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Vice chair reports 25 participants in ‘Empower Her’ mentorship program, monthly sessions set for second Saturdays
Summary
The commission’s vice chair outlined the structure, attendance and schedule for Empower Her: hands‑on workshops divided by three age cohorts, monthly sessions on the second Saturday (10 a.m.–12 p.m.), and about 25 participants registered so far using QR‑code sign‑ins and Eventbrite.
Vice Chair Faraja Lafonton reported that the Empower Her mentorship program has run monthly sessions since January and is structured into three age groups (15–24; 25–34; 35 and up) with quarterly themes. Lafonton said sessions begin with a presentation and include breakout workshops and hands‑on activities; program staff use Padlet and JotForm for sign‑ins and monthly/quarterly participant reflections.
Lafonton told the commission the program has about 25 participants to date and the next session will be April 11, focusing on self‑knowledge and boundary setting. She said registration is managed through Eventbrite and an on‑site QR code that collects participant addresses so organizers can track how many attendees are North Miami residents.
Commissioners questioned whether the city should send an e‑blast to boost local registration; Lafonton said that would help but confirmed the program is already collecting address data and can report back on residency breakdown. Members agreed routine communication and shared staffing would reduce burden on the vice chair, who said she welcomes more volunteers to present and help run sessions.
Several commissioners asked for clarity about what the commission can discuss at meetups under the Sunshine law; the attorney advised that any substantive official business must occur at a noticed public meeting, and meetups should avoid deliberations that could lead to official action without proper public notice.
The commission did not take any formal vote on program changes; members requested a program budget update and pledged to explore sponsorships to help cover modest expenses such as light refreshments.
