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Bronx, NY – New York City Public Schools, My Sister’s Keeper Bronx Committee, along with the Office of the Bronx Borough President, hosted the “My Sister’s Keeper Unconference,” on Wednesday, March 27th, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. where over 1,000 students, from schools across the Bronx, filled the Hayes Auditorium on the campus of the University of Mount St. Vincent, at 6301 Riverdale Avenue, Bronx, New York 10471.
Honored at the event were former NYC Schools Chancellor and inaugural President and CEO of the Bronx Community Foundation, Dr. Meisha Ross-Porter; New York State Commissioner of Education and President of the University of the State of New York, Dr. Betty A. Rosa; and 6th president of The University of Mount Saint Vincent, Dr. Susan R. Burns. Serving as emcee was MSK Core Team Lead, LA Dunn. Citations of Merit were presented to the three student emcees and three finalists of an essay writing contest called MSK Embodiment of Sisterhood, who won 1st Place in the elementary school, middle school, and high school categories.
“Our young children and teens deserve every opportunity available to acquire the skills needed to thrive and prosper as adults,” said Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson. “Through the ‘My Sister’s Keeper Unconference,’ we spoke directly to over 1,000 girls and young women across the Bronx about our unwavering commitment to ensuring that they receive the necessary support to become the leaders of the future. I want to thank New York City Public Schools, the My Sister’s Keeper Bronx Committee, and everyone else who played a role in bringing this event to fruition.”
“The young women in our schools today are the leaders in our city tomorrow, and many of them are already stepping up as role models in their communities,” said NYC Schools Chancellor David C. Banks. “Congratulations to today’s essay finalists and to everyone who took part in this amazing display of unity and community.”
“I think it is critical that women create spaces and opportunities for girls and young women to feel inspired and see themselves in us,” said NYC Chancellor’s Master Principal, Dr. Roshone Ault Lee. “This is why it is important to me as a sitting principal to advance this work and I am just elated that I can partner with the Borough President and her team to do this together for the Bronx.”
“It was such an honor to have the opportunity to welcome more than 1,000 young women to our campus for the My Sister’s Keeper Bronx Unconference,” shared University of Mount Saint Vincent President Susan R. Burns. “Mount Saint Vincent was the first institution to offer advanced education to young women in New York, and while the University has grown to serve students of all genders, races, ethnicities, and backgrounds, our mission remains constant—to provide transformational educational opportunities that enable all learners to realize their potential and apply their experience at the Right Place on the River toward lives of leadership, service, and innovation. I am thankful for the diligent work of Borough President Gibson, her team, and applaud all involved in the work of MSK for celebrating and inspiring the next generation of young women leaders in the Bronx.”
Providing performances during the program were the South Bronx Academy of Applied Media Dance Team, the Songs of Solomon Inspirational Ensemble, with live music provided by DJ Perly.