Students SOAR with Sistah's Overcoming, Achieving and Rising

Posted On Thursday March 09, 2023
SOAR 1
Sistah's Overcoming, Achieving and Rising

On February 9 at Pine Ridge Secondary School, students from Oshawa, Whitby and Pickering gathered together to ‘SOAR,’ acknowledge African Heritage Month and celebrate the achievement and excellence of African-Canadian females.

SOAR stands for ‘Sistahs Overcoming, Achieving, and Rising.’

Leaders from the Graduation Coach for Black Student Program and school district hosted the event and invited seven women, recently nominated for the 100 most successful Black women in Canada award to speak with and answer questions from students.

In attendance were students from host school Pine Ridge SS along with guests from Donald A. Wilson SS, GL Roberts CVI, Sinclair SS and DDSB trustees. Discussion for the event was lead and coordinated by students from the Graduation Coach for Black Student Program.

Guests responded to questions on leadership and how to handle barriers in the quest to be successful. Invited panelists include:

  • Yolanda T. Marshall – Author
  • Coco LaRain Veira – Founder, CEO, She Thrives By Design
  • Keishia Facey – Equity, Inclusion and Organizational Change
  • Rev. Janette Wright Grosvenor – Pastor, Director and Author
  • Nikki Clarke – Author, Founder of the Nikki Clarke Show
  • Dr. Krissy Doyle-Thomas – Professor and Medical Neuroscientist
  • Clarissa Arthur - Executive Director

 After a rousing introduction, including poetry and song, panelist Coco LaRain Veira shared her message with participants that “Mistakes Are Masterpieces in the Making.”

 “You were created with great purpose for a purpose,” said Rev. Janette Wright Grosvenor in her message the audience.

 Participants in attendance were grateful for the time and participation of the guests.

 "I just wanted to say thank you for the SOAR event,” stated a student from GL Roberts CVI.  “We loved it. It was an honour to be behind the scenes, and I can't wait for the future!”