Happy April!

Springtime is finally here! (And, so are my allergies!). This past month has been so busy!

I recently had the privilege of attending the Sister's Brunch for the Los Angeles Chapter of Spelman College—my beloved alma mater. It was my honor to introduce Rosalind Brewer, Spelman's interim President and recipient of the prestigious "Legacy Award." In my introduction, I shared how Rosalind and I grew up across the street from each other in Detroit, attended Cass Tech High School together, and continued our journey as Spelman sisters. The luncheon was especially delightful as we reconnected with several of our fellow classmates!

March also brought me back to my hometown of Detroit, where Ford Motor Company invited me to speak to their women's network about my journey as a journalist, author, producer, and nonprofit founder. Our discussion on "Accelerate Action" underscored how deliberate steps lead to meaningful change—a philosophy that guides our foundation daily. And, I got to see Mom which was an extra treat!

We closed March with our festive Gumbo fundraiser—I can't wait to share pictures in next month's issue!

As you enjoy this information-packed April edition, please consider donating to the S.H.A.U.N. Foundation for Girls. Your support directly enables our mission to empower girls who will shape tomorrow's world. You can go to: shaunfoundationforgirls.org/donate

Happy reading!

Shaun

Shaun Robinson

President and Founder

S.H.A.U.N. Foundation for Girls

Together, we can drive change and open up new lanes for girls and women! We are excited to introduce our partner and SHE LEADS Grant recipient, Women of Color Automotive Network (WOCAN).

This turbocharged nonprofit attracts, connects, and empowers women in the automotive industry.

At our inaugural SHE LEADS Conference, we learned about their impactful work as President and Co-Founder Kerri Wise passionately shared their mission.

With women of color making up just 6% of this field, WOCAN is shifting gears to accelerate diversity in automotive!

SHE LEADS is back! Our annual conference brings together women nonprofit leaders for networking, growth, and empowerment, fostering meaningful dialogue and innovative solutions to support girls.

Know a woman leading a girl-focused 501(c)(3)? Invite her to join us! Email: sheleads@shaunfoundationforgirls.org

Healthy Her

How Can I Get My Most Accurate Blood Pressure Reading?

Many don’t realize that there is a lot we can do to ensure that we are taking accurate and reliable blood pressure readings. With the increasing understanding that maintaining a normal blood pressure is paramount to good health, many are taking advantage of home blood pressure monitors to stay on top of any changes.

Why is this important?

Great question. Blood pressure is directly related to your heart health and high blood pressure (known as hypertension) is a significant risk factor for heart disease, heart attack, and stroke. What’s more, half of Americans don’t even know that they have high blood pressure.

Jayne Morgan, M.D.

@drjaynemorgan

Cardiologist

V.P. of Medical Affairs, Hello Heart

Creator of the Stairwell Chronicles

Advisory Board Member,

S.H.A.U.N. Foundation for Girls

Patrik Henry Bass

Executive Editor,

Amistad Books

Patrik's Pick

Spring is upon us, and always a season of new beginnings (even more than New Year's Eve for us procrastinators—you know who you are!) One of the most perfect reads—whether hardcover, paperback, audio, or ebook—to set your Spring intentions is THINK YOU'LL BE HAPPY by Nicole Avant (IG: @nicoleavant).

In her eternally graceful spirit, she pays homage to her father, the mammoth music and business executive Clarence Avant, and her gifted, gorgeous, and grounded mother, Jacqueline Avant. They both have passed away—one tragically and one peacefully—and in the pages of THINK YOU'LL BE HAPPY—no matter whether you've experienced a heartbreak, Nicole Avant's words will make you feel as if you've met a new best friend, and show you the path to resilience. And ultimately happiness.

Mindfulness Tip: Tears for Fears

Laura Saltman

Mindfulness, Meditation and Metaphysical Teacher

@laurasaltman

LaDonna Whittingham

Costume Designer

Local705 Film/TV Costumer and Wardrobe Stylist

The Edit: Designer Highlight

Bishme Cromartie, the latest Project Runway All Stars winner, has just released his newest collection, showcasing the bold, sculptural designs that define his career. It’s been incredible to watch his evolution, and this moment is well deserved. Check out his page and support his latest work @bishme_cromartie!

Breaking Barriers: This Month's Must-Reads

The S.H.A.U.N. Foundation for Girls is a grant-making, 501(c)(3) dedicated to improving the quality of life for underserved and underrepresented girls and young women. We support initiatives empowering girls in the key areas of our mission: (S)TEM, (H)EALTH, (A)RTS, (U)NITY and (N)EIGHBORHOODS.