North Miami Commission for Women approves 'Empower Her' mentorship initiative

The North Miami Commission for Women voted 4-0 on Tuesday to approve Empower Her, a new mentorship initiative the commission said is designed to serve more than 30,000 women and girls in North Miami.

The program, presented by the commission's chairwoman, seeks to pair women in the community with experienced mentors to provide professional guidance, networking and support. "This program isn't just about mentorship, it's about creating a pathway for success, opportunity, and community support," the chairwoman said when she introduced the proposal.

The commission described Empower Her as aiming to help participants with "professional growth, guidance, and a support network," including skill-building tied to entrepreneurship. Commissioners tied the program to the commission's 50 Female Startup initiative, which the commission said needs $25,000 to fund an eight-week training program and business-registration support for aspiring women entrepreneurs.

During the meeting the motion to adopt Empower Her was proposed by the chairwoman and seconded by Commissioner Nerissa Glickman. Roll-call voting recorded Glickman, Commissioner Claudia Pazmino, the chairwoman, and Commissioner Rosemary Pierre all voting in favor. The clerk announced the item passed, 4-0.

Commissioners directed staff to assist with next steps for the new program, including outreach and coordination with other commission initiatives. The commission did not adopt a program budget during the meeting; funding sources and a timeline beyond the stated fundraising target were not specified.