Read on as several young women provide first-hand accounts of how the Young Women's Leadership Corps program empowered and equipped them with the skills to successfully pursue their dreams and reach their goals:

Ciyavah-As a seventh grader at Classical Magnet School in Hartford, Ciyavah heard about YWLC from one of her teachers. “I wanted to do something more for women and focus on my self esteem and leadership skills,” she said. YWLC, a leadership development program for young women, was the perfect fit. The goal of YWLC is to engage young women in productive activities that develop leadership skills, encourage community involvement and guide young women towards success in all areas of their lives.

She participated in YWLC for three years. “I learned how to be a better leader,” said Ciyavah. “We went on college field trips and participated in community projects. I realized that I could go to college. I also made a lot of new friends from all different backgrounds,” she added. Most importantly, she increased her self esteem and learned that beauty is not found in magazines.  In short, Ciyavah learned to “make the most of me!” the core goal of YWLC.

Now, Ciyavah not only works for YW Kidslink, but is majoring in Child Psychology at Capital Community College. She has plans to transfer to Central Connecticut State University next year. Her long term plans include moving down south and working as a child psychologist. “I want to help kids while they are young. You can fix a lot of problems by addressing them at an early age,” she said. Working at YW Kidslink has helped Ciyavah prepare for a career in child psychology.

Lucynette-(known to her friends as Lucy) is a senior at Albert I. Prince Tech High School in Hartford. She participated in YWLC's six-week, bi-weekly summer program, hoping to become the first in her family to complete high school. "None of my immediate family members have [graduated] -- they all dropped out," she said. "My mom only completed ninth grade." After taking part in a college exploration tour to Wesleyan University in Middletown, Lucy was hooked. She knew Wesleyan was one of her top-choice colleges and was determined to work hard toward her goal. Lucy began participating in Career Beginnings, and she secured a mentor to help her prepare her Wesleyan application.

Lucy credits YWLC with helping her build a sound foundation on life design and goal setting. "[YWCA's youth development director] is a great role model, and I have learned a lot from her," Lucy said. "She has helped me help myself." Today, Lucy is on her way to realizing her goal of graduating from high school and attending college, a first for her family.