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POWER SOURCE
OCTOBER 2024
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Words From Our Founder!
As we approach this critical election season, I urge you to break the cycle of low voter turnout. Your voice matters now more than ever, and voting is our opportunity to shape the future of our community. To inspire you, I've gathered 15 powerful quotes from influential figures worldwide highlighting the importance of voting and civic engagement. Let these words remind you why it’s vital to cast your ballot on—or ahead of—Election Day.
1. “You’ve got to vote, vote, vote, vote. That’s it; that’s the way we move forward.”
— Michelle Obama, attorney, author, and former First Lady of the United States from 2009 to 2017
2. “The vote is precious. It is the most powerful non-violent tool we have in a democratic society, and we must use it.”
— John Lewis, late civil rights activist and member of the US House of Representatives for Georgia
3. “It's not enough to just want change... You have to go and make change by voting.”
— Taylor Swift, singer-songwriter and country-pop star
4. "Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.”
— Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., civil rights leader and Nobel Peace Prize laureate
5. “Your voices are being heard, and you’re proving to our ancestors that their struggles were not in vain. Now we have one more thing we need to do to walk in our true power, and that is to vote."
— Beyoncé, Grammy Award-winning singer and artist
6. "All of us may have been created equal. But we'll never actually be equal until we all vote. So don't wait."
— Leonardo DiCaprio, actor and producer
7. “Someone struggled for your right to vote. Use it.”
— Susan B. Anthony, women’s rights activist during the suffragette movement in the early 20th century.
8. “When we vote, our values are put into action and our voices are heard. Your voice is a reminder that you matter because you do, and you deserve to be heard."
— Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex
9. “There’s no such thing as a vote that doesn’t matter. It all matters.”
— Barack Obama, 44th President of the United States from 2009 to 2017
10. "We have the power to make a difference. But we need to VOTE."
— Kylie Jenner, media personality and entrepreneur
11. “The ballot is stronger than the bullet.”
— Abraham Lincoln, 16th President of the United States from 1861 to 1865
12. "We all have to vote like our lives and the world depend on it, because they do. The only way to be certain of the future is to make it ourselves."
— Billie Eilish, singer-songwriter
13. “Casting a ballot isn't just something you do for yourself — it's for our collective future.”
— Oprah Winfrey, TV producer, actress, and author
14. “Our nation is asking to hear your voice because November is coming and so is your choice. Do not throw away your shot.”
— Lin-Manuel Miranda, composer, actor, singer, playwright, and creator of *Hamilton*
15. “Your voice will be heard. And speaking as a bit of a singer myself, I know that can be a pretty good feeling."
— Eddie Vedder, Pearl Jam frontman and Global Citizen Advocate
Let these quotes inspire you to take action! Make your voice heard and ensure your opinions are represented. Together, we can make a difference in Miami-Dade County.
Happy voting!
Spotlight on the
Girls’ Choir of Miami
The Girls’ Choir of Miami continues to inspire audiences with their powerful performances, and this year has been no exception! In addition to their standout performance at Girl Power Rocks' 3rd Annual Brunch & Swing Weekend, where they filled the room with joy and inspiration, the choir recently participated in the unforgettable Big Sing at the Adrienne Arsht Center.
We’re still buzzing from the electric energy that filled the room during the Big Sing! 🎶✨ It was an incredible celebration of Miami’s community choirs, and we were so proud to have the Girls’ Choir of Miami play a key role in this magical event. A heartfelt thank you to our amazing collaborators, Encantus Voices and Ensemble, Rollo Dilworth, and Maria A. Ellis, for making this performance truly special. Your partnership and support helped create an experience our girls will cherish forever.
In addition to gaining valuable performance experience, choir members earn community service hours, receive wardrobe and makeup for events, and benefit from exposure at high-profile events like the Miami Marlins Game and the exhilarating Formula 1 festivities. Through their participation, these young women are not only honing their musical talent but also building confidence and fostering community—values that align perfectly with Girl Power Rocks' mission to empower and uplift at-promise girls.
We love our community and can’t wait to see what’s next for the Girls’ Choir of Miami!
