Voices of Her Own, Winter 2023, Issue 7

voices of her own her discovery magazine

Winter 2023, Issue 7

Cover Story Thank you, Alexandria community!

Mentoring programs across the City of Alexandria have determined four key areas within the 40 Developmental Assets to collectively target to empower our youth. Among these four focal points is ensuring that all youth feel they are valued by their community.

The Alexandria community has provided immeasurable support to SOHO in a variety of ways, some more visible than others. On average, our volunteer mentors each dedicate about 200 hours during the intensive first program year for 5th graders. They are consistent, enthusiastic, compassionate, empowering, patient, and incredible role models for our girls. SOHO works to develop new community partnerships each year.

Our partnerships range from a few months to 20+ years. Each provides new experiences that expose SOHO girls to the diverse opportunities in our community. Our donors enable us to provide weekly sessions with nutritious meals and fun art and STEM projects, as well as end-of-year space transformations that offer each girl a space to call her own.

Thanks to the investment the Alexandria community has made in our program, SOHO continues to build lifelong skills, foster positive relationships, and provide unforgettable experiences for our girls.

This issue of our Voices of Her Own Magazine highlights a few of the many individuals and organizations that have played a part in shaping our program and ensuring our youth feel valued by those around them as they embark on the adventure of a lifetime!

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Table of Contents “There is no power for change greater than a community discovering what it cares about.” - Margaret J. Wheatley MENTEE WRITERS Aubrey Darlyn Genesis M. Genesis P. Helena Isa Jaimee Lavinia Mawadda Nichi Scarlet Thiara Zykia GUEST WRITERS George Randolph Katrina, Mentor Linda Odell, Director Michelle Lopez, Intern Sarah G., Mentor

MEET OUR 2023-2024 INTERN

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AIR FORCE TOUR

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SOHO CLUB CONSTRUCTION SITE TOUR POOL PARTY COOKING CLASS BACK-TO-SCHOOL PICNIC

7 8 9 10

SOHO 2023-2024 HIKING LASER-CUT LAMPS PORTRAITS SPARKS

11 13 14 15

SOHO SPOTLIGHT

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UPCOMING EVENTS

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SOHO SHOUT-OUTS

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Meet our 2023-2024 SOHO Intern, Michelle Lopez Hi, my name is Michelle and I joined SOHO in 2017. The best thing that happened to me that year was getting matched with my mentor. After Katrina and I were matched, we made so many great memories together at SOHO and in the SOHO Club. We have been inseparable and we are still going strong after 7 years. I am so excited to be a part of this year’s SOHO group because I want to see the girls get matched with their mentors and each have a new role model in their life, just like how my mentor is my biggest role model.

A few of my greatest hopes for this year are for the girls to gain new friendships and have fun, but most importantly to continue their relationships with their mentors for many years.

One of my favorite memories with my mentor is when I made slime with her at her house after we finished our first year of SOHO.

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One of the biggest lessons I have learned from having a mentor is that you will always learn and keep growing no matter where you are at in your life.

My favorite SOHO project was the bookshelf that we made because I was able to put objects that symbolized me on the shelves.

Three words that I would use to describe my mentor are amazing, responsible, and supportive.

Something that I have learned so far in my internship is that even if days are gloomy there is always a bright side, you just need to look for it.

Space of Her Own - Winter 2023

We asked Michelle’s mentor, Katrina, a few questions, here is what she had to say!

How did you feel when you were matched?

Excited, and nervous, but mostly excited! I had enjoyed getting to know her over the initial weeks of the SOHO year, but I was thrilled that I would be able to develop a relationship with her 1-on-1 and explore each other's interests and passions.

How has Michelle impacted your life?

I look forward to every time we get together and connect as a chance to deepen our relationship – whether through the new things we try together or through the perspectives she provides in our conversations. She’s not the only person looking for advice most of the time – she’s a great sounding board and helps me see the other side of things, particularly as it comes to my own teenage daughters. I hope she stays in my life for a very long time, as I can’t wait to see the impact she’ll make on the world.

How do you feel about Michelle being a SOHO intern?

She is perfect for the role! Through the SOHO Club events we’ve attended over the years, Michelle was always eager to connect with the younger SOHO girls and hear about their experiences. She’s also great at connecting with the mentors, just as easily. I'm sure she’s been giving great advice and encouragement to the current cohort of girls and mentors. I knew this would be a great opportunity for her to demonstrate her leadership skills and pick up some new ones, such as team-building, event planning, and other soft skills so important to develop for wherever life takes her next.

How has your relationship evolved in the past 7 years?

