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October Highlights: Empowering Her Voice, Igniting Her Future: STSI Celebrates Girls in Leadership and STEAM

Empowering Girls, Igniting Futures, Celebrating the International Day of the Girl & STEAM Career Exploration


Sister to Sister International (STSI) proudly joined forces with the Westchester Children’s Association to celebrate the International Day of the Girl Conference on October 9 at Manhattanville College’s historic Reid Castle. The inspiring day brought together young women from across Westchester and the Hudson Valley, including students from the Charter School of Educational Excellence in Yonkers and North Rockland High School, to celebrate leadership, confidence, and opportunity.


The keynote address was delivered by Lauren N. Morris, Founder and CEO of Loola Doola Boutique and Loola Doola Design & Manufacturing Inc., who also serves as an STSI Board Member. Her story of entrepreneurship, creativity, and perseverance inspired attendees to embrace their power and purpose as future leaders.


The conference also featured the interactive workshop “Code & Conduct, Real-World Etiquette for Future Leaders,”facilitated by Lydia K. Smith, MBA, STEAM Program Consultant at Sister to Sister International. Participants practiced real-world scenarios through role-plays and group challenges, learning how to make strong first impressions, communicate with confidence, and navigate digital spaces with integrity and grace.


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Later that month, STSI continued its commitment to empowerment through Igniting Potential, Discovering STEAM Career Paths, held on Saturday, October 18 at the Grinton I. Will Library in Yonkers. Moderated by Cheyenne Stephens, STSI STEAM Academy President, the event invited students to explore the exciting world of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) through hands-on activities and conversations with accomplished industry professionals.

Featured speakers included:

  • Dr. Chiatogu Onyewu, STSI Board Member and Senior Director, RGM Program Management & Operations, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals

  • Mara Calderon Guerra, STSI Board Member and Senior Director, PepsiCo Global R&D Beverages

  • Sade Amazan, MBA, STSI Steering Committee Member and Vice President, Sponsorships & Brand Partnerships Marketing, J.P. Morgan Private Bank


Together, these two powerful events reflect STSI’s mission to equip girls and young women with the skills, confidence, and exposure they need to thrive as scholars, innovators, and leaders shaping the future.


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Meet Our 2025–26 STSI STEAM Academy Student Leadership Team

Sister to Sister International is proud to announce our newly elected STSI STEAM Program Student Leadership Team for the 2025–26 program year. Leading with passion, purpose, and pride, these young women are ready to amplify youth voices, inspire innovation, and model what it means to lead through sisterhood and service.


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President – Cheyenne Stephens

An 11th grader at New Rochelle High School, Cheyenne brings creativity, poise, and a deep commitment to empowering girls in STEAM. Her focus this year is on strengthening mentorship opportunities and creating spaces for young women to explore leadership with confidence and curiosity.









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Vice President – Destiny Pierre

A 9th grader at Cardinal Spellman High School, Destiny’s enthusiasm, energy, and insight shine in every space she enters. She is eager to help connect new members, build bridges across cohorts, and spark collaboration across our programs.










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Board of Representatives – Sagar Sarr

Now a freshman at SUNY Geneseo, Sagar continues on the leadership team as a thoughtful and committed voice for her peers. Her perspective and creativity will be key in shaping youth-led initiatives and ensuring all STSI scholars are represented in our planning and programming.









Together, these remarkable young women embody the spirit of “lifting as we climb.” We look forward to seeing how their leadership will continue to advance the mission of Sister to Sister International and the growth of our STEAM Sistahs community.


Upcoming Events & Announcements

Please RSVP for the following upcoming STSI STEAM Academy events:


November

  • 11th – Hiking Excursion, Anthony’s Nose Trail

  • 22nd – Friendsgiving Luncheon, STSI Home Office

  • Goals & Gatorade (Mandatory Session for All STEAM Participants)This month, all STEAM participants are required to attend one of two “Goals & Gatorade” sessions designed to set personal and academic goals for the year. Personalized goal sheets will be shared via email in advance.

    • Session 1: Tuesday, November 11 (No School) | 6:00–7:00 PM

    • Session 2: Saturday, November 15 | 10:00–11:00 AM

    Please RSVP for the session your child will attend so we can prepare materials accordingly.


December


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, kicking off October 2025. We offer year round tutoring, hands on industry trips, leadership workshops, and a sisterhood that lifts as it climbs. 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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