News Daily and NBC News Now. Her work also appears on Today.com and NBCNews.com. As CNBC’s senior personal finance correspondent, Epperson covers the many facets of financial literacy including saving, retirement planning, paying for college, mortgages, student loans, and other debtShe created “Money 101 with Sharon Epperson,” a free eight-part financial education series and newsletters and she also is lead contributor to CNBC Your Money, coverage designed to educate, empower and inspire viewers and readers to take control of their personal finances.

Epperson’s book, The Big Payoff: 8 Steps Couples Can Take to Make the Most of Their Money-and Live Richly Ever After, was a finalist for the Books for a Better Life Awards, honoring works that have “changed the lives of millions. Epperson has been featured in numerous publications, including The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, The Boston Globe, USA Weekend, Self, Essence, Ebony, and TIME, where she had covered business, culture, social issues and health as a correspondent.

Committed to improving financial literacy, particularly in underserved communities Epperson was invited by the Obama administration to speak about financial literacy and to moderate a public meeting of the President’s Advisory Council on Financial Capability at the U.S. Treasury Department. Epperson has taught courses at Columbia’s Graduate School of Journalism, and and the School of International and Public Affairs.

Epperson received her bachelor’s in sociology and government from Harvard University, a master of international affairs degree from Columbia University, and honorary doctorates from Carlow University in Pittsburgh and Mercy University in Dobbs Ferry, New York.

A Pittsburgh native, a wife and mother of two who lives in Westchester County , NY, Epperson has been inducted into the Hall of Fame at Taylor Allderdice High School, her alma mater.

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Special Thanks I want to Express My Sincere Gratitude to the wonderful Steering Committee Leadership Team, it was truly a pleasure to work with them.

DR. MARCIA KEIZS Brought all of her compassion and Executive Leadership skills to the group (President Emeritus, York College), led our sponsorship efforts and garnered our first visionary sponsor!

TSAHAI AMAZAN Brought all of her leadership, planning, organizing and implementing skills to the group, serving as the event coordinator with flair and a knack for congeniality!

GLORIA CUNNINGHAM Brought an abundance of marketing savvy, digital media, graphic design, tech, and coordination proficiency to help bring us across the finish line!

DR. VALERIE MASON CUNNINGHAM Brought her strategic and organizational expertise to the planning and execution.

Always sensational by choice!

ADINKRA symbol of cooperation and interdependence

A heartfelt thank you to all of the generous donors for your support of STSI’s 30 Anniversary Gala Celebration.

Your contributions are appreciated and will help us drive our mission forward.

Dr. Cheryl Brannan Page 47

STSI‘s 30th Anniversary Program Thursday, September 26, 2024

Welcome & Introduction of Mistress of Ceremonies Founder Dr. Cheryl Brannan | MC Ms. Carol Wilkinson and STSI CEO

Invocation

Reverend Marcia White Smith, STSI Board Member

Greetings

Honorable Andrea Stewart- Cousins, Majority Leader of the New York State Senate

Honoree award presentations

Sunny Hostin | Mayor Yadira Ramos–Herbert | Yedidah T. Yehudah

Posthumous Recognition of Founders & Libation Jeanette L. Ray | Rose Taylor | Honorable Pearl C. Quarles Historical visual presentation | Sayidana Brannan-Douglas STSI STEAM Alumni Honorees

Dinner Honoree award presentations

Jan Fisher | Maheen Kaleem, Esq. | Ron Corti | Sharon Epperson

Closing Remarks & Dancing THANK YOU FOR CELEBRATING STSI’S 30TH ANNIVERSARY

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Special Thanks

Vendors

Photographer: Name: Joy Malone Company Name: Joy Malone Photography Phone Number: (914) 879-5265 Email: joymphoto@gmail.com Videographer: Name: Jewel Company Name: Lites Out Entertainment Phone Number: (347) 614-0082 Email: LitesOutEntbookings@gmail.com Balloon Vendor: Name: Anaya Company Name: Chassity's Creations Phone Number: (914) 610-8900 Email: LitesOutEntbookings@gmail.com

