Avenues for Justice Kicked off Women’s Herstory Month With A Panel of Trailblazers!

 "Society loves to change us as we rise through the ranks and create opportunity, so the first thing I say to you is this: don't change. We believe in you because you're talented and full of promise and potential." ~ Bronx Borough President, Vanessa L. Gibson

Last Thursday, Avenues for Justice (AFJ) gathered at our Harlem community center for our Women's Herstory Month panel---a powerful afternoon dedicated to celebrating voices, experiences, and leadership of women across industries and sectors. From candid conversations on reinvention and resilience to deeply personal reflections on collective healing, entrepreneurship, and community advocacy, the event created space for authentic connection and inspiration.

AFJ’s Executive Director, Liz Frederick, opened the event by reading a poem born from a simple thought: When was the last time women were truly seen for who they are? Not for their sacrifices, but for their boundless spirit and for their fire. Not for how they are perceived, but for how they exist — whole, raw, resilient, and irreplaceable. Women carry an unseen power: the kind that mends, builds, nurtures, and inspires without asking for recognition. “She is the ink in unwritten stories, the melody in unsung songs. The world calls her mother, daughter, sister, friend, but she is more — so much more.”

Moderated by Pix11's Monica Morales, our panelists—including Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson, Inaugural Director of The Kinnect Foundation Emily Ades, Melissa Johnson of Yummy Tummy’s in Brooklyn, The Nourish Spot’s CEO Dawn Kelly, Daybreak Management’s Founder Melissa Best, and Author and Mental Health Clinical Director Robin D. Stone—shared not only their professional journeys, but the real-life, personal moments which shaped them. Their insights highlighted the realities of navigating often-rigid systems which define success, while remaining true to self. Throughout the discussion one theme remained consistent: when women are given the space to tell their stories on their own terms, it creates ripple effects far beyond the room!

• Think big and write down your dreams.”
• “You can do anything.”
• “Find your community.”
• “Establish your own Board of Directors who will rally around you.”
• “Don’t let others shape who you become.”
• “You are living in the best time to take advantage of technology.”

These were just a few of the powerful gems that our amazing panelists imparted on our Participants.

Melissa Johnson, Founder and Ceo of Yummy Tummy’s and field supervisor to several AFJ Interns in our HIRE Up internship placement initiative, shared how intimidating it was to start a business. She faced setbacks and challenges, all of which made her unsure if her business would succeed. Just last year she contemplated shuttering the doors to her establishment. However, as a result of her perseverance, she overcame several business hurdles and encouraged AFJ Participants to have confidence in themselves. Melissa Best, Founder of Daybreak Management Group, encouraged AFJ Participants to find that one passion that they are good at, home in on it, and work daily to master it. The panelists touched on the importance of mentorship and surrounding oneself with people that uplift your ambitions. Dawn Kelly, Founder of The Nourish Spot shared that "if you are in the smartest person in the room, you are in the wrong room!”

During the Q&A portion of the event, AFJ Participant Donald asked the panelists to share their biggest challenge and how they overcame it. Melissa Johnson shared how her biggest challenge was making sure that her career path was viable enough to send her son to college.

Key Panel Takeaways

“I always suggest people build their own personal Board of Directors. Find yourself people that you trust. A curated group of friends or people close to you that are going to give you authentic and honest advice on your life choices." ~ Inaugural Director of The Kinnect Foundation & Co-Founder of Impact 100 NYC, Emily Ades

"A special highlight for me was the desserts from Yummy Tummy’s Kitchen. Not only were they amazing, but it meant even more knowing that our AFJ interns helped bake and decorate them for the event. That full-circle moment really captured what this work is all about." ~ AFJ Job Developer, Shantel Brooks

If you do not love yourself enough, then you will accept anything. One thing I am about is standards. I know how hard I work. I know my impact. I know my worth and I make sure that people treat me as such.” ~ Bronx Borough President, Vanessa L. Gibson

“Any man in this room, any woman in this room, there is nothing that you can't do. Nothing. If you set your mind to getting it done, it's going to get done. Visualize where you want to be.” ~Founder and CEO of The Nourish Spot, Dawn Kelly

“All of the panelists were extremely relatable. They told stories, made people laugh, and gave advice that was relative to the audience age." ~ AFJ Court Advocate, Julia Price

“Think about the choices that you're presented with. And choose the path that makes sense to you for you to get on the way to make something better for yourself. You have a choice.” ~ Founder and Clinical Director of Muse & Grace Mental Health Counseling Services, Robin Stone

Special events, guest speaker series, and panels at AFJ provide our Participants not only with exposure, but with the opportunity to envision the limitless possibilities they have to be the drivers of their own successful futures. Avenues for Justice is committed to ensuring that every young person who walks through our doors is equipped with the tools, skills, and resources to course correct. If you are interested in being part of our Justice In Action guest speaker series, please email AFJ’s Executive Director at efrederick@avenuesforjustice.org