October 2026 STEAM Sistahs Highlights: You're on Notice!
From Beauty Justice to youth advocacy, civic engagement, and new opportunities, our STEAM Sistahs are turning their voices into action.
Young Voices. Big Moves. Real Impact What happens when young people get the space, tools, and confidence to speak up? They take action! This fall, our STSI STEAM Sistahs are stepping beyond the classroom and into conversations that matter to their health, schools, communities, and futures. From launching a youth-led Beauty Justice campaign at our September Day of Action to exploring educational justice, voter education, and new leadership opportunities, they are showing that you don't have to wait until adulthood to make an impact.
On September 26, Sister to Sister International brought generations together at New Rochelle High School for the 2026 Intergenerational Day of Action, Education & Recognition, themed From Survival to Joy: Leading the Next Generation of Justice. A highlight of the day was seeing the STEAM Academy's student-led "You're on Notice!" Beauty Justice campaign take the stage alongside Sophia Longsworth, M.Sc., MPH, Toxics Policy Director at Clean+Healthy.
Representing the Academy, third-year STEAM Sistah Anaiya showcased the work she and her peers developed to raise awareness about potentially harmful chemicals in beauty and personal care products. Building on their collaboration with WE ACT for Environmental Justice, our girls connected science, health, and civic engagement to an issue affecting their communities. The conversation continued through a LIVE Global Pulse podcast segment hosted by Lydia Jones, creating another platform to amplify youth voices, share perspectives, and demonstrate how summer learning can grow into meaningful community advocacy.
The 5-Person Challenge: Keep the Conversation Going
The Day of Action is over, but the campaign continues. We're challenging STEAM Sistahs, families, alumni, and friends to help spread the word:
Watch & Learn why Beauty Justice matters.
Pledge by taking the "You're on Notice!" campaign pledge.
Share with five friends, classmates, or family members, and challenge them to learn and take the pledge, too.
Five people can reach five more. That's how conversations grow into community awareness and collective action.
But Wait, There's More! From Beauty Justice to Educational Justice. Our STEAM Sistahs aren't stopping at Beauty Justice. They're asking an important question: "What other issues affecting young people deserve our attention?"
At the Day of Action, one answer emerged: Solutions, Not Suspensions.
STEAM Academy President Cheyenne raised her voice about school discipline and its impact on students' educational experiences, helping spark a larger conversation. Many young people expressed a sense of urgency and a desire to get involved. Now, in partnership with Angel Gray of the Westchester Children's Association, STSI is working to develop a Solutions, Not Suspensions youth coalition, creating space for students to share their experiences, explore alternatives to exclusionary school discipline, and help shape conversations about educational equity. Our girls aren't just joining the conversation. They're helping lead what comes next!
Mark your Calendars
The advocacy doesn't stop here, and neither do the opportunities. Whether you're into business, educational justice, culture, or community service, there's something ahead for our STEAM Sistahs and families.
STSI Entrepreneurship Network & Mixer
Calling STEAM Sistahs: We're recruiting a Student Greeters & Hospitality Crew. Earn community service hours while building communication skills, gaining professional experience, and making meaningful connections.
Saturday, November 14, 2026
12:00pm Call Time for Volunteers
New Rochelle United Methodist Church
Meet entrepreneurs, learn about business, and see how professionals build their networks. The mixer brings together business owners and professionals with expertise in entrepreneurship, access to capital, artificial intelligence, and innovation.
Preschool to Prison Documentary & Community Panel
Join us for a screening of Preschool to Prison, followed by a community panel on the school-to-prison pipeline, educational equity, and solutions. One of our own STSI youth voices will be on the panel, bringing a young person's perspective to the conversation. For students curious about the emerging Solutions, Not Suspensions youth coalition, this is a great chance to listen, learn, and connect. Educators, families, and community partners are welcome.
Wednesday, November 18, 2026
5:30–7:30 PM
Yonkers Riverfront Library
If you are interested in attending, please email lsmith@s2si.org to reserve your spot. Limited spaces are available.
Celebrating Kwanzaa Through Our Voices
We're inviting STEAM Sistahs, alumni, and families to celebrate the traditions and values that connect our community. Young people can also join the return of the Kwanzaa Principles Video Campaign, using storytelling, reflection, and digital media to highlight the seven principles of Kwanzaa, the Nguzo Saba.We'd love for you to be part of it, and we hope you'll join us in person. Check out last years video celebration on our Instagram page.
The principles will be presented live during our candle lighting at the Kwanzaa celebration 2026. Watch for event details, and email lsmith@s2si.org to express interest in the video campaign.
Friends of STSI: Opportunities & Resources + Upcoming Events
Thanks to our community partners, Workgroup members, alumni, and Friends of STSI, we're sharing experiences that encourage learning, creativity, cultural exploration, and college and career discovery.
Please RSVP for the following upcoming STSI STEAM Academy events/opportunities:
November
November 14: Join STSI for the Entrepreneurship Network & Mixer at New Rochelle United Methodist Church
November 18: STSI's Juvenile Justice Workgroup, in collaboration with Westchester Children's Association, will host a Preschool to Prison Documentary Screening & Panel Discussion at Yonkers Riverfront Library from 5:30–7:30 PM. Young people, families, and community members are invited to explore school discipline practices, youth advocacy, and the Solutions Not Suspensions initiative.
December
December 15: Through our Friends of STSI network, a select group of STSI girls may have the opportunity to attend an Alvin Ailey Dance Performance during a special matinee, celebrating artistic expression, culture, and careers in the performing arts. Participation details are being finalized.
2027
February 2027: STEAM Sistahs Take on Albany! STSI is planning to bring five STEAM Sistahs to Albany, NY, for the New York State Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic & Asian Legislative Caucus gathering. This opportunity will introduce our young leaders to civic engagement, advocacy, and government while connecting them to conversations about issues affecting their communities. Fundraising efforts will help support student participation, with additional details to come.
July 15–17, 2027: Boston Area College Tour
Through our Friends of STSI network, students interested in STEM and higher education can explore MIT, Harvard, Tufts, Northeastern, and Boston University through the free Boston area College Tour (BCT). Designed primarily for students in grades 8–11, guided tours take place July 15–16, with optional self-guided visits July 17. Advance registration is required, and families arrange their own transportation and accommodations. View tour details and application.
STEAM Camp 2026 June 28–July 9, 2027 with Graduation: Saturday, July 10, 2027 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.
CALL TO ACTION
3 ways 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.
Have an Opportunity to Share?
Scholarships, internships, mentorships, career experiences, competitions, and cultural events all help open doors for young people. If you're a community partner, educator, alumnus, or Friend of STSI with a resource to share, email lsmith@s2si.org and help us connect more young people to meaningful opportunities.
Join Our STEAM/STEM & Health Careers Workgroup
Are you an educator, industry professional, community leader, or passionate advocate for youth development? Join our monthly Workgroup meetings, where like-minded changemakers come together to share expertise, build partnerships, and turn ideas into meaningful opportunities for our STEAM Sistahs. Together, we're advancing STSI's STEAM education and career pathways pillar through collaboration, mentorship, and collective action. Bring your ideas, connections, and passion for making a difference!
Send a quick email to lsmith@s2si.org to learn more or to get started today!
Lydia Jones
Community Impact Operations Consultant + STEAM Academy Programs
Sister to Sister International
Dr. Cheryl Brannan
Founder and President
Sister to Sister International
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