This story exemplifies the best of what Pillsbury United Communities can do.

Dear Friends,

Last week, the Star Tribune published an article on the Sisterhood Boutique Grand Opening, and we’re excited to share it with you. We think the story exemplifies the best of what Pillsbury United Communities can do–working within the needs of the communities in our neighborhoods as they build their own paths to positive futures.

The girls in the article, both daughters of East African immigrants and often immigrants themselves, were part of the Youth Program at the Brian Coyle Center when they began to plan this project. When it was clear that the girls were serious about launching their own business, we stepped up to help them meet their vision by mobilizing resources and bringing in Laurine Chang, a Public Ally. (Public Allies is a Pillsbury United Communities program and a site of the national organization.) Laurine has now moved into full-time employment as the Youth Social Entrepreneur Specialist and continues her work with the young ladies as the main focus of her job. We also want to highlight the work of the Brian Coyle Center Director Amano Dube, his team, and the PUC development team for their leadership and focus, day in and day out, supporting innovative programs like this one.

We’re exceptionally proud of the infrastructure we’ve built to support initiatives that are community lead. We hope you’ll take a second to read the article here, and also read Brian Coyle Center Director Amano Dube’s remarks from the event here.

Sincerely,

Chanda Smith Baker
President and CEO
Pillsbury United Communities

P.S. And don’t forget to stop by the Boutique for great shopping opportunities during their regular business hours Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, 4-7 pm, and Saturday 12-5 pm.