"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
Arielle Rubens
Vice President, 2020-2021
Kamali Cooper
Director of Mentorship, 2020-2021
Mariana Rubinstein
Secretary, 2020-2021
Daniela Villatoro
Treasurer, 2020-2021
Kiara Guzman
Co-Director of Community Service and Engagement, 2020-2021
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