Five Facts that Support What We Already Knew Instinctively: High Achieving Girls of Color Need Your Support More Than Ever |
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Kamala Harris is Vice President of the United States. Ketanji Brown Jackson has been nominated to the Supreme Court, where Sonia Sotomayor already sits. Change is happening, and we have much to celebrate this Women’s History Month. But we still have a long way to go. Read these facts and the stories that follow to understand what drives us at Cinnamongirl in this special issue of our newsletter. - According to a study by S&P Global, if Black women’s education had kept pace with that of white women from 1960-2019, the U.S. would have generated an additional $107 billion in economic activity.
- Studies have found that Black women’s statements were remembered less quickly and less accurately than those of their white female and male peers.
- Students who study together and who feel integral to their communities tend to do better, but Black and Latinx students tend to feel isolated in high achieving academic and professional communities because there are so few of them.
- Meanwhile, research conducted by Stanford University professor Claude Steele shows that the fear of confirming a negative stereotype about race or gender (often stronger when they are “the only” in a group) can hurt academic performance.
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“I Doubted My Intelligence, Upbringing, and Academic Preparation.” Cinnamongirl CEO Renée Richard’s Story |
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I was in my junior year of high school, eagerly anticipating my first visit with the school's college counselor–a man so busy he only met with juniors, and only scheduled return visits with those he deemed “college ready.” All of my friends were college-bound, and all that I'd ever wanted–all I ever talked about—was to attend a great college after my high school graduation. But not quite fifteen minutes into the visit, he told me firmly that he did not believe that I was ready for a four-year institution. My spirit was crushed. Internalizing his attitude and his words, I began to think of all the ways that I was not good enough. It must have been obvious, I thought, since it had only taken him a few minutes to come to this conclusion. Click here to find out how this awful situation eventually led Renée to create Cinnamongirl. |
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“It Would Have Been Helpful to Have Someone That Looked Like Me.” Why “High Achieving” Girls of Color Still Need Support |
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Born and raised into a working-class Mexican immigrant community, Jenny* won a scholarship to a prestigious Catholic high school, went to college, and is now an accomplished executive assistant earning a great salary at a top private equity firm in San Francisco. She is living proof that a bright, talented young woman of color can succeed on her own, through hard work and ambition. And she wants you to know that young women like her shouldn’t have to do it on their own. In fact, support organizations like Cinnamongirl are crucial to the success of young women of color, and to diversity and equity across professional, social, and economic lines. Click here to learn how Jenny achieved success and why she supports Cinnamongirl. |
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Diversify Your Bookshelf! |
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The first Latinx person to sit on the Supreme Court writes with grace and humor about her childhood and the path that led her to where she is now. “A compelling and powerfully written memoir about identity and coming of age.” (Michiko Kakutani, The New York Times) Through the story of her rise from food stamp recipient to successful venture capitalist, Arlan Hamilton inspires readers to defy others’ expectations and become the role models we’ve been looking for. “Nice” women are weak and should be more assertive; assertive women are rude and should be nicer. Award-winning journalist Menendez examines this double bind and offers a way to let go of the old rules and reimagine leadership. Based on the viral TED Talk by the founder and CEO of Girls Who Code, this book encourages women of all ages to embrace imperfection and live a courageous, authentic life. (ages 12-18) Award-winning New York Times bestselling author Alexander shares life lessons via his own poetry, and quotes from greats from every walk of life, including Steph Curry, Venus Williams, Nelson Mandela, and Michelle Obama. (ages 8-13) When little Stacey’s teacher chooses her to be in a local spelling bee, she is nervous. What if she can’t find her voice, as sometimes happens with bullies at school? Stacey learns that perseverance is the most powerful word of all. (ages 3-7) |
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The Entrepreneurgirls will get a lesson in grit and ingenuity from Reign Free, who started off cooking for friends and built her talent into Red Door Catering in Oakland, which serves both individuals and corporate clients such as Google, the Golden State Warriors, and Louis Vuitton. The Travelgirls continue to research their destinations of Kyoto, Osaka and Tokyo; we’re keeping our fingers crossed that travel to Japan will be allowed in the summer! |
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We're inspiring girls everywhere to lead, mentor, and be the change-makers in the room. Won't you please consider a gift of any amount. |
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