Class of 2017

Jeannette: After doing the Akilah course on leadership, I found that even me, I matter, anyone matters. Everyone’s contribution is needed. Before, I didn’t think I had a part in any group, but I discovered that I can play a very big role in the community.

If you are going to change something, you can wake up in the morning and put that in action — that makes change. You start step by step, planning how you can change, why you can change, just finding the issue, and finding the strategy that you can use. Instead of giving up, I know I can keep on and try harder until I get that opportunity.

Jeanne: I gained public speaking skills and self confidence at Akilah. Before, I couldn’t stand in front of many people to talk, but now I can go and talk to many people. I can also do self-reflection — to know where I came from and where I am in my life.

Jeannette (left) and Jeanne at home