North Miami commission adopts monthly mentoring program for women, votes on curriculum and schedule

The North Miami Commission for Women voted unanimously to adopt a curriculum and recurring schedule for Empower Her Nomi, a mentorship program designed to provide age‑appropriate lessons, breakout sessions and a monthly group session for women and girls in the city.

Commissioners approved Commissioner LaFortune’s draft application and curriculum at the meeting, which divides programming by age groups (16–25, 25–35 and 35 and over) and covers topics including financial literacy, mental health, career planning, leadership and life skills. Chairwoman Naomi Blumore moved to accept the curriculum and the board approved it by roll call.

The program will meet monthly on the first Saturday from 12 to 2 p.m., with three simultaneous breakout sessions by age group followed by a combined group session focused on cross‑cutting themes such as self‑esteem or interview preparation. The commission voted to host the sessions at community locations citywide as availability permits and asked staff to coordinate with parks and facility managers; commissioners said Scott Galvin Community Center is the preferred site when available. Staff will attempt to reserve six months of dates in advance and fill any gaps with partner venues.

Commissioners discussed logistics including a quarter‑based curriculum (so participants can earn recognition at the end of each quarter), an evaluation tool to measure outcomes and attendance, Eventbrite signup fields to capture age brackets, and options for identifying breakout group membership on arrival (for example, color tickets). Commissioner Dr. Marie O'Etienne agreed to help design evaluation measures. The commission also discussed combining invited expert presenters with commissioner‑led sessions so all commissioners contribute as facilitators or hosts over time.

The commission agreed to begin programming in September and identified Saturday, Sept. 6, as a tentative kickoff date while staff confirms site availability; commissioners said the first formal quarter will run September–December. Staff and the championing commissioner will finalize the curriculum and schedule in a shared document and circulate it to all commissioners for input.

The commission also discussed outreach and marketing: communications will be asked to prepare a flyer and staff will post program details on the commission’s events page and Eventbrite link, with social and community distribution. Commissioners discussed childcare and potential community partners to support parents who need supervision during sessions but did not commit city funds.

The mentorship initiative passed by formal motion and roll call; commissioners recorded full support at the meeting.