Last Thursday, April 26, several members of our organizing and advisory teams showed up and turned out for Asian American Recovery Services – A Program of HealthRight 360’s 23rd Annual SISTER to SISTER Conference, a community treasure that’s stemmed in advancing and supporting young Asian Pacific Islander women and girls, ages 11-18 years old.
The primary target population for SISTER to SISTER includes middle – and high school women and girls that are from the South Bay Area.
Bringing together nearly 200 participants, supported by a team of volunteers, guest speakers, and workshop presenters, and led by a small AARS team, SISTER to SISTER has – and continues – to strengthen our community’s pipeline for ensuring that young API women and girls are exposed to positive role models, engage in conversations around identity and confidence, and are guided in discussions around personal and mental health.
The women and girls started their day with an opening address from this year’s 2018 Legacy Award winner, Ellen Kamei, where she shared about her own connections to the Conference’s theme: RISE UP. From coming of age events, to personal lessons and triumphs, to family, Ellen’s words resonated and were relevant to the audience and their own experiences.
Carina Orozco, a familiar face in our Fly Pinays work, was the Mistress of Ceremonies at this year’s 23rd Annual SISTER to SISTER, where she led our cheering crowd of girls and kept the energy live all day; Dr. Jennifer Briscoe, one of our organization’s advisors, guest spoke on a panel, where she shared about her stories with leadership as she presently serves as the Chair for the County’s Commission for the Status of Women; Jay Page, our lead Education organizer tabled for our organization and helped spread the word about our programs; lastly, Razelle Buenavista, one of the founding members of SISTER to SISTER, led the day’s events, with her staff, volunteers and presenters, across the finish line of yet, another successful SISTER to SISTER.
It’s because of local leadership and examples shone through events like SISTER to SISTER that make our community stronger in evolution and transformation.
We’re proud to support and volunteer at SISTER to SISTER year over year.
Rise Up!
LEAD Filipino