I’ve always enjoyed hearing Michelle share what she’s learning in school, but since high school our conversations about current events and her hopes for the future are especially thought-provoking and illuminating. I wish every adult in this country had the opportunity to hear from youth like Michelle – they would learn so much just by listening. :-)

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Space of Her Own - Winter 2022

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Air Force Tour In May, our SOHO girls and mentors had the opportunity to visit Joint Base Andrews in Maryland. They learned about the Air Force, toured a plane, talked to crew members, and sat in the seat that many high ranking military officials have sat in, including the Vice President! This was the first plane many of our mentees had stepped foot on. A huge thank you to Sam, SOHO mentor and Air Force Staff Sergeant, for coordinating this event and ensuring each girl received an Air Force coin to commemorate the trip. It was an experience our girls and mentors will never forget!

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Space of Her Own - Winter 2023 9

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SOHO Club Female-led Construction Tour

SOHO Club mentor, Sarah and her employer JLL, a commercial real estate and project management firm, collaborated with Bialek, a furniture dealer, and RAND, a construction company, to organize a tour of the construction site for the revitalized headquarters of the Transportation Federal Credit Union in Alexandria.

Throughout the walkthrough of the three floors currently undergoing construction, girls and mentors gained valuable insights into various facets and trades integral to commercial construction.

These encompassed project management, electrical work, plumbing, waterproofing, engineering, and design.

Additionally, Bialek hosted a spaghetti structure building competition, wherein girls and their mentors joined forces to craft innovative towers, bridges, and other imaginative structures.

Afterwards, presenters, several of whom were first-generation college students, shared personal, inspiring journeys into their respective trades, imparting valuable wisdom to SOHO’s girls.

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“Hanging out with friends and playing underwater was the best part of my day.” - Aubrey

“I learned how to walk backwards on a handstand, but my favorite part was carrying friends on my shoulders.” - Thiara

“My favorite part of the pool party was hanging out with my friends and my mentor.

I was able to practice for my swimming test and learn how to do a handstand just like Thiara.” - Darlyn

“My favorite part of the day was swimming and spending time with my mentor and friends.

Everything about the day was fun!” - Genesis

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SOHO Club Cooking Class at Wegmans Written by Linda, SOHO Founder & Executive Director

On a rainy fall afternoon, Wegmans Carlyle-Alexandria hosted 13 SOHO Club girls and their mentors for a free cooking class. Chef Jonathan and his sous chef Virginia were terrific instructors and hosts.

The Menu: ● Juicy pan-seared chicken with garlic and parsley finishing butter. ● Broccoli, cauliflower, carrots and potatoes, seasoned and roasted to perfection, with just the right amount of crispiness.

General Manager Mike provided an overview of his nearly 20-year career with Wegmans and described a variety of careers available with the company He also shared many benefits of working for Wegmans, which include free language classes and discounted tickets to places like Disney World.

Wegmans' core values embody five keys to their success, values that are also embraced at SOHO: high standards; respect; caring; make a difference; empower.

Chef Jonathan, who did an extraordinary job of planning and executing the event, engaged the group throughout the 2 and 1/2 hour class. He gave a tour of the store and kitchen, and shared information about food safety and how to maximize flavor as girls seasoned their dishes.

With rain in the forecast for the rest of the weekend and thanks to the generosity of SOHO’s donors, the event ended with a surprise for each girl - all of the ingredients to take home and prepare the same meal for their families. Chef Jonathan and Virginia added fresh baked cookies and chocolate bars, compliments of Wegmans.

We are grateful to Wegmans for providing this terrific educational opportunity and look forward to returning again in the future with another group of girls and mentors.

We couldn’t do events like these without our committed volunteers who regularly take time from their busy schedules to transport girls and engage with them throughout each activity to maximize their learning experiences.

Below are a few things overheard from the SOHO during the class: “This is really fun!”

“This lunch is delicious.”

“Wegmans is great.”

“I’ve never liked cooked vegetables, but I love these.”

“I’m going to work here one day.”

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SOHO Club Back-to-School Family Picnic SOHO Club girls, their families, and their mentors kicked off the 2023-2024 school year with a back-to-school picnic at the Lee Center. All enjoyed the beautiful summer evening by playing games, reliving their favorite summer memories, and looking forward to the new school year ahead. We even had a few pets join the event! Hamburgers, veggie burgers, and hot dogs were grilled by our friends at the Alexandria Police Department Parking Services Unit (see page 17) and delicious trays of macaroni and cheese, fruit, and salad were prepared by The Executive Diner. It was a great way to end the summer and get excited for the school year!

Maggie & a n n ia Br O Cohort 16 SOH

2015 - 20

Thiara & Prog ram Manag er Mad die

Sarahohort & a i C c Ali OHO 2022

3S - 202

Thiara & Debbie 2022 - 2023 SOHO Cohort

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part was “My favorite ver.” seeing the ri - Helena

“The walk was favor my ite pa rt.”

- Jaim ee

HIKING THE RIVER TRAIL

part was “My favorite en the trail wh the end of er e to the riv we got clos ch able to tou s a w I d n a - Zykia the water.”

“My fa vorite part w climbi as ng the rocks.

