Thanksgiving 2012

Colloquially, a cook who prepares a delicious meal is said to have “put their foot” in it- and that is exactly what Friend of HerShe and community Chef Cynthia De Leon did in preparing the bountiful spread enjoyed at the annual HerShe Thanksgiving Dinner on 11/17/12! The atmosphere was warm and jovial as our HerShe girls helped to prepare a fresh and delicious salad and set the table in preparation for the family-style buffet.

The HerShe family then gathered around a table adorned with festive autumn-themed decor and enthusiastically filled their plates with all of the traditional Thanksgiving fixings, including turkey, yams, string beans, mashed potatoes and cobbler. As they dined, laughed and enjoyed each other’s company, the time came for each attendee to share with the group those things for which they are most grateful. This beautiful and poignant portion of the evening brought about expressions of gratitude for the sisterhood and support within HerShe, for good health and life itself, for challenges overcome and for HerShe founder Kenadie’s vision that provided for the possibility of such a gathering. Reflecting on our blessings even as they coexist with personal trials was such an enriching, intimate and humbling experience.

The HerShe Group is extremely thankful for the support of the community and people like YOU that are invested in the success of our amazing girls.

Let’s continue the circle of sharing. What are you thankful for this year? How do you maintain an attitude of gratitude throughout the year? Leave a comment below! HerShe hopes you had a wonderful Thanksgiving!

LMU Day (sponsored by Sigma Gamma Rho)

On Saturday November 3rd, 2012, the Hershe girls were treated to a day full of educational intrigue at Loyola Marymount University sponsored by Sigma Gamma Rho sorority.  A significant portion of the day was spent in LMU's Von Der Ahe building, where the girls participated in activities to hone their communication skills and learned how to increase productivity through prioritization of goals.  The day's workshops were facilitated by a group of dynamic and well-informed women, including HerShe Board Members Cynthia Oredugba and Dr. Roberta Falke, who engaged the girls in a discussion about healthy relationships and Board Member Annie Stein, who conducted a writing workshop. The morning workshops were led by HerShe Facilitators Kendal Troutman who provided invaluable information about life skills and Jennifer Symington who addressed personal presentation through public speaking. 

The girls then made their way to the campus cafeteria for lunch and got a sampling of the abundant offerings that often lead to the "Freshman 15"!  They were then treated to a tour of LMU's scenic campus tour and took in many of its most impressive sites, including the new library that sits on a bluff overlooking Marina del Rey.   Hershe believes that exposing the girls to university life makes their desire to attend college more tangible and will hopefully fuel their determination to succeed. 

Help inspire our HerShe girls! Do you remember gearing up for the annual football game against your rivals? Did you pledge a fraternity or sorority? Are you still best friends with your freshman-year roommate? Represent your alma mater in the comments below and tell us about your most memorable college experience! Or tell us about your dream school and why you want to attend!