DJ: Name: Bro. Arthur Muhammad Company Name: DJ i-Slam Phone Number: (914) 426-7522 Florist: Company Name: Alborada Florist Phone Number: (914) 235-5167 Email: Amway1184@gmail.com Print: Company Name: Minute Man Press | New Rochelle Phone Number: (914) 576-0335 Email: newroc@minutemanpress.com

Graphic Design & Marketing: Company Name: The Ambitious Soul Band: Marketing Agency, LLC. Name: Shelia Baptista | Sage Phone Number: (914) 230.0725 Company Name: Lewis & Kirk Expeditions, Inc. Email: coachgloria@theambitioussoul.com Phone Number: (914) 837-1995 Email: lewisandkirkmusic@gmail.com Event Planners: Company Name: Events to Remember Audio Visual: Phone Number: (914) 218-3968 Company Name: Superior Audio Visual Website: www.eventsremember.com Phone Number: (914) 623-5500 Email: superiorav85@gmail.com

30th Anniversary Gala Planning committee Dr. Angela Campbell, Beryl Weaver, Carol Wallace, Dr. Cheryl Brannan, Cheryl Green, Beverly Brannan, Deana Nelson, Denee Hall, Erica Williams-Woodley, Georgia Reid-Douglas, Germaine Scott, Ghilaine Clark, Gina Jackson, Gloria Cunningham, Hon. Janet Malone, Dr. Marcia Keizs, Jan Fisher, Janelle Wallace-Velasquez, Jennifer Jones, Lauren Williams, Linda Morrissey, Lisa LeFever Booker, Rev. Marcia White- Smith, Margarete Edward Worrell, Nia Baptiste, Rosalyn Witter, Sayidana Brannan-Douglas, Subomi Macaulay, Tsahai Amazan, Dr. Valerie Mason Cunningham, Vera Cheek, Wanda Taylor, and Zelda Strong Diaz. *Partial Listing

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Special Thanks Sister to Sister International works with some of the best consultants in the whole wide world!

They Are Smart, Dedicated and Get the Job Done!

Hats off to Our STSI Team of Consultants & Advisors MARY ANNE LAWRENCE, CPA | STSI Accountant SHAWNA TETRO | STSI Bookkeeper DR. VALERIE MASON CUNNINGHAM | STSI Strategy Consultant, Owner, Pride Matters, LLC TSAHAI AMAZAN | STSI Development & Administrative Consultant BERYL WEAVER, MS | STSI Partner Liaison & Management Consultant CHERYL HUNTER GRANT, LMSW | STSI Black Maternal Health, Owner, IOE Consulting GLORIA CUNNINGHAM | STSI Ambitious Soul Marketing Consultant LYDIA SMITH, MBA | STSI STEAM Program Consultant EDEN GILLIAM | STSI Social Media Consultant SBD DIGITAL MEDIA, MS | Sayidana Brannan – Douglas, Owner STEFANIE BLUE CONSULTING | Editor in Chief, Connect 2 Blue Magazine MKW VIDEO PRODUCTIONS | George Malone & Janelle Velasquez TWO NV PRODUCTIONS | Phil Johnson, Owner Print Plus Services | David Hall, Owner

stsi is on the move!

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Upcoming Events

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The Board Co-Chair

Founder Co-Chair

Treasurer Fin. Secretary

Parliamentarian Secretary

Steering Committee

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STSI Community Partner

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Graffiti/Gang Specialist & Private Investigator

Ken Davis Yonkers, NY

914.966.9655 GandGSpecialist@gmail.com

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Labor Day Weekend 2025 August 29 to September 1

Email Us To Sign Up For Updates on Summerfest 2025: LewisandKirkMusic@gmail.com

MVJazzBluesSummerfest.com

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congratulations!

We believe achievements that have a positive impact on people and the community should always be recognized.

Thank you, Sister to Sister International for 30 years of service, for your dedication, and congratulations on your honor. Your commitment to others is inspiring.

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