On Saturday, December 5, 2015 the African Diaspora Program, which is part of the Global Learning Programs and Services Division, hosted a Wellness Day event for students enrolled in the Women’s Mentoring Academy at Skyline College. The theme for the fall 2015 Mentoring Academy focused on personal development, with a specific emphasis on cultural and personal identity development. The fall cohort led by Professor Danielle Powell, a faculty member in the Communication Studies Department. The students enrolled in her COMM 150: Intercultural Communication course participated in the event.
Wellness Day was designed to provide the mentees with a holistic look at the effects of varying wellness topics on success. Throughout the day, students received information on a series of topics ranging from financial, mental and emotional wellness to tips on dressing for success in professional settings. The students heard presentations from Skyline College staff and faculty such as Soledad McCarthy, Pcyeta Stroud, and Dr. Ronda Wimmer. They also learned about the College Savers program from community partner, Mayra Cerda of the Opportunity Fund, and listened to an inspirational presentation via Skype by Bobbie Kelsey, Head Coach for the University of Wisconsin’s Women’s Basketball program and former player and assistant coach for the Stanford Women’s basketball program. Finally, the women in the mentoring academy were treated to facials and massages courtesy of the Skyline College Esthetics & Massage Therapy Programs!
The GLPS Division would like to give a special ‘thank you’ to the following programs, departments and individuals for helping to make Wellness Day such a success: Business Services, Campus Facilities, the Cosmetology and Esthetics Program, Massage Therapy and Wellness Program, Professor Danielle Powell, Pcyeta Stroud, Dr. Ronda Wimmer, Kym Jackson, Soledad McCarthy, Roger Marcelo, Mayra Cerda with Opportunity Fund, Troy Barros, and of course all of the student participants!
The Women’s Mentoring Academy was founded through the African Diaspora Program, under the umbrella of the Global Learning Programs and Services Division. The mission of the Women’s Mentoring Academy is to empower and transform the lives of the women in the program so that they may achieve personal and professional growth.
For more information on the African Diaspora Program, please contact the Global Learning Programs and Services Division at 650-738-7098 or email Dr. Cheryl Ajirotutu at ajirotutuc@smccd.edu.
Article by Danielle Powell and Pcyeta Stroud | Photos by Roger Marcelo and Danielle Powell
