North Miami Commission for Women sets Sept. 6 launch for 'Empower Her' mentorship program

The North Miami Commission for Women on Aug. 20 confirmed the launch of Empower Her, a monthly mentorship program scheduled to begin Sept. 6 at Griffin Park, and tasked commissioners and staff with finalizing logistics, sponsors and promotional materials.

Commissioners said the program is intended to be a recurring, city‑based mentorship resource for women and girls across age groups and recommended a consistent monthly location and sponsor support to sustain the series. Naomi Esther Blameer, the commission chairwoman, said the group should focus on building consistent programming so grant applications and longer‑term funding become possible.

Commissioner Farajah (program lead) has developed a yearlong schedule; commissioners asked her to circulate the session plan and a one‑page program summary to the commission so staff can create a city‑branded flyer. Staff indicated the Griffin Park venue is reserved but does not provide round tables; the commission asked staff to speak with Gertie (city events coordinator) about options and to secure any needed tables or a different venue if required.

The commission discussed a three‑track structure for the launch that would run concurrent sessions for younger girls, young professionals and more mature adults. Commissioners asked that sponsor outreach begin immediately to ensure at least four sponsors can cover a continental breakfast and facilitator costs for the monthly sessions. Commissioners agreed a planning committee (chair, Nerissa Glickman and Farajah) will break major tasks into assignments and circulate a task list to the full commission so volunteers can pick responsibilities.

"If we don't do anything else, we should be able to do that," Chairwoman Blameer said of establishing consistent monthly mentorship meetings, stressing the program’s role in creating a city resource for women seeking business, legal and family support. Commissioners asked staff to circulate the program schedule and a consolidated checklist for the Sept. 6 launch so appointed volunteers can confirm roles and vendor needs within days.

The commission also discussed outreach tactics including printed flyers (commissioners agreed to print an initial run of 75 large‑format flyers for community distribution), social media promotion and school/civic partner invitations. Commissioners directed staff to provide registration and sponsor letter templates, and to confirm whether Parks can supply round tables or whether the commission should request an alternate setup at the Scott Galvin Center for future sessions.

Commissioners emphasized that having a consistent, city‑branded mentorship program will support later grant applications and fundraising efforts, and that the goal is to create a durable program that residents can rely on month to month.