REMARKS FROM AMANO DUBE 2/27/14 AT SISTERHOOD GRAND OPENING

Hello my name is Amano Dube. I am the Director of the Brian Coyle Center. Tonight, I am thrilled to stand in front of you and briefly talk about Sisterhood of Traveling Scarf and recognize those who made this a possibility.

Pillsbury United Communities (PUC) is a multiservice, social entrepreneurial organization that addresses societal problems with creativity, innovation, partnerships, and a relentless drive for change. Backed by research and rooted in settlement house heritage, PUC is always driven by the communities it serves. Its mission is underscored by the conviction that communities guide their own successful transformation.

Throughout its neighborhood centers, PUC creates innovative programs and provide opportunities for individuals and families to connect, share resources and explore their potential to create paths to economic security and self sufficiency. Sisterhood of the Traveling Scarf is one of those innovative and promising programs. It is designed to improve job placement, career paths, and earnings for low-income immigrant women and young girls from East Africa.

Before the store idea came into being, the young women were involved in a group where they discussed their lives, communities, and the challenges they face. The concept for the clothing store grew out of these discussions, and presented a creative way to address two of their most pressing challenges: finding employment and moving out of poverty.

Sisterhood Boutique is a next-to-new clothing store created and run through the Brian Coyle Center by East African women between the ages of 14-23. Together, the female participants are building their economic power by developing entrepreneurial skills, establishing and operating their business venture, and identifying and attaining long term goals for economic success.

As part of their skills training, the young women participants are also engaged in marketing, outreach, goods collection, job shadowing, leadership and customer service skills, networking and other business aspects of the store to broaden their experiences and employment opportunities that will form a solid bridge from living in poverty to living in prosperity.

None of these, however, was possible by PUC or the Sisterhood girls alone. A number organizations, institutions and individuals played a decisive role in making this happen. Tonight, I am humbled to name a few of the very crucial ones that have contributed for the success of this new venture.

• United Way –WINGS                         
• Sundance Foundation                         
• Mar brook Foundation
• Women’s Foundation
• Augsburg College (President Paul Perbinow) –Mary Ture, Proff. Bruce Batin, Proff.       , Stella Richardson). Marnie
• PUC- Chanda S. Baker- Jennifer Blevins, Laurine Chang, Julia Donaldson, Julie Brauninger, Adair Mosley, Alan Berks, Kelsye Gould
• Sisterhood of Traveling Scarf Participants

Thank you.