MOSTe February 2024 Newsletter
Dear MOSTe Family,
Happy February to you all! I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for the warm welcome and support I’ve received as I step into the role of Executive Director at MOSTe. It’s truly an honor to continue the incredible work of those who have paved the way before me. MOSTe is a community of extraordinary women, and I am eager to contribute to our shared mission of empowering girls on their journey to becoming successful young women.
I had the pleasure of meeting many of you at the January Homecoming Brunch, and I want to extend my thanks for your warm introductions and for sharing your stories with me. It was inspiring to hear firsthand the impact that MOSTe has had on your lives. Your passion and commitment to this organization are evident, and I am excited to be a part of such a dedicated community.
As we embark on this exciting chapter, I also want to take a moment to bid a fond farewell to two remarkable individuals, Amy Ludwig and Naima Orozco. Your contributions to MOSTe have been invaluable, and your dedication has left an indelible mark on our organization. While we will miss your presence, we wish you both every success in your future endeavors. May your paths be filled with continued growth and fulfillment.
Looking ahead, mark your calendars for the Lanterns Awards on April 25, 2024. We are thrilled to have Janice Bryant Howroyd as our honoree. This promises to be a remarkable event, and I encourage you to secure your tickets or consider becoming a sponsor to support our cause.
I am excited about the journey ahead and the positive impact we will create together. In celebration of Black History Month, I’d like to share a poignant quote from the Grammy-winning artist Victoria Monet: “My roots have been growing underneath ground, unseen, for so long, and I feel like today I’m sprouting, finally above ground.” May these words inspire and resonate with us as we continue to grow and thrive together.
Warm regards,
Nicole Fisher
Executive Director
Staff Transitions
We are thrilled to announce that Vanessa Sanchez has joined MOSTe as our new Educational Program Manager! Born and raised in Southern California, Vanessa is passionate about her community and providing equitable access to education. A MOSTe alumna and first-generation college student, she earned her B.A. in Political Science from Lycoming College, and her M.A. in International Studies from the University of San Francisco. Since her time as a MOSTe scholar, Vanessa has deepened her love for human rights and in particular advocating for marginalized communities, such as her own. From her time as founder of Lycoming Unicef to her time as McGrath Fellow at USF, she has prioritized advocacy and education. She is excited to give back to MOSTe and set up the next generation of MOSTe scholars for success.
MOSTe in Action
MOSTe MLK Service Day
January 15, 2024
For this year’s annual MLK Service Day, MOSTe partnered with GrowGood, a non-profit organization based in Los Angeles that uses urban agriculture to transform communities. GrowGood hosted MOSTe scholars and mentors at their urban farm and led various gardening and art activities in support of their operations. Students were able to learn about and get hands-on experience with farming practices, feeding chickens, the importance of composting, and how they can incorporate some of these lessons into their daily lives. This was an amazing way to honor the mission of the National Day of Service.
Upcoming Events
February Workshop
Join MOSTe for a day at Griffith Observatory! With new staff transitions at MOSTe, this will be an opportunity to meet the new members of our team and spend time with our community while checking out one of Los Angeles’ most iconic landmarks!
When: Saturday, February 17th
Time: 10 AM-1 PM
Location: Griffith Observatory (2800 E Observatory Rd, Los Angeles, CA 90027)
MOSTe Scholarship Application is OPEN!
We are excited to announce that the MOSTe Scholarship Application season is upon us. This is an opportunity for MOSTe eighth and 12th grade scholars to apply for scholarships at varying amounts. We invite all who are eligible to apply. This is a great opportunity and we hope you take advantage of it! Click on the links below to learn more and access the scholarship application.
MOSTe Incentive Scholarship (open to eighth-grade scholars): https://forms.gle/
MOSTe Achievement Scholarship (open to 12th-grade scholars):https://forms.gle/
Resume, Networking, & Interview Support with Hire Options
It is our pleasure to invite you to attend a Resume, Networking, and Interview Support workshop hosted by Hire Options! Hire Options, is an employment agency that specializes in providing their clients and candidates with top-notch personal and professional service. Please use the following link to express interest in attending this workshop: https://forms.gle/
Mentor Moment
“Leah (mentee) and Mya (her sister) hung out at a cafe, discussed annual goals, and painted. It was such a fun activity!” – Mentor Cristal Torres
“We went to see Romeo and Juliet at the Ahmanson Theatre this past Friday. She enjoyed a play we went together last year and was excited to go see another one. We had a great time and she was really chatty, catching me up on her life at school and with her family!” – Mentor Kelly Kettering
“We went to the Getty Museum to check out the new photography exhibits, took the garden tour, and got some lunch on our way home!” – Mentor Laurie Stewart
“This month, Andrea and I did a craft celebration and catch-up! Our match anniversary is on 1/25! It’s been four years since we were matched as Mentor and Mentee so we did an activity we both liked. We went and decorated jewelry boxes and enjoyed Japanese food afterwards. We were able to catch up on life including celebrating all her recent college admissions” – Mentor Isabel Chua
