STEAM September Highlights: HBCU Classic & The Woman King Movie Discussion

Celebrating HBCU Pride at the 2025 Classic

This September, our STEAM Sistahs had the unforgettable opportunity to attend the HBCU NY Classic at MetLife Stadium, thanks to the generous support of the NCNW Westchester Section.

The game, featuring Howard vs. Morehouse, was more than just football—it was an immersive celebration of HBCU culture, community, and pride. From the electrifying halftime show and marching bands to the spirited energy in the stands, our girls experienced firsthand the unique traditions that make HBCUs such vital institutions.

The day was also deeply personal for our STSI family, as we proudly celebrated alumna Sachi Russell, daughter of Board Member Dr. Darlene Russell, who took the field with the Morehouse I Spelman University band. Seeing one of our own shine on such a stage was a full-circle moment, inspiring our current students to imagine themselves in future spaces of leadership, artistry, and academic excellence.

This outing was a powerful reminder of the importance of exposure, showing our girls possibilities beyond their immediate communities and helping them see themselves reflected in spaces of excellence.

STSI Board Member Dr. Chi Onyewu and STEAM Sister Amarachi O.

Alumni & STEAM Sistah, Sachi Russell, shines at the HBCUNY Classic

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Global Conversations Through The Woman King

Earlier in September, our STEAM Sistahs came together for a special virtual discussion of the film The Woman King, in partnership with our sister organization, Bridge to Africa Connection (BTAC) in Ghana.

The movie sparked rich dialogue about leadership, resilience, and representation, with students exploring what it means to lead with courage and compassion. Together, girls in the U.S. and Ghana reflected on:

• How the Agojie warriors challenged gender roles by leading as protectors and strategists.

• The importance of unity, resilience, and sacrifice in building strong communities.

• Ways they themselves could lead—in their schools, on their sports teams, and in their families.

One camper shared: “Using our voices and fighting for education is essential.” Another added that the film reminded her of the importance of standing beside her sisters, just like the Agojie stood for one another.

This cross-continental dialogue not only deepened students’ understanding of the film’s themes but also strengthened bonds between our STEAM Sistahs and the BTAC girls. Together, they celebrated sisterhood, empowerment, and the possibilities of leadership across borders.

STEAM Impact Snapshot

• 74% of students served this year were Yonkers youth, underscoring our deep local impact.

• 92% of campers reported increased confidence in public speaking and leadership skills.

• Parents shared that their daughters came home “excited about STEAM, inspired to try new things, and more confident about their future.”

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 13, 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.

Additionally, join us on October 18th at the Grinton I. Will Library for STSI’s Sistah’s Circle: Igniting Potential, facilitated by our very own STEAM Sistah Cheyenne Stephens and featuring dynamic women leaders sharing their journeys in STEAM careers. Don’t miss this empowering conversation! RSVP today!

Lydia K. Smith  

STEAM Consultant and STEAM Camp Coordinator  

Sister to Sister International  

Dr. Cheryl Brannan  

Founder and President  

Sister to Sister International