![](https://a5272664f4.cbaul-cdnwnd.com/38ed226b78e2749b85c92e8b8689686d/200000003-9bb2c9bb2e/Ashley%20Adirika.jpeg?ph=a5272664f4)
"INSPIRING YOUNG WOMEN AND GIRLS OF MARGINALIZED GROUPS, TO FEEL CONFIDENT IN THEIR STORY AND VOICE, TO FACILITATE CHANGE IN THE WORLD AROUND THEM."
OUR HEROES
Meet our Board
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Arielle Rubens
Vice President, 2020-2021
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Kamali Cooper
Director of Mentorship, 2020-2021
Mariana Rubinstein
Secretary, 2020-2021
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Daniela Villatoro
Treasurer, 2020-2021
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Kiara Guzman
Co-Director of Community Service and Engagement, 2020-2021
![](https://a5272664f4.cbaul-cdnwnd.com/38ed226b78e2749b85c92e8b8689686d/200000027-c4735c4737/PHOTO-2021-03-23-00-02-38.jpg?ph=a5272664f4)
Arianna Benedit
Co-Director of Community Service and Engagement, 2020-2021
WHO WE ARE
Founder's Message
Dear Reader,
I would like to express my deep gratitude to you, for taking the time to visit this website; your interest is appreciated. My name is Ashley Adirika and I am the proud Founder of Our Story Our Worth. At the time I am writing this, I am a rising junior at Miami Beach Senior High School. Though this project has finally manifested itself in late 2020, it has long been a precious thought of mine; developing and waiting patiently for the right time to present itself.
When I was in elementary school, I had the privilege of being a part of a mentorship program for girls. I was mentored by women in college and they taught me important skills, instilled confidence into me, and gave me the outlet I needed to express myself. I will never forget the sense of solace that their support gave me.
Unfortunately, as I finished primary education and continued into middle and high school, that sense of solace began to fade. There was a lack of programs available for girls, much less those of color. Instead, what I noticed was the harmful tendency of my fellow girls to engage in toxic discourse and demean each other; ultimately creating an unhealthy culture. At the time, I attended institutions that were predominately composed of people of color; where I heard conversations surrounding topics like "Light skins vs Dark skins". I could never understand what fueled trends like these and my lack of understanding and wish to reverse it, birthed the sisterhood pillar.
I knew that if mentorship programs, like the one I was involved in, existed in the schools I was attending, this negative culture would cease. So, I began planning.
After a long 4 years, I am so excited to be able to give other girls the opportunity to learn skills, gain confidence, develop both intellectually and individually, and give back to the community. In this way, I am certain they will feel more comfortable using their stories to change the world around them!
With Love,
Ashley Adirika
Founder, Our Story Our Worth