On Saturday, March 2, 2024, Women’s History Month kicked off with a bang as Youth of Valor Empowerment (YOVE) and the Alliance of Career Development Nonprofits (ACDN) co-hosted an inspiring breakfast event titled “WOMEN WHO DARE: Stories of Hope, Courage, and Determination” at Miami Dade College – Wolfson Campus Auditorium.
Celebrating its 17th year, the event welcomed guests with a delightful morning meal prepared by Chef Dominique from North Miami. The occasion evolved into a lively community dialogue, encouraging YOVE participants and guests to dream big and aim for personal and professional excellence.
The event featured an array of activities, including an uplifting rendition of Josh Groban’s “You Raise Me Up” by a YOVE participant, testimonials from identical twin YOVE alumnae who pursued careers as a Flight Attendant and Police Officer Trainee, and a panel discussion with influential women leaders from the region.
Moderated by Dr. Cassandra Arnold, the panelists shared their success stories and highlighted the importance of perseverance in the face of challenges.
Among the esteemed speakers were Dr. Malou C. Harrison, Dr. Marie O. Etienne, Ms. Wanda Smith, The Honorable Linda Singer Stein, Dr. Helen M. Bermudez, Vice-Mayor Mary Estimé-Irvin, Dr. Eva M. Francis, and Ms. Clora Adkins. They shared insights into their career journeys and emphasized the significance of supporting and empowering women and girls.
Mission to inspire at-risk Black girls and women
Dr. Alourdes Pierre, Founder of YOVE, expressed her joy at hosting such accomplished women and thanked Commissioner Bastien and Vice Mayor Estimé-Irvin for their support in bolstering YOVE programming.
“What can I say? I was elated to host such an accomplished group of high-achieving women in the room who have contributed their insights and desire for change to uplift our surrounding communities, not to mention the opportunity to expose our YOVE participants to women of their caliber in an intimate setting,” she said.
She also highlighted the organization’s mission to inspire at-risk women and girls of Haitian and African American descent.
“YOVE’s annual Women’s History Month event provides a special moment in time for us to spotlight the groundbreaking achievements of the change-making women in our local neighborhoods while amplifying the voices of young girls and women who have supported YOVE since its inception,” Pierre shared.
“We aim to help our participants boost their self-esteem and confidently step into the world while feeling, looking, and being their best, which will manifest into personal success stories including high school graduation, college completion, career success, and personal advancement.”
The event, made possible by sponsorship from the Smart & Sexy Corporation and ACDN, in collaboration with Miami Dade College- Wolfson Campus, also received support from various local organizations and businesses. YOVE’s commitment to community outreach will continue with the announcement of an upcoming scholarship fund in Spring 2024.
