The Center for Young Womens' Development Success Stories - See the Impact We've Had on the Lives of Young Women in Crisis!

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SUCCESS STORIES Alumnae who give new meaning to success
Young women of color who were formerly incarcerated, who worked in the street economies, who may have been or may not have been in school, are now leaders, policy-makers, researchers, employers and activists. These young women moved up through our programs into leadership roles. Together, they healed from past experiences. Together, they dreamed and achieved their own visions for the future.

Rosie Austin, Age 27
1995-1999 Alumna, Outreach worker, Assistant Director of Outreach,
Director of Operations
A devout Buddhist, Rosie combined her love of music with her passion to fight for social justice into a career in the music business. Not only is Rosie a singer with her live hip-hop band Gypsy Rose, but also she is a songwriter and musician. She recently graduated from the Musicians Institute in Hollywood, CA. Her band currently tours the country spreading a message of hope, peace and social consciousness.

Revery Barnes, Age 25
1998 Alumna, Sisters Rising Program Graduate
“Rev” was an outreach worker with the Center when she was 15 years old. She moved on in 1999 to become the Executive Director of Rising Youth for Social Equity, a youth-run community program that focused on juvenile justice, youth advocacy and economic development. For the past 2 years Revery has been studying Family and Community Medicine at The Latin American School of Medicine in Havana, Cuba. As an outreach worker, Revery realized how the lack of health education and access to care stem from economic injustices; “I view medicine and public health not only as a career but also as a mechanism for social change,” Rev said of her decision to study medicine.

If you have ever participated in our programs inside lock up or on the outs, if you were ever employed through Sisters Rising or Street Survival Project, or if you have ever benefited from a workshop or Sister Circle, then you are an Alumni and Sister of the Center. We especially want to hear from you! Please click the link above to our Alumni Survey.

Age 27

Age 25

Age 28

Age 27

Age 22

Age 19

"I came to CYWD hurt and confused, now I feel healed and empowered."

Rosie, Age 17

"Being at CYWD has taught me that I can do anything I put my mind to."

Tai, Age 22

Seinna Gausman, Age 28
1993-1995 Alumna, Outreach Worker
Seinna was one of the first young women to work at the Center in its conception. She left CYWD after two years in 1995 to pursue her love of music and found her home in New York. She is currently studying creative writing and music at New School University, one of the top 50 schools in the country. When she graduates, she plans to pursue a career in music as a producer.

Julie Sabori-Globus, Age 27
1994-1995 Alumna, Outreach Worker
Julie moved on from the Center after years as a dynamic outreach worker. In 1995, Julie was appointed by San Francisco Board of Supervisors member Tom Ammiano to the Youth Commission. She then moved on to become the Executive Director for HOMEY, a youth-run organization located in the Mission District that focuses on economic self-sufficiency and gang prevention. Julie is now a full-time student at San Francisco State University studying for a degree in Ethnic Studies. Among all of these accomplishments her most treasured success is her beautiful 2 year old son, Maba Jumoke.

Rachel Bolden Kramer, Age 22
1998-2000 Alumna, Nelly Velasco Project Coordinator
Rachel began her journey with the Center in 1999 coordinating our recreation events for young queer women of color. In 2000, Rachel was featured in a SF Examiner article that discussed her academic success as one of the only San Francisco public school system students to be accepted to the prestigious Harvard University. Rachel is currently studying for a career in filmmaking and has made a number of documentaries on queer relationships.

Nadiyah Shereff, Age 19

Nadiyah Shereff, Age 19
2002-2005 Sisters Rising Program Coordinator, Education Advisor
Nadiyah came to the Center as an intern in the Sisters Rising Employment Training Program and a year later began running the program. After an eye-opening trip to South Africa with the Center for Young Women’s Development, Nadiyah moved on as coordinator of Sisters Rising in 2004 to become a full-time student at San Francisco State University, majoring in Criminal Justice. Nadiyah has recently come back home to CYWD as our new Education Advisor.

Jennifer Robles
1998 Sisters Rising Alumna
Jennifer, known to the Bay Area music scene as Jen-Ro, recently signed a contract with LA-based La Movida Records and is set to release her long awaited CD “The Revolution” in April 2005. Representing young queer women of color in the Bay Area entertainment scene, Jen lends her talent to many charity and community events and recently performed for the inmates at San Quentin State Prison. She has been featured on VH1's show, "My coolest Years", SF Chronicle, Time Out NY, and in the Documentary, "Pick up the Mic". Jennifer is currently a student at San Francisco City College majoring in music.
Visit her website at www.jenro.net.

The Center for Young Women's Development
832 Folsom Street, Suite #700
San Francisco, CA 94107
Phone 415.703.8800
Fax 415.703.8818