Sister 2 Sistah, in partnership with Houston City Council District D and the City of Houston Department of Neighborhoods, hosted its Summer Bridge 2025 workshop at YES Prep Southside Secondary. The event, themed “Building Intergenerational Help for a Stronger Houston,” brought together civic leaders, successful entrepreneurs, and enthusiastic youth for a day of inspiration, empowerment, and action.
By: Ninfa Saavedra
In a powerful display of community unity, Sister 2 Sistah, in partnership with Houston City Council District D and the City of Houston Department of Neighborhoods, hosted its Summer Bridge 2025 workshop at YES Prep Southside Secondary. The event, themed “Building Intergenerational Help for a Stronger Houston,” brought together civic leaders, successful entrepreneurs, and enthusiastic youth for a day of inspiration, empowerment, and action.
The program opened with a warm welcome from Sister 2 Sistah co-founders Rebecca Briscoe and Nakia Cooper, setting the tone for a day filled with learning, leadership, and legacy. The organization extended heartfelt thanks to District D Council Member Carolyn Evans-Shabazz, whose support helped the initiative come to life.
“Council Member Evans-Shabazz’s dedication to the youth of District D is the reason this day of excellence, empowerment, and elevation was possible,” said Cooper. “Thank you for believing in the power of our next generation. We are beyond grateful.”
One of the most engaging highlights came from Physician Assistant – Dermatologist Omni McCluney, PA-C, MMsC, MPH of Moore Dermatology, who led a dynamic session on hygiene, skincare, and wellness. Students were captivated as she conducted a live demonstration using a UV light to reveal germs on their hands—driving home the importance of cleanliness and self-care in a visually unforgettable way.
The afternoon continued with impactful sessions on entrepreneurship and community leadership. Two local business moguls—who once walked the same streets as these students—returned to share their stories.
“It’s my privilege to not only show up, but to serve the very community from which I come from. It is my number one priority,” said Michael Moore, creator of Moe’s Magic Dust and owner of the Stuffed Baked Potato Factory, which also provided lunch for attendees.
Marcus Bowers, Globalpreneur and owner of She’s Happy Hair and LyfelaxGlobal, echoed the sentiment with a deeply personal reflection:
“I grew up off Martin Luther King Blvd. in South Park, Houston—just like these young people. I’m a true product of the environment. I walked some of the same streets, caught some of the same Metro buses, and had some of the same questions about my future,” said Bowers.
“That’s why I didn’t send a representative. I showed up myself—to let these kids know that with today’s online tools and resources, they don’t have to wait until they graduate to be great. They can start now.”
Their presence wasn’t just inspiring—it was proof that success is possible when young people see reflections of themselves in leadership and business.
“If they see it, they can achieve it,” said Briscoe. “Having living, breathing examples like Marcus and Michael in the room proves that success is within reach—especially when our youth are given the opportunity to connect with mentors who look like them, come from the same communities, and have turned adversity into achievement.”
Additional highlights included presentations on anti-gang resilience from the Mayor’s Office of Gang Prevention and Intervention, and leadership skill-building with student-led activities organized by the Mayor’s Youth Council (MYC).
“This event was meaningful, impactful, engaging, and inspiring,” said D’Juan Hych, Dean of Instruction at YES Prep. “Everyone left the space with some new knowledge that’s going to inspire their next move in life.”
Sister 2 Sistah’s mission of giving a hand up, not a handout was brought to life—one powerful conversation at a time. Each student received a backpack filled with essential items including hygiene products, socks, lotion, pens, pencils, and even Moe’s Magic Dust seasonings. McCluney also provided additional skincare items to support students’ wellness journeys beyond the event.
Special thanks to Joharra Jackson from the Department of Neighborhoods; Harry Crawford, Chairman and President of Diligence Offshore Services; and Clark Crawford, Pastor of Redemption City Community Church, for their ongoing support and dedication to Sister 2 Sistah’s mission.