Words From
Kind Kathy
Last year, I attended “Dance for a Cure,” an inspiring event that raised funds and awareness for breast cancer. Motivated by this experience, I scheduled my mammogram the very same day, leading to my early detection and status as a breast cancer survivor.
October marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month (BCAM), dedicated to highlighting the importance of early detection, timely diagnosis, and access to quality care. Breast cancer is the second most common cancer in women, making awareness crucial. ​
Here are some ways you can get involved this month:
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Get a Mammogram: The most effective way to detect breast cancer. Women should begin mammograms at age 40, or earlier with a family history.
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Support Research and Treatment: Contribute to organizations like Susan G. Komen by starting fundraisers, joining races or walks, or shopping to support their efforts.
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Educate Yourself: Learn about the warning signs of breast cancer, your personal risk factors, and what’s normal for you.
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Stay Active: Maintaining a healthy weight and staying physically active can help reduce your breast cancer risk.
Your involvement can help fund life-saving research, treatment, education, and community support.
For more information, visit Susan G. Komen’s website or contact their helpline at 1-877 GO KOMEN. Let’s work together to raise awareness and support those affected by breast cancer!
Last month, we proudly kicked off the new school year with Girl Power Rocks' After School Program, continuing our mission to empower girls through education, support, and holistic development. Our program provides a safe, nurturing space where at-promise girls connect with peers, receive academic assistance, and learn how to make healthy, positive choices.
Led by our skilled Program Instructors, we delivered high-quality, evidence-based programming designed to unlock each girl’s full potential. With engaging activities and focused support, we’ve helped our participants build the skills, knowledge, and confidence they need to thrive both academically and personally.
As we look ahead, we're excited for another impactful year of learning and growth. Together, we are shaping a brighter future for every girl in our community!
Back to School with Girl Power Rocks!
Celebrating Hispanic
Heritage Month
As we wrapped up Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15, we proudly honored the rich culture, history, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities across the United States and beyond. The month was a time to recognize the profound impact that Hispanic individuals and communities have made in shaping our society.
At Girl Power Rocks, we believe in the power of diversity and inclusion, and we are committed to supporting and empowering girls from all backgrounds. Throughout the month, we encouraged our participants and supporters to explore the stories, art, and achievements of Hispanic leaders, artists, and innovators who continue to inspire us all.
We came together to celebrate the vibrant cultures and traditions that enrich our community, engaging in local events, supporting Hispanic-owned businesses, and sharing memorable moments.
As we move forward, we remain dedicated to honoring the past, present, and future contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities. Together, we can create a more inclusive and empowered environment for all!
Celebrating International Day of the Girl
On October 11, we proudly celebrated International Day of the Girl, a day dedicated to empowering girls and amplifying their voices across the globe. This year's theme emphasized the importance of equipping girls with the skills, knowledge, and resources they need to thrive and lead.
At Girl Power Rocks, we remain deeply committed to our mission of uplifting at-promise girls through education, mentorship, and community support. On this special day, we recognized both the challenges girls face worldwide and the incredible potential they have to drive meaningful change.
We honored the resilience, strength, and achievements of girls everywhere, advocating for gender equality and creating opportunities for every girl to shine. Through local events, inspiring stories, and awareness campaigns, we spread the message of empowerment and the importance of supporting girls’ rights.
Together, we can continue building a brighter future for all girls. Let’s keep celebrating their voices, their dreams, and their power!
Donor Spotlight
WiPro
Girl Power proudly welcomes its newest partner, WiPro! WiPro is a multinational company that provides a wide range of services across several industries, from healthcare to manufacturing! WiPro joined the other amazing Brunch & Swing sponsors as our double eagle partner! We want to give special acknowledgment to Alex Parker of Sequential, who was instrumental in helping Girl Power develop this great new partnership! Welcome aboard, WiPro! You rock!
Student Spotlight
Meet J'ade, a remarkable participant in the Girl Power After School Program at Homestead Middle School. J'ade has truly exemplified what it means to be a leader within our community.
Her commitment to personal growth and development shines through not only in her leadership skills but also in her impressive academic performance. J'ade consistently excels in her classes, demonstrating dedication and hard work.
