Youth from Alborado Cottage at Ventura Youth Correctional Facility paid homage to powerful women they admire. Wearing costumes, the youth struck choreographed poses while reciting poetry and short orations.
On March 29, in full regalia courtesy of Rosalinda Vint, the youth learned about women who made a difference. Vint, facilitator of Alpha group at Ventura, founded the non-profit group Women of Substance and Men of Honor. To help, she provided costumes for the trans-men and young women at Ventura.
Ventura youth recognize powerful women
The costumes honored the unique style of the remarkable women youth chose to personify. Aside from well-known women such as Rosa Parks, Selena and Sally Ride, they also recognized mothers and grandmothers. These females inspired awe, amazement and respect from the youth.
Other powerful women honored included:
- First Lady Michelle Obama
- Mexican Artist Frieda Kahlo
- Activist Ellen Ochoa
- Mathematical Engineer Dorothy Johnson Vaughan
- Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg
- American Labor Leader Delores Huerta
- Puerto Rican Political Activist/Freedom Fighter Maria De La Mercedes Barbudo
- Poet Rupi Kaur.
Dr. Leon, a psychologist at VYCF, facilitated a speech contest.
Cynthia, one of the guest speakers, is a former resident at Ventura Youth Correctional Facility. She encouraged incarcerated youth to make the most of treatment and educational opportunities offered.
“Always remember, hope is something no one can ever take from you,” she said.
She also encouraged staff to have grace and patience. Now a successful entrepreneur, Cynthia jumped at the chance to share her story.
“(Now I’m) making a six-figure income and paying taxes,” she said.
Youth said Cynthia’s story was inspirational, demonstrating how women continue to break the proverbial glass ceiling, defying the odds.
Through their performance, youth embodied the greatness exemplified by so many spectacular women who came before them.
By Karette Fussell, Supervising Casework Specialist
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