Advocacy in Action, College Exposure, and Global Leadership Opportunities
- Lydia K. Smith
- 5 hours ago
- 5 min read
Celebrating Growth, Leadership, and Community as STEAM Sistahs Look Ahead
March is Women’s History Month, a time to honor the legacy, brilliance, and leadership of women who have shaped our world, often without the recognition they deserved. At Sister to Sister International, this month holds special meaning because our work has always been rooted in uplifting Black girls and girls of color, young people whose voices, ideas, and innovations are not only necessary, but powerful.
As we reflect on February and step into what’s ahead this spring, we’re proud to see our STEAM Sistahs doing exactly what Women’s History Month is about, learning boldly, leading with confidence, and showing up in spaces where their presence changes the room. From advocacy and civic engagement to college exposure and global leadership opportunities, our girls are not waiting for permission to lead, they are building the future in real time.
On February 24, STEAM Sistahs participated in a dynamic Beauty Justice Virtual Session led by Elizabeth Reyes of WE ACT for Environmental Justice. The session focused on the proposed New York State Beauty Justice Act, legislation that seeks to ban toxic chemicals in personal care products that disproportionately harm women and girls of color Beauty Justice Virtual Session ….
Students explored:
The harmful impact of heavy metals, parabens, phthalates, and PFAS in beauty products
The lack of ingredient transparency in the U.S. compared to Europe
How toxic exposure can affect cancer risk, reproductive health, and neurological development Beauty Justice Virtual Session …
Through interactive discussion and tools like the Clearya app, students learned how to analyze ingredients in everyday products and understand the importance of policy change. The session concluded with plans for continued advocacy and participation in upcoming events, including our In-Person Advocacy Day (Part II) during Spring Break in April
This was more than a workshop, it was civic education in real time!
HBCU Weekend at Grace: Exposure, Access & Possibility
Our partnership with HBCU Weekend at Grace Baptist Church was a tremendous success. Students were able to:
Engage with representatives from Historically Black Colleges & Universities
Participate in a financial aid and scholarship panel
Hear from HBCU alumni about their college journeys
Explore a simulated dorm room experience to envision campus life
Exposure matters. Representation matters. And seeing themselves on campus, in those spaces, matters. This weekend was about expanding imagination and making college pathways feel tangible.
Mark your Calendars
These upcoming experiences give our girls the chance to learn beyond the classroom, connect with leaders and professionals, and explore futures in advocacy, college, STEAM, and civic leadership.
Why You Should Be at the 2026 Youth MedTech & Finance Conference
Designed for students in grades 8–12, this FREE conference puts you face-to-face with professionals in healthcare, technology, and finance. Discover how innovation and problem-solving are shaping the future, improving health outcomes, building wealth, and creating real solutions.
What you’ll experience:
Career insights + Q&A with industry professionals
Future-ready skills colleges and employers look for
Networking with peers across Westchester County
Keynote: Dr. Mzimeli Morris, MD, FACOG (NY-Presbyterian Westchester)
Free breakfast & lunch included
Whether you’re focused on a future path or still exploring, you’ll leave with clearer next steps and a bigger vision for what’s possible. Real doctors, nurse innovators, radiology leadership, cybersecurity + data protection experts, and AI prompt engineers, all in one room to show you how MedTech is built, protected, and powered.
We are thrilled to share that STSI STEAM Academy President Cheyenne Stephens and Lydia K. Smith will serve as panelists at the United Nations CSW70 Youth Experience.
Tuesday, March 10
12:30 PM – 2:00 PM
Church Center for the United Nations, Drew Room
What you’ll experience:
Receive a UN tour
Participate in an official UN-affiliated event
Receive a school participation letter
This is global leadership exposure at its finest.
If you are interested in attending, please email lsmith@s2si.org to reserve your spot. Limited spaces are available.
Beauty Justice Advocacy Day: April
During Spring Break, we will host our in-person Beauty Justice Advocacy Day, building on February’s legislative learning. Students may have the opportunity to meet with AM Pretlow, Senator Shelley Mayer and or Senator Stewart-Cousins as we continue to elevate youth voice in policy conversations. Details to be announced.
Day of Action: LIVE Podcast
Sister to Sister International is preparing a special live podcast episode as part of our Day of Action, Education & Recognition 2026. Saturday, April 18, 2026🕒 10:00 AM – 3:30 PM at New Rochelle High School
Gen STEAM: Scrubs, Skills & Startups: From Clinical Paths to Creative Tech, We’re Building What’s Next.
We are inviting STEAM Sistahs across cohorts, from our very first class to Season 17, to join us for a live, on-stage conversation. If you are interested in being featured in the live podcast conversation, please contact Lydia K. Smith at lsmith@s2si.org.
You are part of this legacy!
Upcoming Events & Announcements
Please RSVP for the following upcoming STSI STEAM Academy events:
March
March 7: STSI students will participate in the MedTech & Finance Conference at Mercy University, expanding exposure to careers in healthcare innovation and financial systems.
March 10: STSI STEAM Academy scholars are invited to attend the United Nations CSW70 Youth Experience, where they will engage in a global conversation on advancing opportunities for women and girls. Students will receive a UN tour and official participation letters for school, with both in-person and Zoom attendance options available.
March 21: Additionally, we have been invited by a community partner to attend the Girls for STEM One-Day Conference for 7th and 8th grade students.
March 30 – April 3: Spring Break (Local Public Schools)
April
April 3: Beauty Justice In-Person Session (Proposed) We are exploring an in-person advocacy experience that may include meetings with AM Pretlow and Senator Stewart-Cousins. Final logistics will be shared.
April 18: STSI Day of Action
Location: New Rochelle High School – Linda E. Kelly Theater
This signature event will bring together students, partners, and community members for learning, reflection, and action.
STEAM Camp & Ghana 2026
Summer 2026: STEAM Camp Application Now Open!!
STEAM Camp 2026 June 29 – July 11, 2026 with Graduation: Saturday, July 12, 2026 at the Yonkers Riverfront Library. Participation is free. Families are asked to maintain a $85 STEAM Family Membership, which supports year-round programming. If you know a middle or high school girl who belongs in this space, now is the time to apply.
Immediately following STEAM Camp 2026, STSI is planning a trip to Ghana. Dates, pricing, and fundraising opportunities will be announced soon. Families interested in participating or supporting fundraising efforts are encouraged to reach out so we can show early interest and begin planning. If you would like to sponsor an STSI STEAM student in any capacity, no amount is too big or too small, please contact: lsmith@s2si.org. This is how we expand global leadership!
CALL TO ACTION
Ready to keep the momentum going?
Invite Black girls and girls of color in your life to join the STSI STEAM Academy.
We offer year-round tutoring, hands-on industry experiences, leadership development, and a sisterhood rooted in the belief of lifting as we climb. Send a quick email to lsmith@s2si.org to learn more or to get started today.
Lydia K. Smith
STEAM Consultant and STEAM Camp Coordinator
Sister to Sister International
Dr. Cheryl Brannan
Founder and President
Sister to Sister International
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