Community Bridges - Maryland

We are starting a new series; these are not “spotlights” on special events, but rather an opportunity to meet our students, because they are amazing every day with or without a special event. Today we are meeting Adiratou Sy. Adiratou is a CBHS and College Access alumna, and a current College Success student. She is a junior at Towson University, where her major is Computer Information Systems with a Business Track and a minor in Business Administration. Adiratou is actively involved in leadership and professional development; she serves as the President of the Women in Cybersecurity Club, is a Conversa Docs Software Engineer Intern, a Generation SOS Intern, and is a proud member of Tigers LEAD, a leadership development program dedicated to cultivating future leaders through mentorship, service, and professional growth. Adiratou writes: “My journey with Community Bridges - Maryland (CB) has played a significant role in shaping my path, empowering me with confidence and leadership skills that I now apply in my academic and professional life.” She continues: “I value the mentorship and opportunities CB provides to young women and hope to continue inspiring others to pursue their passions fearlessly.” So well said, Adiratou! We know you will! Adiratou is doing just that by recently connecting her younger sister to CB and help her enroll in CBHS program at Montgomery Blair High School. We are thrilled to meet Awa and include her in CBHS program! #CBEmpowerGirls #CollegeSuccess #YoungWomenLeaders #CompSci #STEM #businessadministration #tigers

Alana Stalvey, pictured on the right, graduated from Towson University in December 2024. She earned her BA in Interdisciplinary Studies and is currently working as a Teacher at the Goddard School. Alana is pictured with her sister Camryn, left, who is a junior at the University of Maryland College Park majoring in Sociology. Congratulations, Alana! #CBEmpowersgirls #graduation #youngwomenleaders #interdisciplinarystudies #TowsonUniversity

Alumna spotlight: Jada Brooks is a CBHS program alumna, CB College Success program participant, and current sophomore at Loyola University Maryland, where she is majoring in Forensic Science. Recently, Jada completed a volunteer project with the Salvation Army to assemble boxes of assorted foods for families of limited resources. She writes, “It was an amazing experience. Everyone was so welcoming, and we worked collectively as a team. If one person was struggling to fulfill a task, another person would take over. We made so much progress together, and it showed the importance of working together as a community and also giving back. That is especially important to me as a Loyola student currently living in Baltimore. It is our responsibility as students to volunteer and advocate for the greater Baltimore community.” Way to go, Jada! We love to see CB girls demonstrating the leadership skills and the importance of community engagement that we emphasize in our programs! #CBEmpowersgirls #volunteering #service #volunteeringinbaltimore #forensicscience Loyola University Maryland The Salvation Army, International Headquarters

Community Bridges Girls Leading with Heart! Our Community Bridges girls at Blair High School recently put their leadership and service into action by creating Valentine’s Day bags for local elementary school students. Through this project, they spread kindness, built connections, and showed the power of giving back to the community. At Community Bridges, we believe that service is a key part of leadership. These young women are not only developing their own skills but also making a meaningful impact on the next generation. We’re so proud of their dedication and generosity! #CBGirlsGiveBack #LeadershipThroughService #CommunityBridges #FutureLeaders #WomenWhoLead #SpreadingKindness #CBEmpowerGirls

