Reflecting on The Elevate Fellowship for BIPOC Women and Non-Binary Femmes!

Today was our last session of the inaugural cohort of the Teach For America-Bay Area Elevate Fellowship! I love this group so much. Designing and Facilitating this leadership program has been the highlight of my year(s). I teared up during our closing reflections and I wasn't the only one! 😭

I had been feeling emotional all day after seeing the devastating news about Twitch. He radiated so much joy, warmth, and vibrancy. I loved watching Twitch's dance vids with his wife on social and his presence on the Ellen Show for years. I reflected a lot about how to kickoff this last meeting off today, given the news. I changed the check-in questions, with the first question being, "How are you, really?"

Ultimately, what soothed and energized me was the beautiful realization that this community that we are growing is EXACTLY what we need. Deep connection is what many of us are craving coming out of this pandemic. And it's an honor to hold space for BIPOC women and non-binary femmes to connect, feel safe, care for themselves and each other, identify their needs, ask for more, and grow their leadership/impact. Yes, we are learning specific skills (negotiation, resume, networking, etc.) and that is important. But more importantly, we are building authentic relationships that transcend zoom spaces and BIPOC-centered communities that have each others backs. We are leading with love. What more could I dream for?

Our next cohort kicks off in February 2023 - join us! Applications are being reviewed with rolling acceptances. If you are interested in applying, find our short application in the comments:

Shoutout to Philip Kang, Beatrice Viramontes, Dorian Barrero-Dominguez, and Jennifer Camus for being an incredible leadership team at TFA-Bay Area that advocated to get the Elevate Fellowship off the ground. Deep appreciation for our beloved guest leaders/speakers Melisa Fernandez, Eisha Buch, Jasmin Tow, Divya Gopal, Allison Holton, and Melissa Sandoval, PMP.

And of course, the MVPs - the Elevate Fellows - Alex LeeNatali, Aasha Trosper (she/her), Onyi Apakama, Stephanie Buggs, M.Ed., MPH, Alexandria Liquez, Vanessa Kerr, Olivia (Liv) Thomas, Dominique Moss, M.Ed., Sierra Gomez, Julianna