creating the next generation of powerful women
Unleashed is
an after-school leadership program that transforms the lives of middle school girls by empowering them to be social changes agents. Today, using animal welfare and puppies as the training grounds, girls, at a pivotal time in their lives, learn to advocate for others; think critically about complex social problems; and most importantly, gain confidence in their ability to create impact and charge in their world.
Our Mission
We are a leadership program empowering girls to take a stand against an injustice they are passionate about, animal rights and welfare, developing the tools needed to solve complex social issues throughout their lives.
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Unleashed Core Values
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“
” Stacey Radin,
What others categorized as oppositional, she saw as feisty, passionate and eager to experiment. - Dr. Stacey Radin
Founder
Dr Stacey Radin has dedicated her career to the development of girls and women; professionally as a psychologist, a researcher, and leadership consultant, and personally, as a volunteer, speaker and board member of not for profit organizations. As a psychologist, Stacey became passionate about working with adolescent girls. She found there was a misperception about this population; girls in this stage were viewed as difficult, oppositional, and hard to engage. What others categorized as oppositional, she saw as feisty, passionate and eager to experiment. Stacey recognized that these girls wanted to engage in relationships, not run from them. They simply needed someone to trust, to listen to their adolescence difficulties and to help them weather their storms. Working with this population taught Stacey so much about being a woman and the strong developmental continuum from girlhood to womanhood. Stacey, Founder and President of Corporate Equilibrium, is a leadership consultant and strategist specializing in the psychology of organizational effectiveness and leadership. She
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Board Members Chair Amy Kantrowitz Treasurer Vanessa Kuehn Executive Committee Shelly Wimpfheimer is a New York State-licensed clinical psychologist and is certified as an executive coach by the International Coach Federation. Her passion is developing cutting-edge leadership programs that are designed to implement change, strengthen leaders’ ability to influence ethically, and create opportunities to experiment and think out of the box. Working with executives and business leaders at all levels, she is a recognized expert and “power stylist,” with more than ten years experience coaching and consulting with senior executives in Fortune 500 companies, especially women, helping them to define and experience power and influence in their lives and careers.
Leslie Bark Christina DelBalso Leslie Grossman Stephenie Handler Michele Krieger Marnie Omanoff Helen Pan Elizabeth Ross
Stacey received her doctorate of psychology from Albert Einstein Medical Center and completed her postdoctoral training at Columbia University. She has received executive coaching training from New York University and was Director of Client Services for Wharton’s Total Leadership.
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The Beginning Unleashed was developed based on research studying two hundred powerful women across industry, age, ethnicity, including those in the public and private sectors. Findings showed that women were:
(A)More likely to use their power effectively when they were passionate about a cause (B)Early influences shaped a woman’s perception of her power (C)Women leveraged their passion to take risks, defy the status quo even if they were the lone voice in the room. Dr. Radin selected middle school as a critical age of identity development and asked girls about the issues they were passionate about. Animal rights was repeatedly identified as an issue girls this age cared deeply about. Once this was established, a curriculum was developed utilizing psychological principles of identity development, social justice, group process and leadership development. Unleashed piloted the program in 2 schools Fall 2010 Poly Prep in Brooklyn, New York and New Heights Academy in Washington Heights.
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Citations C1-7 on page 19
Many experts believe early adolescence, particularly the 10 to 12-year-old range, is the ideal time to formally introduce girls to the concept of leadership. The middle school brain grows at exponential speed, rendering her interpersonal relationships, academic pursuits and art, musical and sports involvement more likely to stay with her, or at least resurface, later in life. C1
Studying graduates who attended a school for gifted students, researchers discovered:
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65 percent of gifted adolescent girls hide their ability in school, while only 15 percent of gifted adolescent boys do the same. C2
out of
did not believe they had superior intelligence. They minimize their accomplishments or put blinders on that prevent them from realizing how strong they truly are.
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According to research of the Ms Foundation- Effective youth programming needs to consider
When budgets need to be slashed, women feel it first C5
Research shows “opportunities for youth participation, such as through civic activism, is ‘instrumental to their development and the types of transitions they make to adulthood,’ especially as future citizens.”
