Strong Women, Strong Girls (SWSG) Boston gathered over 400 girls, 300 college mentors, 30 adult volunteers, and numerous supporters for our annual Jump into Spring (JIS) event on April 11 at the Melnea Cass Recreation Complex in Roxbury, Mass. Always a high-energy event, this year’s theme, “SWSG Museum: Empowerment through the Arts,” infused the day with creativity and movement.
Girls enter the Melnea Cass Recreation Complex through a cheer line of volunteers.
After kicking off the day with co-hosts Candy O’Terry (Boston Regional Board Member & former host of Morning Magic on Magic 106.7) and Katie Braggins (a mentor at Northeastern University), Boston Executive Director Siiri Morley welcomed all in attendance, then sent girls off for a morning of jump-roping and activities galore. Girls were given the opportunity to get moving with dancers from the Boston Ballet; balance and flow with yoga instructor & Northeastern University mentor Shelby Sih; tell their stories with Grlz Radio; let their comedic sides shine with NU & Improv’d; learn nutrition basics with Christina Ypsilantis; create their own “super girl” capes of confidence with mentors of the J-Squad (Jump Into Spring Planning Squad) and, of course, jump rope! Throughout the event, DJ Kelli Bernard kept the crowd pumped up with music by all-female performers.
Later on, girls got inspired by performances from the Boston Ballet, violinist Hannah Lopez Vega, and step team Stepping on Another Level (SOAL). One of the highlights of the day was a keynote speech from local community organizer and entrepreneur Liz Miranda. Miranda, a Roxbury native and graduate of Wellesley College, rallied girls to shout out empowering mantras like “I can be anything I want to be–even if it’s something I don’t see!”
Special thanks to our sponsors, Natixis Global Asset Management and GW&K Investment Management, who provided financial support, as well as Trader Joe’s in Cambridge and Whole Foods in Jamaica Plain, who provided snacks and water. Thanks as well to our 30 volunteers who assisted with setup, activity coordination, and cleanup. We couldn’t do it without you! Finally, cheers to Program Manager Kenyora Johnson, lead event organizer, and her supporter, SWSG Advisory Council Member Akosua Kwaa.
You can find more photos on our Facebook page.
Until next year!
Keynote speaker Liz Miranda poses with girls.
Mentors and girls designed custom-made “super girl” capes.