Dear MOSTe Community,
As we enter 2025, our hearts are heavy with the impact of the devastating wildfires affecting Los Angeles. Our thoughts are with those affected, and we extend our deepest gratitude to the brave firefighters and first responders protecting our city. In these challenging times, our community’s strength and resilience shine through, reminding us of the importance of supporting one another.
To our scholars: Your resilience inspires us. We remain committed to supporting your educational journey, regardless of the obstacles you face.
The New Year brings anticipation and hope, offering a chance for reflection, renewal, and fresh beginnings. As we move forward, let us draw strength from our community and stay focused on our shared mission: developing the next generation of confident women leaders.
For those impacted by the fires, please find a list of resources at the end of this newsletter. Together, we will overcome these challenges and emerge stronger.
Los Angeles Strong,
Nicole Fisher
Executive Director
MOSTe in Action
MOSTe Café: Breaking Patterns Film Festival
In collaboration with Women’s Voices Now, we hosted a mini film festival and discussion via Zoom for our communities about women’s rights around the world. We showcased stories of resilience against gender-based violence in recognition of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.
MOSTe Winter Party 2024
We recently hosted a delightful end-of-year Winter Party, bringing together our diverse community of scholars, mentors, family members, and alumni. The event was a resounding success, filled with warmth, laughter, and holiday cheer.
Special thank you to our generous goodie bag donors: Project Glimmer and Coffee and Bao!
We ended the event with a fun but competitive Gingerbread Competition, of which the winners were the Deniz Family!
Upcoming Events
January Workshop 2025: Nice Girl or Winning Woman? 10 Ways to Put Your Best Foot Forward
Please join us in our next workshop from our Self Advocacy Series! Prepare to be inspired by the dynamic Dr. Lois P. Frankel, Founder of MOSTe, who will help scholars ignite their self – esteem and learn about tools to help with your confidence! Click HERE to RSVP.
We will also be collecting hygienic donations in our efforts to aid those affected by the LA Wildfires. If you are able to donate, please do so at our January Workshop from 10AM to 1PM.
MOSTe Café: Scholarship Search
We invite you to join us for an hour of dedicated research and networking! We will spend our time together for introductions, tips on how to search for scholarships, and applying. The event will take place on Wednesday, January 22nd from 5PM – 6PM. Click HERE to RSVP! Bring your favorite beverage or snacks!
Community Service : Adopt – A – Beach with Heal the Bay
Join us next month in our Beach Clean Up efforts! We have partnered with Heal the Bay through their Adopt-A-Beach initiative and will be kicking off our first Beach Clean Up of the year at Bruce’s Beach. Click HERE to RSVP and read more information about the event!
Overnight College Trip with MOSTe 2025!
We are now accepting applications for our annual Overnight College Trip! Juniors, please ensure your applications and materials are submitted by 11: 59PM PST on Monday, February 3, 2025. Click HERE to apply.
Career Pathways – Advocacy Cohort Sign Up for Spring 2025
MOSTe is partnering with the Garment Worker Center to offer our scholars an in-depth programming learning experience about the garment industry and also learn about advocacy work. Scholars will have the opportunity to learn alongside other peers from GWC’s Youth Program about labor rights, political education, organizing 101 training and more! Eligibility Requirements: Scholars must be in high school. Click HERE to sign up today!
Mentor Moments
Words cannot fully express how much your efforts mean to MOSTe and, more importantly, to the young women whose lives you’re shaping. You are not just mentors; you are role models, confidants, and champions for these future leaders. As we look forward to the new year, know that your continued support is invaluable. You are making a profound difference, one mentee at a time, and contributing to a brighter, more equitable future for all!
Sandra Rice and I picked up our mentees and took them to the MOSTe Christmas Party on December 14. We had a lot of fun with them, especially making the Gingerbread houses! We all enjoyed the card game. Both of our mentees have come to know my and Sandra’s VERY competitive side and it always makes for a lot of fun! We had Christmas gifts for the girls and enjoyed spending the day together!
– Terry M
During the month of December, my mentee’s and I met at Mi Tierra Coffee Shop. They shared their experience while visiting their grandparents’ hometown in Mexico named Mascota. We also speak about one of my mentee’s college acceptance letters ad how she looks forward to receiving.
– Elba S
My mentee and I watched Moana 2 together. It was such a great movie, we had a great time.
– Amanda C
This month Jenna and I went and got hot chocolate together and then attended the MostE holiday party together.
– Natalie Z
My mentee and I visited the Broad Art Center in Los Angeles and bought some delicious food from the food trucks afterward.
– Ashley F
My mentee and I attended the MOSTe holiday party, which was a good party by the way. Mentee and I had a good time doing the activities and chatting about various things.
– Vicky B
My mentee and I had a great time at the MOSTe Winter Party, hanging out and putting together our gingerbread house (which ultimately broke in half).
– Kelly K
December was such an amazing month with my mentee! Though we utterly failed at building a gingerbread house at the MOSTe Winter Party on Dec 14, we had a blast trying. Later that evening, we went to the Ahmanson Theatre to watch the production of “Once Upon a Mattress.” Not only was the show incredible, we got the special opportunity to meet one of the cast members (also one of my friends) after the performance and chat with him about his journey on Broadway and beyond! My mentee even got a photo with him! Who knows, perhaps they’ll be in a show together on The Big White Way one day?! We capped off the month by going to see the movie “Wicked” on the big screen. Of course, we jammed out to the soundtrack in my car on the way to/from the movie theater! What a wonderful holiday season!
– Jodie D
Connect with the MOSTe Team and follow us on social media to stay updated on what we are up to and how you can get involved!