Monthly Newsletter

April 5, 2022

Spring is the season for restoration and fresh starts. It is a time to let go of things that no longer serve us, a time to plant new seeds, and a time to reenergize. For many of us, Spring is a time to rev up our productivity – can you say Spring Cleaning! Whatever you do, whether you accelerate or slow down, do it for you!

Do not forget to take time and smell your own roses by celebrating your victory, gratitude, and journey thus far. And do not forget to admire Spring, the beautiful life and energy that surrounds you.

In love and support, 

Sister-to-Sister, Inc. 

Our March Gathering was centered around Women History Month with this year’s theme “Together we’re looking back and moving forward.” The featured women in our “Herstory” event  appeared in the following order: Bessie Coleman – Aviator;  Jacqueline Withers – Founder of “Fly Girls and Boys” Denver, CO  Chapter; Mae Carol Jemison – NASA Astronaut; Dovey Johnson Roundtree – Defense Attorney; Stacey Abrams – Politician/Attorney; Ketanji Brown Jackson – Supreme Court Nominee/Attorney; and  Velveta Golightly-Howell – Attorney/Civil Rights Administrator.

We would like to extend a big THANK YOU to Senator Janet Buckner for being our special guest speaker! The senator led thought-provoking discussion on Black women in  history, mentorship, mental health and how we can support one another in our communities.  We also had a brief video highlighting the Denver Chapter of Fly Girls and Boys. Thank you all for participating in our March Gathering. Bobbie Harbert

- Mark Your Calendar For The Next Gathering -

“I wouldn't be here without all the black women around me. Put us together and we can do anything.”

Misty Copeland, American Ballet Dancer

We are saddened to learn of the passing of our sister and dear friend, Ms. Cleo Norma Breeze. Cleo spent much of her career teaching and advocating for youth throughout the public education school systems in New York, Ohio, Minnesota, and Colorado. She was also known for her work in community affairs and politics. Among her many accomplishments, Cleo was a founder and the 3rd President of Colorado Black Women for Political Action (CBWPA). She received many awards and public recognition for her dedicated work, in support of others, from Colorado State Senator Regis Groff’s Community Service Award to the International Black Women’s Congress Denver Chapter’s Community Service Award. Cleo was beloved by her family, a friend to many, a fierce educator, a fighter for her causes, a person of faith and a cherished member of  Denver Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

On February 23, 2022, Cleo received her wings. She will always be remembered for being a woman of grace, substance, faith, and fortitude. Click here to read Sister Cleo’s Obituary.

Jazz Appreciation Month (fondly known as "JAM") was created by the National Museum of American History in 2001 to recognize and celebrate the extraordinary heritage and history of jazz for the entire month of April. JAM is intended to stimulate and encourage people of all ages to participate in jazz - to study the music, attend concerts, listen to jazz on radio and recordings, read books about jazz, and more.

April 30th is International Jazz Day. Click here for a list of 2022 Global Celebrations.

Of course, we cannot celebrate Jazz without paying homage to the Great Ladies of Jazz. These are some of the beautiful pioneers that have blessed us over the years. We give thanks for their musicianship and their brilliant artistry!

“It’s not the load that breaks you down, it’s the way you carry it.”

Lena Horne, Dance, Actor, Singer and Civil Rights Activist

Signs That You Are Neglecting to Manage Your Stress

by Sandra Thébaud, Ph.D.

Actually, all of us are naturally stressed out. Stress is a response to stimuli (i.e., life). It’s just that most of us neglect to manage our stress and end up feeling like we’re always stressed out. When you neglect to manage your stress, it is often illuminating to examine the reasons why.  Oftentimes it’s due to our self-talk. This kind of self-talk usually sounds like:

• I’m too busy
• I’m too tired
• This isn’t working
• This is boring

These excuses are seductive because they are partially true. That is, you may really feel very busy or tired.  What isn’t true is that because you are busy or tired, you can’t focus on stress management. A more truthful statement would be

• I’m tired and I choose not to engage in stress management
• I’m busy and I decide to soothe myself with something unhealthy

All of us are under stress to some degree. But if you don’t engage in some type of purposeful stress management activity, need to ask yourself the following questions:

• What am I getting out of feeling stressed?  Attention? Sympathy?
• What would I rather be doing instead of managing my stress?
• What’s more important to me than managing my stress?
• If I don’t want to manage my stress now, exactly what would it take to make stress management a priority?
• What would I have to give up if I succeeded in lowering my stress level?
• What (or who) would I have to confront to succeed in lowering my stress level?

The important point here is that you take responsibility for your level of stress.  You are not the victim of fatigue, life or other priorities that keep you busy.

For example, one very bright high-powered executive could rarely find time to exercise because she was too busy with work. She believed that if she took time out for herself her pile of work would grow rapidly into an unmanageable pile of work. After years of doing continuous overtime with no time set aside to relax, she was run down, depressed, anxious, having migraines and lower back pain, and getting her work done at a fraction of her previous rate. Her belief that she had to do all of her work before she had a right to relax had caused a gradual depletion of her energy. The result was inevitable physical and emotional signs of stress.

She dismissed her innate right to relax and replenish her vital store of energy. This executive defined her priorities as executive-first and self-second, without taking into account the importance of relaxation and getting away from stressful activities for maintaining good mental health and physical health. This is a self-destructive pattern that, fortunately, can be averted through regular stress management. 

