Keynote Speaker Adrienne Adams (front row, fifth from left) with several of the EmpowerHER graduates.
Photo by Ramy Mahmoud
The Greater Queens (NY) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated, hosted the EmpowerHER graduation ceremony for 49 graduates on Saturday, May 30, at HBCU Early College Prep High School, located at 88-15 182nd St. in Jamaica.
Photo by Ramy Mahmoud
The EmpowerHER initiative is meant to support and uplift young women through mentorship, leadership development, sisterhood, wellness, civic engagement and college and career exposure. This leadership and empowerment program reflects the ongoing commitment of the Greater Queens Chapter of the Links to prepare the next generation of young women to lead with confidence, purpose and excellence.
Family members of the graduates look on during the ceremony. Photo by Ramy Mahmoud
“Today is not just about celebrating a program, it is about celebrating growth, purpose, leadership and the bright future of the incredible young women participating in EmpowerHER. The EmpowerHER initiative was intentionally created to uplift and empower young women through mentorship, leadership development, wellness, civic engagement and college and career exposure. Through this program, we want our scholars to know that their voices matter, their dreams matter,” Greater Queens Chapter of The Links President Tonya Cantlo said. “Today is not the end of your journey; it is only the beginning. Continue to lead, continue to rise and continue to believe in yourselves. Congratulations, and may your future be filled with purpose, promise and unlimited possibilities.”
Greater Queens Chapter of The Links President Tonya Cantlo addresses the EmpowerHER graduates. Photo by Ramy Mahmoud
Graduates were recognized for their achievements, personal growth and leadership development, with former New York City Council Speaker and current New York State Lieutenant Governor Candidate Adrienne Adams serving as the keynote speaker.
Adrienne Adams and Tonya Cantlo. Photo by Ramy Mahmoud
Adams shared words of encouragement and inspiration with the 49 graduates, as well as their families and the educators and community leaders on hand.
Photo by Ramy Mahmoud
Photo by Ramy Mahmoud
Photo by Ramy Mahmoud
Photo by Ramy Mahmoud
Photo by Ramy Mahmoud
Photo by Ramy Mahmoud
Photo by Ramy Mahmoud
“Whenever you speak up, whenever you speak out, whenever you talk about things, whenever you take someone on as a mentee, and even as you take on other individual mentors, that is the mark of a true leader, because in order to be a leader, you must know how to follow,” Adams said. “Never look elsewhere for your greatness. because you’re already born with it.”
Photo by Ramy Mahmoud
Among the committees that supported the EmpowerHER initiative were National Trends and Services, Services to Youth and Health and Human Services.