Explanation
BACKGROUND:
This ordinance authorizes the Director of Development to execute a grant agreement with Image Character Etiquette Inc., in an amount up to $77,716.00, for its Eryn PiNK “She’s Gold Leadership Program”.
Founded in 2011, Eryn PiNK (Image Character Etiquette Inc.) is a Columbus-based non-profit organization dedicated to the empowerment of girls and teens, with a targeted emphasis on creating pathways of advancement for girls and young women of color to thrive. Their innovative programs provide girls with consistent access to mentorship and tangible resources needed to become leaders in their communities and beyond.
Led by a dedicated team of mentors and “role models,” their curriculum implements customized solutions and strategies for young girls and women to boldly speak up and advocate for equitable realities for themselves, their families, and communities. They inspire girls to set standards and expectations that align with their values and morals, to encourage confidence so that they can confront stereotypes and peer pressure, and to empower them to find and use their voices.
Led by this mission, Eryn PiNK creates “brave spaces” for girls to discover the meaning of purpose, leadership, process their emotions in healthy ways and connect with like-minded peers and mentors who look like them. The concept of Eryn PiNK is based on a fictional, 12-year-old African American girl who illustrates what it means to be an empowered leader and role model navigating society today. Her real-life experiences underscore the needs addressed by the organization.
In a survey completed by Eryn PiNK program participants, girls shared they were perceived as loud, mean, bossy, and “too black,” and, subsequently, not ideal candidates for access to leadership opportunities at their respective schools. The consequences of these stereotypes, particularly when not immediately countered by positive reinforcements of their value and greatness, shape the educat...
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