Greeting Friends, 

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This year has been quite a year of advocacy and achievement! We continue to transform the lives of Black women and girls in the Greater New Haven and Bridgeport areas. As an emerging non-profit, we have strengthened our effectiveness during the 2018-2019 program year as over 1000 individuals participated in our advocacy initiatives: Operation Amplify the Vote, Walking While Black: Racial Profiling, S.T.E.A.M. mentoring, Sisternomics, HEART Health programs, and more.

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September 2019 marks the 3rd anniversary since the chartering of the New Haven Metropolitan Chapter (NHMC). We are thrilled to report over $40,000 in sponsorships and donations, which have contributed to our community impact. Thank you for the generosity of our sponsors and donors and their commitment to advocacy! 

 

During the 2018-2019 program year, we launched two inaugural events. First, we awarded ten (10) outstanding scholars with over $5000 in scholarships at our Madam CJ Walker Scholarship Luncheon, where the dynamic Stacy Tisdale of Money, Mind, and Media LLC was the keynote speaker. 

 

Second, we hed our inaugural Legislative Breakfast at the Connecticut State Capital. We extend a special thank you to State Representative Pat Dillion along with 25 legislators, who signed on in support of NCBW's key public policy priorities. Those Public Policy Key Priorities shared with the legislators were as follows: 

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• The constitutional  amendment to adopting early voting in Connecticut

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• Equal Pay for Equal Work, as black women earn an average of 61 cents on the dollar for similar work performed by men. 

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• Maximizing Outcomes for Moms through Medical Improvement and Enhancement of Services Act, also known as the MOMMIES Act which enhances Medicaid coverage for new moms, as the maternal mortality rate is on the rise 

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The Directorate and committee chairs led by First Vice President of Programs, Miriam J. James, set the stage for an effective Advocacy in Action plan to move forward in 2020 to synthesize solutions to improve the lives of Black and Brown women and girls in the Greater New Haven and Bridgeport communities. Our strategic goal is focused on positioning the chapter for sustainable and optimal success in years to come. Hence, we have instituted the national model of S.M.A.R.T. Goals for programmatic and advocacy implementation. 

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Advocacy in Action includes the fight against social injustices and gender inequality for the betterment of our community. On behalf of the directors and members, I thank our funders and each of you for your support and commitment to advocacy. 

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Valencia A. Goodridge

NCBW-NHMC President 

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