Yonkers Insider: Statement from Yonkers City Council - Majority Leader Corazon Pineda Issac, 2nd District.

Hello everyone, In early March, I created a video contest for Yonkers Public High School students in honor of Women’s History Month. Contestants were asked to submit a video about Women’s History Month and what it means to them. The prize for the winner was supposed to be a credit towards their prom dress as well as to have their nails and hair done for prom night.  Unfortunately, the COVID-19 outbreak happened shortly after the video contest was announced. Schools closed and students were ordered to stay home so the contest did not receive as much attention as expected. Despite this, I still held the contest and extended the deadline, as it was virtual and could still be done at home. I'm happy that I received a few video submissions despite COVID-19. The goal was to have young women self-reflect and also empower other young women during what is usually celebrated as Women's History Month...the month of March. The submissions I received did exactly that; their videos were moving, well-edited, thoughtful, and demonstrated women's empowerment.  Since school events, including prom, were cancelled during the pandemic, I decided to mail gift cards to two students that submitted videos to help with whatever purchases they need to get ready for dorm life in college. I also reached out to these two ladies to congratulate them personally via Zoom. I got to know them a little bit more. and they got to know me a little too. Congratulations to Amara Valerio, recent graduate from Yonkers Montessori Academy who is heading to Cornell University. Congratulations also to Jadonna Williams, who recently graduated from Roosevelt High School - Early College Studies and is heading to SUNY Purchase. Both these girls have very bright futures ahead of them and will surely make an impact on the world around them. This was the first time I held a video contest, but I definitely look forward to holding more of them in the future.

Best regards,   Hon. Corazon Pineda-Isaac E-mail: corazon.pineda.isaac@yonkersny.gov Tel: (914) 377-6312