THE 2007-2008 CLASS OF ELLA FELLOWS AND PROJECTS

NAFISA FERDOUS – Senior at Sarah Lawrence College. Developing an “auto-ethnography photography project” for 7-10 NYC young women. The youth, aged 13-20 will examine class, gender, race, and sexuality through photography and discussion through a series or workshops. Fellowship project will culminate in a spring exhibition. She is collaborating with South Asian Youth Action (SAYA!)

NURAH MORGAN – First year at SUNY Stony Brook – Developing a support group with 6 girls and creating an anthology for Black Muslim young women. The group will explore values, goals, and issues through discussion with each other and by engaging with older Black Muslim women within the community. They will produce an anthology of writings and reflections to distribute to other Muslim girls around the city. She is collaborating with the Masjid Taqwa.

CORINA LEU – Senior at Baccalaureate School for Global Education. Developing a series of college readiness workshops for undocumented high school students. Will offer 4-6 workshops for 20-25 undocumented high school sophomores and juniors to guide them through the admissions process as well as help them navigate limited and challenging financial aid options. She is collaborating with Sunnyside Community Services.

LUISA BATIZ – Senior at Midwood High School – Developing a girls group for 10-15 girls in a middle school in Crown Heights to work on self-esteem. Goals for the group are to build confidence, facilitation skills, and a sense that they can create social change. Through a series of 10 workshops, the girl will engage in discussion and activities and will produce their own ‘zine on body image, gender roles, media messages, and inner power and beauty. She is collaborating with the School for Democracy and Leadership.

WAI TAN DI – Junior at Amherst College – Developing a resource guide and offering skill building workshops for young Chinese women in business. She will develop a guidebook and distribute it to young Asian women interested in entering the finance field. In the summer, she will offer monthly trainings where participants can gain professional development training.

LEANNE SAJOR – First year at Hunter College – Developing a series of workshops for youth, aged 14-19, to learn DIY art techniques for self expression and political activism. Held at a community based print shop, this project will also engage local art activists. Participants will explore the intersections between art and activism, will discuss various issues facing youth, and will create a portfolio of work. She is collaborating with Misled Youth Network.