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As a valued member of the Girl Power Rocks' program, J'ade inspires her peers with her positive attitude and unwavering determination. We are so proud of her achievements and excited to see how she will continue to grow and lead in the future!
Keep shining, J'ade! Your journey is just beginning, and we can't wait to see all the great things you will accomplish.
Give Miami Day
Get ready for one of the nation’s biggest 24-hour annual giving events—Give Miami Day! Returning on November 21st, 2024, Girl Power Rocks will proudly participate in this online campaign, and we hope for your support.
What is Give Miami Day?
Give Miami Day is an opportunity for locals to become philanthropists and support the organizations that make our community stronger. This event showcases hundreds of Miami-Dade community organizations that provide essential supplies, services, and support to our residents. We encourage you to explore these profiles and find a cause or organization you believe in, and consider making a charitable donation.
Since its inception in 2012, Give Miami Day has raised over $100 million for more than 1,000 community organizations. This year, Girl Power Rocks is counting on your support to continue our mission of empowering and uplifting at-promise girls through education, mentorship, and community support.
Mark your calendars, and let's come together to make a difference in our community on Give Miami Day! Thank you for being part of our journey and for believing in the power of girl empowerment.
What's Happening
at Girl Power?
Pink Party
Get ready for our annual Pink Party, a special event held every October to raise awareness for breast cancer! This vibrant gathering is coupled with some Halloween fun and focuses on empowering our community. While it’s not a celebration of the participants, breast cancer awareness is a huge part of the event, coinciding with Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Stay tuned for more details!
Soul Basel, Girl Power Rocks' The Runway
Mark your calendars for Girl Power Rocks' The Runway at Soul Basel, where our girls truly shine! This spectacular event showcases the talent and confidence of our participants as they take the stage and "rock the runway." It’s a night to remember, filled with fashion, entertainment, and a celebration of our mission to empower at-promise girls.
Please note that this event is not a fundraiser, as we are not allowed to charge or raise money due to the generous sponsorship from the Overtown Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA). Their support helps make this inspiring evening possible.
We look forward to celebrating with you at this wonderful event and continuing to uplift our amazing girls!
RECAP
Girl Power Rocks 3rd Annual Brunch & Swing Weekend a Huge Success
The 3rd annual Girl Power Rocks Brunch & Swing Weekend, held from October 5-7, was an extraordinary celebration of community, empowerment, and commitment to supporting girls in underserved communities. The event kicked off with a high-energy Day Party at Red Rooster Overtown, featuring none other than DJ Fly Guy, setting the tone for an unforgettable weekend.
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The festivities culminated in a sold-out Sunday Brunch at the Coral Gables Country Club, attended by notable dignitaries including Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, alongside several community leaders and philanthropists. The event brought together supporters of Girl Power Rocks, whose mission to empower young girls remains at the forefront of positive change in Miami.
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One of the weekend’s most significant honors was the presentation of the Girl Power Rocks Award to Florida Secretary of the Department of Children and Families, Shevaun Harris. Although Secretary Harris was unable to attend in person, Director of Child Protection Lesline Anglade graciously accepted the award on her behalf.
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Musical performances added a soulful and uplifting touch to the day. Singing sensation Leesa Richards captivated the audience with her stunning vocals, and the Girls' Choir of Miami brought down the house with their inspiring performance, leaving everyone in awe of the talent and potential of the next generation.
The highlight of the weekend, however, was the powerful announcement from Commissioner Christine King and CRA Director James McQueen, who pledged an additional $5 million in funding to support the building of Mama Hattie's House. MHH will serve as a haven for girls aging out of foster care, providing them with the stability, support, and opportunities they need to thrive as they transition into adulthood.
Unfortunately due to the inclement weather, the Girl Power Rocks Golf tournament will now take place on Monday November 18, at the Miami Beach Golf Course.
For those who missed this year's Brunch & Swing Weekend, the opportunity to support and participate in future Girl Power Rocks events is always open. With exciting collaborations and initiatives on the horizon, the future is bright for the young women Girl Power Rocks serves.
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For more information on upcoming events or how to get involved, please visit www.girlpowerrocks.org or contact Clark Beasley at Clark@girlpowerrocks.org.