Dear MOSTe Family,
The highly anticipated 2024 Lanterns Awards are fast approaching, and we’re excited to extend an invitation for your support! Every year, we honor remarkable women who embody empowerment, demonstrate leadership in their communities, and serve as inspirations for realizing aspirations. This year, we are thrilled to pay homage to Janice Bryant Howroyd, fondly known as JBH!
Join us on Thursday, April 25, 2024, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the prestigious City Club Los Angeles, DTLA, to celebrate JBH and the next generation of college-educated women.
To secure your ticket at the Lanterns Awards or to make a gift, please visit the GiveButter page! Thank you to our incredible sponsors this year and for those stilled interested in sponsoring a table, please feel free to contact me directly at .
Warm regards,
Nicole Fisher
Executive Director
MOSTe in Action
MOSTe March Workshop
March 23, 2024
MOSTe recently conducted its last workshop of the academic year at Cal State LA. The workshop was a great success, with multiple small group discussions held over communication styles, a tailored junior breakout session, and mentor engagement. Scholars and mentors had the opportunity to meet Heidi Perez, the Community Outreach Coordinator, who has recently joined the team.
MOSTe partnered with UCLA’s IGNITE to offer students the chance to learn about body autonomy, consent, and boundaries. The workshop provided a unique opportunity for scholars, mentors, and parents to engage in intimate, one-on-one conversations with the staff, where everyone could feel valued and learn more about each other’s perspectives and experiences.
2024 Junior College Trip
MOSTe organized their annual overnight junior college trip from March 23rd to March 25th. During the trip, scholars had the opportunity to visit California State University Long Beach, the University of California San Diego, San Diego State University, and the University of California Irvine. They were able to explore the campuses, including the freshmen dorms, cafeterias, libraries, and bookstores. Scholars also interacted with current college students and asked them about their experiences.
The trip provided a great opportunity for scholars to bond with each other and develop a support system. They learned more about each college and could see themselves attending these institutions. In addition to campus visits, scholars participated in various activities, such as riding coasters, a baking challenge, and journaling. They also encouraged each other to face their fears and supported each other throughout the trip.
Overall, the Junior College Trip was an excellent experience for scholars to learn, build a community, and have fun!
Women Who Advocate for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Event with ARES
March 26, 2024
MOSTe collaborated with Ares Management’s Network of Empowered Women as part of its Charitable Giving Program. During the event, scholars and alumni had the opportunity to gain professional insights from finance professionals. The event included a panel discussion, a personal tour of Ares, and the chance to develop their own elevator pitches. Scholars also got their headshots taken professionally, had one-on-one conversations with women in various departments, and shared their own stories. This event helped scholars and alumni build their confidence and encouraged them to find their voice.
Upcoming Events
Earth Day Community Service Celebration with MOSTe
Join the MOSTe staff in celebrating Earth Day 2024! We will be gathering at the Santa Monica Pier to participate in Heal the Bay’s annual beach clean-up event. Our efforts will directly contribute to removing harmful plastic pollution from our beaches. We warmly invite our whole MOSTe family to come together for this heartwarming community service meet-up!
Date: April 20, 2024
Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: 1500 Appian Way, Santa Monica, CA 90401
RSVP link: April MOSTe Earth Day Event
*Transportation and food will NOT be provided for this event.
2024 Lanterns Awards
You are cordially invited to attend the 2024 Lanterns Awards on April 25th, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the City Club Los Angeles in Downtown Los Angeles.
The event will honor Janice Bryant Howroyd and aims to raise $40,000 for MOSTe’s programs, which empower underserved girls in Los Angeles. We hope you can join us for this meaningful occasion!
Purchase your tickets and learn more about the Lanterns Awards at https://ow.ly/M4Fj50QZZt1.
Can’t attend in person? Support MOSTe by making a donation to empower our future leaders.
2024 MOSTe Retreat
Join us for our annual retreat, where we will spend a weekend bonding, learning, and reflecting with our MOSTe family. This year, we will stay at Pepperdine University and enjoy the unique dorm experience! We are thrilled to partner with Surf Bus for some fun beach activities and the Wishtoyo Foundation to unwind and reflect in nature.
Date: Friday, May 17th, 2024 to Sunday May 19th, 2024
Location: Pepperdine University (24255 Pacific Coast Highway)
RSVP link: Pepperdine Retreat
Transportation and food will be provided!
The deadline to RSVP is Wednesday, April 24th, 2024.
Mentor Moment
Mentee and I went to the Craft Contemporary Museum to see some thought-provoking art, then got a snack and chatted at a coffee shop. It was a great Sunday afternoon! – Mentor Kelly K.
Mentee and I engaged in a conversation covering various aspects related to colleges, including exploring different institutions, navigating the upcoming steps such as completing the FAFSA application, and delving into personal reflections regarding their academic journey and aspirations for the future. – Mentor Ashlee Z.
My mentee and I had a delightful excursion to Chinatown, where we had a delicious lunch together. Engaging in such activities fosters our mentor-mentee bond and provides valuable opportunities for meaningful connections and shared experiences. – Mentor Bonnie C.
Mentee wanted to do a self-guided walking tour of USC to check out the campus, so we wandered around and then got ramen afterward. – Mentor Laurie S.
During our time together, we enjoyed a sleepover filled with laughter and bonding activities. We did a bit of cooking and baking. We capped off our evening by watching a musical. – Mentor Kelli B.
On March 23, 2024, three of my five scholars and I attended the March workshop scheduled at Cal State LA. This was their second experience visiting a college campus for two of them. During this workshop, we experienced a new way of engaging scholars to participate in the topics discussed. We shared a fun fact from each other, and I learned that in elementary school, one of my mentees participated in a Folklorico group. It is amazing to continue learning from my scholars! It is rewarding to know that each of my scholars is on track to reach their college career goals. – Mentor Elba S.
Do you belong to the first inaugural Class of 1986?
Have you worked as a member of the MOSTe staff in the past?
Were you a MOSTe scholar who graduated from high school before 2023?
MOSTe’s strength and uniqueness lies in our community!
We would love to connect with you and hear your stories, from highlighting your journeys after graduating to becoming a mentor with us now.
Please reach out to our Executive Director, Nicole Fisher at