(Harlem, NY) -- More than 200 New York City girls, ages 8 to 16, will take steps to envision and shape a positive future for themselves when "GIRLTALK #takeover" comes to The Children's Aid Society Dunlevy Milbank Boys & Girls Club in New York on Wednesday, July 29, 2015.
Diane Raver, Founder of The Garden State Film Festival will open the day's events by presenting the award winning short film La Ragazza e la Gondola (The Girl and The Gondola) directed by Abbé Robinson. This short film shot on location in Venice, Italy, tells the story of 10 year-old Carla who dreams of becoming a gondolier like her father. However, 900 years of Venetian tradition and the disapproval of her parents stand in her way.
"I am honored and humbled to have the distinction of opening this year's event. It is our greatest hope that our participation and this wonderful short film will inspire these girls on many levels. After all, I grew up in what was once a male dominated profession as well," says Ms. Raver. Ms. Raver was the first female president of a New York City television commercial production company in 1987.
GIRLTALK #takeover was launched in 2013 by fashion designer, philanthropist, and entrepreneur Angela Simmons and real estate executive Kerri Berson Levine. GIRLTALK #takeover is an informative and interactive day of health, fitness, community and fashion programs for the female members of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America. The program provides an open forum where female Boys & Girls Clubs members are surrounded by young, successful businesswomen and role models who expose the attendees to alternative activities that are available to them within their city. GIRLTALK #takeover began at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Newark Clubhouse and traveled to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Hudson County before arriving in New York.
"Impressionable young girls are not receiving the right messages or being exposed to positive influences, particularly through the media. GIRLTALK #takeover fills this void by creating an entertaining event in a comfortable setting with role models and professionals delivering important messages to encourage the girls' full potential and help shape them for a healthy and creative future," said Angela Simmons.
According to a report from the Carnegie Council on Adolescent Development, the ages of 10 to 14 are a crucial turning point in a person's life trajectory and offer the best opportunity to intervene and set at-risk children on a path toward healthy behavior. Girls face additional challenges in overcoming stereotypes and identifying with role models whose success can inspire them. GIRLTALK #takeover is designed to directly address those challenges, providing a safe space for young women to discuss issues relating to their health and well-being, and learn about programs in their community.
"GIRLTALK #takeover will empower girls to realize their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens by developing a strong, healthy self-concept, a strong belief in their self-worth and sense about their future. The Dunlevy Milbank Boys & Girls Club is proud to host such a worthwhile event," said Center Director Casper Lassiter, M.S.W.
Along with the health and wellness presentations, the girls will be able to participate in a variety of self-esteem boosting activities including arts, music, dance, a fashion show, hair styling, makeup and manicures. The girls will also be introduced to local organizations that provide year-round cultural and educational activities in the community at little or no cost.
About the Garden State Film Festival:
The Garden State Film Festival was envisioned by 25-year film industry veteran Diane Raver and the late Hollywood actor Robert Pastorelli in 2002 and launched the following year. Since 2003, thousands of films have made their public premiers, hundreds of thousands of people from around the world have attended; and the total infusion of cash to local businesses since inception exceeds $5 million. Until 2013, it was held in Asbury Park. In 2014, it moved to Atlantic City as a major component of DO AC, the marketing campaign to promote arts and culture the city spearheaded by the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority. The GSFF is a 501-c-3 non-profit organization.
