Cinnamongirl will hold our first Informational Meeting on May 27th. Prospective Cinnamongirls and their parents/guardians will learn about the CGI program and meet current Cinnamongirls and mentors. This is an opportunity for girls to learn what Cinnamongirl is all about, and if the program is right for them. Open to girls ages 12-15. RSVP via email or the CGI website. Meeting date: Wednesday, May 27th.

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Interested in mentoring? Looking for a way to make a powerful impact on the community and individuals? Enjoy spending time with bright, high-achieving girls? Do you have the time and dedication to be a mentor? Come find out about the wonderful group of mentors and mentees of CGI at the Mentor Informational Meeting. RSVP via email or the CGI website. Meeting date: Wednesday, May 20th.

The Cinnamongirl Executive Board of Directors is an active, influential group that plays a hands-on role in the strategic planning, fundraising, and program development of the organization. The Board is looking to grow by three new members. For more information, please submit your professional resume via our website or mail to the CGI office.

The 13th Annual Youth Symposium at UC Berkeley proved to be a wonderful experience for the Cinnamongirls. Held on March 7th, younger Cinnamongirls attended multiple dialogues on peer pressure, nutrition, time management. CGI appreciates the positive, ongoing relationship with the Alameda-Contra Costa Chapter of The Links, Inc. and looks forward attending and partnering on to future events.

Never has it been so talked about in the media how understanding finance is key to success and stability. In November, the Cinnamongirls learned about their ability to earn, save and plan well for their futures during November’s Females and Financial Freedom dialogue. This Saturday event begins with the basics of financial literacy and extends to financial health, and how the appearance of wealth is linked to self worth, and will address important financial issues that affect us all. Mona Williams, Executive Vice President of Progress Investment Management Company, will be an active participant in the workshop alongside speakers from Patelco Credit Union. Keeping the atmosphere balanced with learning and fun, the group will round out the day with a game of Financial “Jeopardy” designed by Patelco. The Cinnamongirls will be well versed in how money works, the basics of stocks, bonds, and interest rates, and how the choices of how they spend their money today can dramatically alter their finical status in their immediate and extended future.

Congresswoman Barbara Lee is a remarkable woman and inspiring role model with a touching story rooted in the Bay Area. It is an honor to have Lee’s continued support, and we are thrilled about the success of her book signing at Barnes & Noble on March 29th. The event drew a large and excited crowd. Lee spoke at length about her mentor, Shirley Chisholm, the first African-American woman elected to Congress. We look forward to future events with Lee. Barbara Lee’s autobiography is entitled: Renegade for Peace and Justice, Congresswoman Barbara Lee Speaks for Me.

Susan L. Taylor is an extraordinary woman. As Editor-in-Chief for Essence Magazine for many years, Ms. Taylor’s media leadership and inspirational column made her a household name and role model for women of color across the country. Taylor spoke with the Cinnamongirls and women from across the Bay Area about empowering themselves, living victorious lives, and encouraging more women to be mentors and to volunteer with mentoring organizations. It was a great experience for CGI, and we look forward to continuing our relationship with Taylor and women like her. Susan L. Taylor’s latest book is All About Love,
Favorite Selections from In the Spirit on Living Fearlessly.

Our March “Conversations with Extraordinary People” speaker Alresa Browning led a terrific, interactive meeting. A young entrepreneur, Browning owns Cloud 9 and The Brow Lounge in Oakland. The Cinnamongirls learned the importance of integrity, education, self-esteem and focus when it comes to running a business. They were impressed with the creative independence that comes along with the entrepreneurial lifestyle, gaining a well-rounded understanding of what it takes to be your own boss and bring an idea to fruition and profitability. Alresa’s talk was very enlightening. The next Conversations event will be held in April, focusing on moving past failures on the road to success. If you or someone you know is interested in speaking to the Cinnamongirls about their “extraordinary” experiences in a Q&A format, please contact the CGI office.

For many girls, the highlight of the Cinnamongirl program is the boys dialogue each year. This year’s program, “Love & Relationships”, was once again a tremendous success. A powerful dialogue, the girls were full of insightful questions and
thoughtful conversations. CGI was very fortunate to have the group welcomed by Dr. and Mrs. Coyness Ennix in Piedmont, who opened up their home to the group. Cinnamongirls felt safe to ask questions about love, sex, how boys think, expectations,
reveal physiological concerns and more. Philip G. Smith and Marcus Steele, both in their 20s, offered a male perspective on love, dating, expectations, celibacy and romance. Facilitated by Dr. Lasha Pierce, Cinnamongirls learned valuable life lessons and information that will assist them in making smart, safe, healthy choices as young women. Cinnamongirls are now armed with medical facts, well-rounded anecdotal information and the assurance that they have a safe haven for asking the scary questions about love, their bodies, and relationships. This incredible dialogue will have life-long impact on the girls self-esteem, health, and their futures.

CGI coaches its girls how to reach out and be a part of the world around them; dream big and find the support and paths to reach their goals. If there is someone whose work, passion and success has inspired you, please consider introducing them to us via 6° of CGI.

What is 6° of CGI? How many phone calls would it take for you to reach Oprah or Nelson Mandela? Six. The theory is that no more than six people separate, and connect, each person on the planet. 6° of CGI is a our way to connect the Cinnamongirls to people who are making their mark in the Bay Area, the country, and all over the world.

For 6° of CGI to work, we ask you, our supporters, to tap into your networks and connect the extraordinary people you already know to the Cinnamongirls.

Please send your recommendations to: 6° of CGI, Cinnamongirl, Inc. P.O. Box 27297, Oakland, CA 94602; or by email to info@cinnamongirl.org