OK, so it might be a bit early, but we’re just gonna go ahead and proclaim 2021 The Year of the Woman. Need proof? We’ve got plenty. Kamala Harris, the first female elected to national office, was sworn in as vice president. Three women—Regina King, Chloe Zhao, and Emerald Fennell—have been nominated for best director at this year’s Golden Globe awards, the first time more than one female has been shortlisted in a single year. And just this past Sunday, Sarah Thomas became the first woman to officiate the Super Bowl. And it’s only February!
Even better news? The opportunity to keep the girl power momentum going and ensuring young women in our own community will become the future female leaders of tomorrow just got a big boost in Bergen County thanks to Wonder Girls. Coming to high schools located in Rockland and Bergen Counties in Fall 2021, this fabulous after-school program’s mission is to allow female high school students the chance to build confidence, leadership, and the necessary business skills to succeed, no matter what educational or career path they choose. At the end of the program, Wonder Girl seniors are provided the opportunity to apply for a college scholarship during their senior year of high school.
“We believe that every Wonder Girl deserves the opportunity to thrive as leaders of their own lives despite economic, social or educational challenges. As professional and educated women, we want to promote the importance of education and encourage young girls to learn, grow, support each other, and to always dream big!” says Natalie Maniscalco and Irene Zervoudis, co-founders of Wonder Girls.
Through educational programming and events, Wonder Girls brings together a powerful and phenomenal network of diverse and multicultural professional women to teach, lead, inspire, and empower high-school-aged girls, supporting both their personal and professional growth. In addition to in-school workshops, Wonder Girls will also host monthly events outside the school, including community service experiences with various charitable partners, a Wellness Expo, and a College & Career Expo.
The program will be offered in four high schools starting in September, but the organizers are already starting some programming this semester, including a Volunteer Day on Feb 18 at the People to People Food Pantry, in Nanuet, and at the Women's Rights Center in Bergen County on March 13, where they’ll be collecting and donating women's professional clothing for Career Closet. Wonder Girls will be on hand at both events to help pack and organize for the drop-off.
So, who run the world? Girls!
