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Mentor Winner:
Description of duties & responsibilities of the nominee
Nachelle Gordon is the Executive Director of Future Leaders by Design. Which is a free series of empowering workshops facilitated by YBWS, Inc members for girls between the ages of 14-18 (high school age); to teach lessons on maintaining healthy self-esteem, the importance of academic achievement through an educational enrichment component and the importance of serving your community. The program meets twice a month. Ms Gordon crafted the unique and interactive curriculum. She provides leadership and direction for the program; which also includes fundraising activities, and mentorship. Ms. Gordon is a Boston Public School Educator, who earned her Masters in Education from the Boston Teacher Residency program.
What minority community / industry does the nominee serve? Please describe the need in this community for mentorship / leadership.
The nominee and program serve primarily African-American and Latino teen girls, between the ages of 14-18 (high school age) in Boston. The program includes group discussions, facilitated by the women of YBWS, and various multi-media activities. The lessons are designed to improve self-confidence, promote academic achievement, and encourage community activism. There is a particular need in the community for this type of mentorship given the history as well as social and political standing of Women/Girls of Color in America. These women have to regularly face racial and gender discrimination. Racism in this country is well documented along with gender inequality. Because of this Women/Girls of Color deal with the higher risk of low self esteem, poverty, unplanned pregnancy and violence in their communities. Mentorship is absolutely critical in providing resources and mentors. This program actively promotes education, self-confidence, and community activism.
Please describe why the mentorship of this individual is particularly valuable. Feel free to provide one or two examples.
The girls in FLD discover the power they have to create change in their communities. In one workshop discussion, the girls were asked what bothers them in their communities. “Crime!” one said. “And it’s ugly!” shouted another. Empowered by the FLD Facilitators, they made a plan to fix it and were given the tools to turn their concerns into action. The girls transformed 50 garbage cans donated by Home Depot, and decorated them with paint and adorned them with images and messages of peace, and them placing them around the city. Each girl left the program, remembering to be the change they want to see in their lives!
Please describe how the nominee’s mentorship has provided a tangible benefit to the community / industry served.
Last year FLD had ten girls enrolled, this year we have almost 20 girls! This shows that positive word is spreading about the program in Boston. During our 2010 opening ceremony in January, we had a high attendance rate of family and friends (of the participants), who showed up to support them and encourage their participation in the program. Benefits have been that the girls, are more involved in the community and have responded in program evaluations, that they have increased ‘self esteem’ and feel that they have a powerful network of mentors to ‘depend on’. These benefits can be credited in part to Ms. Gordon’s program/mentoring development. In addition, YBWS, Inc. has been recognized for its work. On March 18, 2010, YBWS Inc. accepted a Social Service Award presented by Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated - Eastern Region; for its work within the community and with Women/Girls of Color.
Please describe the ways in which this individual acts beyond the scope of his or her professional duties, and the extent to which mentoring is a part of the nominee's duties.
Ms. Nachelle Gordon along with four other women founded The Young Black Women's Society Incorporated in 2005. This is a non-profit organization, committed to empowering and advocating for Black women through social activities, professional development, and community involvement. Ms. Gordon realized early on, her passion for teaching and empowering youth to reach academic and personal excellence. As a consequence, she decided to create a mentoring and leadership development program for high school girls within YBWS, Inc. Ms Gordon established Future Leaders by Design (FLD). The program is open to teen girls from local high schools who envision themselves as the next leaders of today and tomorrow. It is important to note, that Ms. Gordon is a full-time educator and does not receive a salary or any form of monetary compensation for her work in FLD or YBWS, Inc. She provides leadership to this program through the strong conviction of “lifting as you climb” and supporting/mentoring women in the community. She crafted the curriculum and integrated three components, which she found integral to its success:1) self-confidence, 2) academic achievement, and 3) community activism. The program meets twice a month and Ms. Gordon is present to not only mentor and oversee the program, but she also coordinates speakers and activities for the participants. Mentoring is an important part of the program, which Nachelle is actively involved in each meeting. FLD has been a success and we see the positive results weekly. Future Leaders by Design and Ms. Nachelle Gordon truly deserve the Rosoff Mentor Award!
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