- Nich ” i

g the “I liked seein e from Maryland sid a Virginia. - Is

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reat me to G a c I t a h es “I love t g pictur in k a t d e k This Falls. I li breaks. g in ik h he during t avinia iful!” - L t u a e b was

“My favorite part was seeing the river, even though it was cold.”

- Mawadda

“My favori te part wa s seeing a of the wate ll r and bein g a b le to see Maryla nd across th e river.” - Ge nesis

Our newest SOHO cohort enjoyed their first field trip to the River Trail at Great Falls in late October. The hike was led by Wilderness Kids Alexandria. Their staff were fun, engaging, and full of contagious enthusiasm for the outdoors! We started with team building activities, then split into three groups for the hike. We met about halfway through the hike to enjoy lunch before continuing along the trail.

The weather was perfect, sunny with a light breeze.

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Laser-Cut Lamps

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The innovative staff at Building Momentum helped our 5th grade girls and their mentors complete their first STEM project of the year - laser cut lamps. Each girl used the laser cutter to design the sides of the lamp, they then put the puzzle pieces together, used their creativity to paint the sides, and completed the project by learning how to wire the lamp!

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Portraits 1.

2.

3.

Write a compliment on the back of your neighbor’s paper.

Draw your mentor or mentee.

Use paint, markers, paper, and more to add color to the portrait of yourself!

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What in your life brings meaning and excitement?

Our 5th grade girls explored the concept of “sparks” and enjoyed identifying their unique qualities and commonalities!

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“I had fun decorating my crown with my sparks! The jewels on my crown are my favorite colors. I love to hear music and sing so I added a lot of musical notes. I added books because I love reading and writing. I drew my family, which is me, my mom, my dad, and my little brother. Everything on my crown makes me happy so I drew smiley faces too!”

- Scarlet

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SOHO Spotlight: Supervisor George Randolph Parking Enforcement Unit, Alexandria Police Department “This is a great surprise and I appreciate you all thinking about myself and my team.”

My name is George Randolph III, I'm from Alexandria, Virginia and I graduated from T.C. Williams, Class of 1992. I attended ATI Career Institute for Culinary Arts and graduated in 1993. I enjoy cooking, baking, grilling, fishing, bowling, and spending time with family and friends. My motivation is my daughter and three grandchildren and continuing to make my mom and family proud of me.

I have been in my current position as day shift supervisor of the Parking Enforcement Unit (PEO) for the past two years, but I've been a Parking Enforcement officer for 23 years. I've been working with Officer Bennie Evans for several years, grilling for community events throughout the City. It's always a great feeling to be able to cook, experience fellowship, and see the community come together to play games, receive gifts, and have fun. Every year the community events continue to grow. This year we've had twelve events. My team and I were also requested for three separate events with Space of Her Own. Of course, I could not have done any of the events without the support of my team, PEO Henderson, PEO Taylor, PEO Bentley, Catrina West (Police), Shareen Garner (Human Resources), Michelle Newaldass (Human Resources), and Marquese Wimbush (Facilities).

I feel that the community gets a chance to meet some of the police and parking officers and sees how we are as people. They gain an understanding of what our presence can bring to the community, and we work to increase positive thoughts, breaking negative stereotypes one community at a time. I love doing what I do and I aim to please.”

The entrees at the past three SOHO family events have been grilled and served by Supervisor George Randolph and his team.

We are grateful for their time, positive energy, and the sense of community they bring to SOHO and to the City of Alexandria!

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SOHO’s Mission Transforming spaces and transforming lives, SOHO empowers girls through visual arts, carpentry, life skills lessons and creative one-on-one mentoring

Upcoming SOHO Events ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

December 12 & 13 - 2023 Mentee/Mentor Match Night December 13 - 3rd Annual SOHO Club Gingerbread House Competition December 19, 20, 26, & 27 - No SOHO, Happy Holidays!

January 9 - SOHO joins Alexandria Mentoring Partnership at the City Council meeting at City Hall to recognize Alexandria Mentor Month February 6 & 7 - Family Paint Night with 5th grade girls, families, and mentors February - Ice skating!

Lots of free tickets available for SOHO Club members through Tickets for Kids and PaintNite

SOHO Shout-Outs! ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Building Momentum for the innovate projects Executive Diner for preparing our delicious dinners George Randolph & Alexandria Police Department, Parking Services Unit, for grilling at our cookouts JLL & SOHO Club mentor Sarah Glickstein for the female-led construction site tour Johnny Alexander with Aging & Adult Services for lending vans for field trip transportation Keeley Rae Prestwich & The Art League for the fun portrait class SOHO Club mentors (Amber, Debi, Marietta, Renee H., & Sarah G.) for sharing your SOHO experiences at our new mentor training Tickets For Kids for the new partnership Wegmans for the exciting cooking class Wilderness Kids Alexandria for the perfect fall hike

Girls and Mentors – Share your photos and stories to be featured in the next issue of

voices of her own magazine.

For more SOHO information visit spaceofherown.org

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