Alumna spotlight: Marjori Ramos is a CB alumna Class of 2020 now pursuing a master’s degree in Homeland Security at University of the District of Columbia! She will be graduating in Spring of 2025. She is in the front row far left in the picture. Marjori writes: “After graduating, I intend on working with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to research and analyze domestic terrorism and related intelligence in order to prevent domestic threats in the future. From a young age, I have always been interested in social studies, law, and government.” She continues: “Although I was often encouraged to be a lawyer or police officer, I found myself more interested in the inner workings of the government and wondered how they affected everyday life. In high school, I learned about critical infrastructure and I realized a career in homeland security was my calling. Not only would it allow me to protect my country, but it would also let me conduct research that would improve the quality of life for all Americans, especially those from marginalized communities.” Of her time with the Community Bridges High School Program, Marjori reflects: “I loved being in CB! It allowed me to go places and make friends I never would have met otherwise. I also appreciated having a space where I could be myself and talk about my experiences as a girl/woman with other young women. It inspired me to be the best version of myself!” The photograph shows five graduate students smiling. The photo was taken during the 2023 Designing Actionable Solutions for a Secure Homeland (DASSH) Hackathon. Colleges from all over the country participated; Marjori’s team earned 3rd place.  Congratulations Marjori and the @UDC Team!  #homelandsecurity #civilservice #government #cbalumnae #cbempowergirls #youngwomenleaders #gradschool #hbcu University of the District of Columbia

Last week, our Community Bridges Gaithersburg High School girls had the opportunity to visit Dov and Company, a unique shop specializing in handcrafted gifts. During their visit, the girls took part in a decorative fake cake craft, allowing them to express their creativity in a fun and hands-on way. Experiences like these help expand our girls’ artistic horizons and introduce them to new creative outlets. A huge thank you to Dov and Company for hosting us and inspiring our future designers, makers, and artists! #CommunityBridgesGirls #CBEmpowerGirls #CreativeExpression #HandsOnLearning #GaithersburgHS #DovAndCompany

👚✨ Blazers for Her Collection Drive – Donate & Volunteer! ✨👚 Help us empower young women as they take their next big steps! Community Bridges is collecting new and gently used blazers to provide our girls with professional attire for interviews, internships, and career opportunities. 📅 When: Now through April 1, 2025 📍 Where: 8757 Georgia Ave, Suite 540, Silver Spring, MD 20910 🔗 Checkout Amazon Wishlist at: bit.ly/3SXHLeV Want to do more? Sign up to volunteer at the Career Summit on Saturday, April 5th at: https://lnkd.in/eeAYb7pg Together, we can give these young women the confidence they need to shine. 💜💼 #BlazersForHer #EmpowerHer #CommunityBridges #Volunteer #Donate

Spotlight: Madelin Cruz Rodriguez is an alumna of the CB High School program and current participant in the CB College Success program. She is currently a student at Montgomery College, where she is in the process of exploring different career paths to decide what major she would like to pursue in her college studies. Madelin writes: “I’m particularly interested in becoming a special education (SPED) teacher or an ESOL teacher. I’m currently working two jobs with children, and I absolutely love it! My experiences have deepened my passion for working with kids, and I’m excited to see where this journey takes me.” Way to go, Madelin! #CBEmpowersgirls #youngwomenleaders #collegesuccess #education #ESOL #SPED #teaching #MC Montgomery College

At Community Bridges, our mentors do more than share advice; they open doors, ignite passions, and show young people the extraordinary paths they can explore. This #NationalMentoringMonth, we celebrate the champions who support youth as they discover their unique strengths and capabilities. Pictured are CB Mentor Priscilla and mentee Jamila at Brookside Gardens. Applications are now open for 25-26 school year mentor placements. Join us in creating meaningful connections that empower young people to thrive. Your experience can make a real difference. Link below! https://lnkd.in/eWg95Hu2 #CBEmpowersgirls #mentors #mentorprogram #CBmentors #nationalmentoringmonth #mentorship

Mi’Khia Buck Staten is a Community Bridges High School Program alumna, a current CB College Success program student, and a freshman at Alabama State University, having begun her studies this Spring semester. There, she is majoring in Rehabilitation Studies, with the goal of working in Pre Occupational Therapy. Mi’Khia plans to join a pre-professional organization after she has settled into her program. We are extremely proud of Mi’Khia and wish her the best in her college career! #CBEmpowersgirls #collegewomen #collegesuccess #bettermakeroom #youngwomenleaders #rehabilitationstudies #preoccupationaltherapy #hornets #hbcu Alabama State University