First edition of We Speak We LEAD closes on a high note

A special closing session celebrated an engaged group of immigrant women and their achievements during the program

On June 23rd, New Women New Yorkers (NWNY) held the final session of the We Speak We LEAD, a free workforce development and professional English learning program for immigrant women offered in collaboration with We Speak NYC at the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA).  Over a series of 10 interactive job readiness workshops, participants were prepared for entry into the New York City workforce or to pursue higher education. The program also helped them improve their professional English and gain confidence. 

Similarly to NWNY flagship LEAD program, participants were given  access to group practice and networking sessions with NYC companies and professionals, and individual support in the form of resume review, interview prep, and career counseling. This included a special closing session with an address by Commissioner of the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs Bitta Mostofi, followed by a panel discussion with two Human Resources and Workforce Planning experts, Dr. MeLisa Rogers and Sharon Jones. 

The engagement and motivation of participants were remarkable. “These women are driven, ambitious, and supportive of each other. They have managed to create a community. I hope that they will continue inspiring each other to achieve their professional and personal goals”, said Gyuzel Zaripova, NWNY program manager. One of these women, was Chiara, from Italy. She celebrated the end of the We Speak We LEAD program feeling more prepared to look for opportunities. “What I found very helpful was getting, at the same time, tools and knowledge on how we can find a meaningful job and on the necessary empowerment to reach out for it”. 

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