Over Six Hundred Teen Girls decree, declare, and affirm that they are a "Phenomenal Woman"

Feb. 19, 2008 - PRLog -- Over six hundred girls from ninth through twelfth grade loudly shouted "I am a Phenomenal Woman"  at  the packed auditorium in Lincoln High School on February 14, 2008, Valentine's Day.

"You are phenomenal" said Principal Edwin Quezada in his welcoming remarks.

The Phenomenal Woman program was one of two events held this week as part of the Lincoln High School Art's Academy African-American History Month Celebration, which kicked-off on Tuesday with an all boys' assembly.

Jineea Butler, CEO of The Social Services of Hip-Hop, electrified the stage by quoting Maya Angelou's poem "Phenomenal Woman" and encouraged the girls to stand strong and reveal the "arch in your back".  

For girls, knowing women's achievements expand their sense of what is possible. Recognizing the dignity and accomplishments of women in our own families and those from other backgrounds leads to higher self-esteem among girls and greater respect among boys and men.  The results can be remarkable, from greater achievement by girls in school to less violence against women, and more stable and cooperative communities.

"This event was great!  I learned so much." stated a twelfth grader Zenille Saunders.   Lorraine Perdumo, a junior said, "We have to do this again.  You are phenomenal,  and I am phenomenal too."

"You are put here for a purpose, achieve that purpose." stated Ivy Reeves (Reeves Consultants).   Ivy shared her moving story of being a young girl in Birmingham, Alabama in the racially charged 1960's.

Other guest speakers at the event were Georgia Woodbine, bestselling author of "How to Make Big Bucks Without Losing Your Soul", who shared with the girls "you do not have to give away your power to be powerful."  Lonnie Allgood, founder of Dreams for Kids and former NFL player from Buffalo Bills told the girls, "I am here to tell you the truth ladies."  He shared how he takes his own teenage daughter on dates and stressed one major point "You need to raise the bar."

Pamela N. Njapa-Minyard, Founder and CEO of Giolai, served as moderator for this high powered panel.  "You are here to be inspired.  You are here to be empowered" Minyard told the girls.

About Giolai
Giolai is a Westchester based not-for-profit 501(c) (3) organization dedicated to enhancing the future for girls 11 to 18 who come from disadvantaged backgrounds. Giolai help girls to become responsible, self-reliant and successful students who will grow into equally successful adults and members of their communities.

Giolai's curriculum encompasses hands on leadership training, health awareness, education and academic excellence.  Giolai programs are being delivered throughout Westchester and the Bronx in after-school settings to empower and educate girls of color, mostly from underserved communities.  The Giolai program is currently running in the New Rochelle, Yonkers, and New York City School District. PO Box 1187, Yonkers, New York 10703 - Tel: 914-YOU-LEAD Fax: 866-822-2056  Email: GIOLAIorg@gmail.com

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About Giolai
Giolai is a not-for-profit 501(c) (3) organization dedicated to enhancing the future for girls 11 to 18 who come from disadvantaged backgrounds. Giolai help girls to become responsible, self-reliant and successful students who will grow into equally successful adults and members of their communities.

Giolai P.O. Box 1187, Yonkers, NY 10703 Tel: 914-YOU-LEAD Email: GIOLAIorg@gmail.com

Website: www.tomorrowleaders.org