Could this be you? The excuses you give yourself for not practicing stress management are likely to be the same ones that you have used for years. After a while it becomes natural to feel stressed out. But, in reality, there’s nothing natural about too much stress.

About the Author - Sandra Thébaud, PhD has been a Clinical Psychologist for over 25 years. She is also an author, speaker and stress management trainer. For more information, visit www.linkedin.com/in/sandrathebaudphd.

© 2021 Sandra Thébaud. All Rights Reserved.

!!! Calling Metro Denver Leaders Age 14-20 !!!

Do you know a young person (age 14 to 20) with 2-5 years of work experience and an appetite for creating positive change? Nominate them today for The Piton Fellowship Youth Cohort!

A piton is designed to help climbers ascend historically impassable routes treacherous to attempt alone. The Piton Fellowship is designed to help business, government and nonprofit leaders leverage dedicated financial and strategic support from Gary Community Ventures to expand their knowledge, network and potential to drive positive change for themselves and their communities. We encourage everyone to apply. Priority will be given to applicants of color and youth from diverse backgrounds.

• Free leadership program geared towards changemakers age 14-20
• 6-week intensive fellowship program in the summer (June-July 2022).
• Transportation and childcare support provided. Meals are also provided.
• Those who complete the program will receive $2,100, and they are free to use it how they see fit.

Want to Learn More About Fellowship, Requirements, & How to Apply? Click Here

Looking to Nominate a Fellow? Click Here

!!! Calling All Aspiring Aviators !!!

Do you know any youth that are interested in aviation? The Fly Girls and Boys Denver Chapter of Take Flight Leadership Aviation is encouraging youth to aim high and consider a career in aviation!

Take Flight Leadership Aviation program provides aviation education and scholarship resources for students of color who are interested in aviation careers. The program is developed by the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen and Bessie Coleman by giving underprivileged youth the opportunity to achieve their future aviation careers through workshops, exposure to aviation occupations, and professional development. The program was founded by Jacqueline Withers in 2005, an artist who is not a pilot. Sister Jacqueline challenges students of color, especially young Black girls, to think big just as aviation pioneer Bessie Coleman did before them.

Bessie Coleman was the first African American and Native American woman to earn her pilot license in 1921. Last July marked the 100th Anniversary for Bessie Coleman’s historic achievement. As a special tribute, Ms. Coleman’s legacy and The Fly Girls and Boys Denver Chapter were featured on Denver7 – The Denver Channel. Click here to watch the feature. And be sure to check out the permanent display, honoring Ms. Coleman at Denver International Airport the next time you are traveling through Denver!

 - The Opportunity - 

Fly Girls and Boys has 20 openings in their leadership program that they hope to fill with young Black girls and boys!

Program Requirements:

• Must be a girl or boy (age 13 to 18) enrolled in a Colorado middle school or high school
• Must have interest in aviation
• Must pay for flight uniform (Estimated cost is $100; scholarship assistance may be available)

There is no application fee. Applications are submitted by parents or guardians. Registration opens twice a year. Early age enrollment is encouraged as students can get their pilot license at age 16.

To learn more about Fly Girls and Boys, the aviation program and an opportunity to network with Aviation students – parents or guardians should contact Sister Jacqueline Withers at jacqueline_withers@yahoo.com or call (720) 350-3230.

I tell you what freedom is to me: no fear.”

Nina Simone, American Singer, Songwriter, Musician, Arranger, and

Civil Rights Activist

Sister-to-Sister, Inc.’s April Book Recommendation

Do you wish there was an easier way to make the Law of Attraction work for you? Do you desire to Manifest love, money and want to make your dreams come true? If you answered yes, we recommend the Manifestation Journal for you. This workbook is packed with lots of different Law of Attraction techniques, exercises and tools to help you manifest the life of your dreams! ♥

It's time to find deep inner peace and manifest the life that you know that you are meant to live. Choosing to embark on a journey of manifestation through the law of attraction is a form of self-care that every Black woman should embrace. The healing and self-development that come with the use of the law of attraction are exactly what black women everywhere need.♥

This powerful manifestation journal will help you:

• Be the vibrational match for what you seek to attract,
• Thinking, feeling and acting as if your desires are already a reality,
• Taking intentional actions to attract your desires,
• Getting into alignment with the Universe,
• Reprogramming your subconscious mind,
• Uncover what truly motivates and inspires you,
• Help you to take daily action,
• Remember what you're grateful for each day,
• Help you manifest your dream life.

Purchase available on Amazon

At Sister-to-Sister, Inc., our goal is to provide resources to Sisters that benefit all facets of life. These include resources that benefit your family members and your young professional mentees. If you know someone that may be interested in educational or summer program resources, please share the following!

“Give light and people will find the way.”

Ella Baker, Civil Rights and Human Rights Activist

Sister-to-Sister, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit (Tax-ID 85-1053563), is an alliance of Black women dedicated to enhancing Sisters’ lives and resilience through comradery, connectivity, education and nurturing. Your support will impact, enhance, and enrich the lives of Black females around the globe. 

For newsletter content and inclusion, email carrie.warren.sister.to.sister@gmail.com