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Self esteem decreases in girls during middle school
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Dog Rescue Program
The puppy rescue organization of Unleashed was developed to fuel the girls’ passion as they complete the program. At the same time, it is a critical component of our Social Change model, demonstrating the need for individuals solving social issues to stay “in touch” with the populations they are serving. Unleashed to date has rescued 245 puppies from rural areas all over the country who were pulled from the “Urgent List” of high kill shelters. Puppies receive quality vetting, are quarantined and transported safely to the NYC area. Each puppy is observed by girls and rescue volunteers for at least 2 hours prior to being placed in foster care.
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Unleashed, The Book Unleashing the Power of Girls
Our founder, Stacey Radin has been contracted by Simon and Schuster to write the book Unleashing the Power of Girls coming out January 2014. The book is an overview of the Unleashed model, showcasing the lessons learned by middle school girls as an attestation to what all females, regardless of age have the power to accomplish.
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Unleashed is a girl driven, experiential program, providing participants with the opportunity to take ownership, become directly involved with the issues at hand, build a community of support and take action.
Unleashed girls are transformed by the following principles: Collaborating together to create common ground among a diverse group of girls, learning to respect others’ opinions, differences and values Diagnosing a social problem they are passionate about;getting to the root cause; increasing awareness and engaging others in their mission. Gaining a deep understanding of animal welfare as a social problem and how it is connected to larger social issues. Recognizing the power they have making a difference, strengthening leadership skills,advocating for others and gaining the awareness that if they can change the world for animals they are capable of anything. 10
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Weekly Team Sessions Groups are 12-20 girls in 5th-8th grades Led by licensed clinicians trained in the Unleashed model
week Program
Program Launch
Consultation and development of partnership with school or hosting site. Recruitment and selection of participants. Orientation and program pre evaluation.
Core Program Curriculum based on the integration of Unleashed Models of Social Change and Power developed by Dr Stacey Radin. Unleashed sessions provide girls with the opportunity to develop the tools needed to create social change. Girls leverage their individual and collective strengths to design, execute and manage projects. Graduation features the girls as an expert panel, a forum to discuss their leadership journeys, insights and the impact they have had over 12 weeks.
Community Outreach Participation in rescues (intake of puppies coming into the rescue organization, socialization and temperament testing) Designing and Leading “Unleashed Leads Day,� a community service event designed to engage others in their mission, increase awareness and provide opportunities for people to make a difference in animal welfare Speaking engagements within the community Fundraisers designed by Unleashed girls to simultaneously educate and raise money for their cause 11
Milestones & Accomplishments
In 2011, Unleashed added 6 after school programs at:
2009 Foundation of first Unleashed Board,
think-tank meetings with women professionals.
September 2010 Launch with programs at 2 Schools:
Poly Prep, Brooklyn, New Heights Academy, Washington Heights.
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Nightingale Bamford, Upper East Side; LAB School, Chelsea; Grosevenor House, 105th and Amsterdam; The Young Women’s; Leadership School, Astoria; The Children’s Storefront, Harlem; Central Synagogue, Midtown East. Summer 2011 published
“Diary of an Unleashed Girl”, a workbook for participants.
In 2012 and 2013, Unleashed has partnered with:
Nightingale Bamford, YMCA Flushing, Kappa IV, IS 93, MS 577 Soon Introducing Unleashed 2 an advanced program at Kappa IV to those who graduated.
2013 Rachael Ray donated Unleashed $25,000.
2012 Created Evaluation Team
189 Girls 250 puppies.
to look at self esteem, self efficacy, emotional intelligence, Optimism, Life Satisfaction and revised Unleashed tool measuring animal welfare, social justice, communication and power. 2012 Received 3 grants:
Minnie Berk Foundation ($5,000) and A Kinder World Foundation ($7,500), Valentine Perry Snyder ($30,00 over the course of 2 years)
Unleashed has served:
May 2012 Unleashed Diamond in the Ruff Award
launch for exemplary leadership Summer 2013 Launch for Unleashed Social Network for Girls 2014 Simon & Schuster will publish Dr. Stacey Radin’s book, Unleashing the Power of Girls.
