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PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Jazz Reed, Development and Communications Manager of Figure Skating in Harlem
6:01:50
ยท
133 sec
Jazz Reed, representing Figure Skating in Harlem, advocated for increased funding for youth programming in New York City. She highlighted the organization's success in empowering young girls of color through education and figure skating, emphasizing its impact on academic achievement, skill development, and future success.
- Figure Skating in Harlem has a 100% high school graduation rate with all students pursuing higher education.
- The program develops critical STEM and financial literacy skills, provides mentorship, and builds resilience through figure skating.
- Reed, an alumna of the program, shared her personal journey from a challenging background to becoming a NYU Stern graduate and now working for the non-profit.
Jazz Reed
6:01:50
Alright, good afternoon you guys.
6:01:51
My name is Jazz Reed, good afternoon council members and chair Stevens.
6:01:56
I am honored to speak today as a development and communications manager for figure skating in Harlem.
6:02:00
Thank you for the opportunity to advocate for increased funding for youth programming in New York City.
6:02:04
For over twenty eight years, figure skating in Harlem has empowered young girls of color through a unique blend of education and figure skating.
6:02:10
We provide academic support, leadership development, and health and wellness programming ensuring our students gain the confidence and skills to succeed both on and off the ice.
6:02:18
Our mission is not about skating, it's about breaking barriers and creating opportunities for young people who are under resourced.
6:02:25
The impact of our work is clear, our students maintain in a % high school graduation rate, all pursuing higher education.
6:02:31
They develop critical STEM and financial literacy skills, receive mentorship, and build resilience and critical life skills through figure skating.
6:02:39
Our 1,500 plus alumni prove what's possible when we invest in our youth.
6:02:43
Women like Flo Nangala, the first black woman to shoot the Met Gala, and Sherry McPherson, our first alumni board member showcases the power of our mission.
6:02:53
Our alumni also hosted our career panel this week at their respective locations such as Carnegie Hill Veterinary Center, MasterCard, and Paramount.
6:03:01
I know firsthand how life changing this program is.
6:03:04
I was one of those girls looking for a space like this.
6:03:07
Programs like these take young girls from Harlem raised in a single parent, no income, disabled household and help me become a NYU Stern graduate, a city council staffer a couple of years ago, and an award winning mental health advocate now working for an amazing non profit in Harlem.
6:03:23
Despite our successes, financial challenges still persist, so today I urge the city council to allocate additional resources to programs that empower and uplift young people.
6:03:33
Too often we complain about kids on the streets, but not often enough do we meet with solutions to help.
6:03:38
So here we are, including investments and enrichment programs like figure skating in Harlem and Star CGI, strengthening these programs mean building healthier communities and brighter futures for the next generation.
6:03:49
So on behalf of Figure Skating in Harlem, Star CGI and the incredible young women we serve, I thank you for your time and consideration and I look forward to working together to create a more equitable and supportive environment for all of New York City's children and youth.
6:04:02
Thank you.