Fall 2012 Coach Certification Program 2012 Developed Girls Advisory Board, now 12 members
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Breaking News
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AllWomenStalk.com
10 Good Cause Organizations that Make a Change in the World (Summer 2012)
JoonBug.com
Shop Lilly Pulitzer to Benefit Unleashed NY (May 27, 2012)
NY Daily News
Cat Greenleaf and Unleashed (May 2012)
NY Daily News
Paw Pal program unites city middle-schoolers with needy pets at upstate shelter ( July 16, 2011)
O: The Oprah Magazine Early Adopters ( June 2011)
NBC
Segment with Cat Greenleaf (May 2011)
Animal Planet’s Puppy Bowl VII
Two Unleashed puppies were featured in this year’s doggy Super Bowl. (February 5, 2011)
The Jewish Daily Forward: The Sisterhood
For Tween Girls, Lessons in Power - Via Pupies (December 6, 2010)
Good Day New York Fox 5 Morning Show Unleashed (November 2010)
Traci Hochner Dog Talk Radio Show (Summer 2010)
Three Tomatoes Radio Show ( June 2010)
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Unleashed
Speaks Out Unleashed Girls’ Testimonials Unleashed is a program where a girl can walk into the room and learn to use her power for a good reason instead of having power and not knowing what to do with it. You can use it to change society and help dogs and change the world and make it a better place. Kristina, 7th grade
We are still as strong as boys; they may be
I am only one person, but
Adanla, 6th grade
Marie, 8th grade
physically stronger but not strong in words.
I can make a difference.
Guidance Counselor Testimonial Over the course of 12 weeks, I have been honored to be a part of 16 girls' journeys to becoming strong, powerful young women! Through unleashed, we have had the opportunity to build strong connections with one another, a special connection that only an "unleashed"girl can understand. In a time where young people need a voice and need a chance to be part of something great, unleashed has unleashed THEIR inner power and allowed for them the chance to share themselves with others, graciously learn the power of their own actions and the value of commitment. We have been blessed with the unleashed program for all it has taught these young women, and for those they can educate because of their experience. Corey S. Levine, Guidance Counselor, KAPPA IV (05M302) 16
Parent Testimonials
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All it took was the first meeting and our daughter was hooked. Between Stacey’s hands-on approach with the girls and a passion for helping animals, Unleashed has empowered our daughter in the following ways: to work hard for things she believes in; act and be a leader; your voice can be a powerful tool; work as a member of a team; have compassion, and meet new friends. Unleashed is a fabulous experience for any young girl. Ann Kraftson, Parent, NYC
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My daughter has benefited in so many ways from her time spent with Unleashed. She has developed a quiet leadership style, her confidence and empathy have grown, and she has made new friends. We are one of the lucky families who also participated in the Fostering Program and found the perfect addition to our family - our dog Buddy. We are grateful to Unleashed and wish every Middle School were as smart as Nightingale in affording this opportunity for our daughters. Parent, Nightingale
Puppy Adopter Testimonial
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We started the process looking for a rescue without really knowing what to expect. However, the Unleashed Program made it a comfortable and enjoyable experience by finding the right pup for our family. We looked at a lot of Unleashed Pups and due to Stacey's great patience and effort that we found Nikko, our newest family member. Thank you so much Unleashed!!!! Allison Ziegler, Puppy Adopter
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Did You Know what it takes to
$5000 Sponsor a Program
Entire cost of an Unleashed program at a school including staffing 2 clinicians, materials, transportation for girls to and from rescues, Diary of an Unleashed Girl workbook
$2500 School Program Fee Cover a school’s fee for hosting the program
$300 Sponsor a girl
Cost of putting a girl through the program
$300 Sponsor a Puppy Cost to rescue a puppy
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Citations pg.7
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The first quote on top: Gurian, M. The Wonder of Girls Understanding the Hidden Nature of Our Daughters. New York: Atria Books, 2002
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http://www.gifted.uconn.edu/general/faculty/reis/ Internal_Barriers_Gifted_Females.html
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Baric, S., Bouchie, S., Cronin, P., Heinzen, A., Menon, G., & Prather, C. (n.d.) The Power to Lead: A Leadership Model for Adolescent Girls. Atlanta, GA: CARE.
C5
The Nation: Women Under The Budget Knife : NPR
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http://www.unicef.org/adolescence/files/ SOWC_2011_Main_Report_EN_02242011.pdf
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American Association of University Women. (1994). Shortchanging Girls, Shortchanging America. Washington, DC: Author.
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P.O. Box 8175,
New York, NY 10150 unleashedny.org
info@unleashedny.org
creating the next generation of powerful women
UnleashedNy UnleashedNy 646.580.5421