These women are our modern day heroines. PROPEL graduates marched into the auditorium to share and celebrate individual and collective accomplishments. Each graduate completed a certificate course of her choice after being coached by PROPEL.
Today, each graduate can be counted as an income producer in her family. Moreover, each graduate is a role model for her own children, as well as for other women aspiring to step into the workforce.
Hosting the event on the eve of Holocaust Remembrance Day, Yom Hashoah, allowed us to memorialize six heroines of the Holocaust. PROPEL graduates Frieda Schweky, Elana Ades, Aimee Barnathan, Atara Schweky, Michelle Saad and Rena Shaab lit candles to honor Anne Frank, Vitka Kempner, Hannah Senesh, Hadassah Bimko, Zivia Lubetkin and Nancy Wake, respectively. A seventh candle was lit by Bonnie Shams in memory of Lori Gilbert-Kaye—a 60 year old woman who was tragically shot and killed while attending Passover services at Chabad of Poway in California—to remind us of recent acts of anti-Semitism and to memorialize its latest victim.
We heard inspiring speeches from two recent graduates. Orit Haddad, a graduate of the Allegra Franco School of Educational Leadership is beginning her new role as a Judaic Studies teacher this coming September. Lily Ades completed her certificate course in photography and successfully launched her own business.
Each woman described a positive experience at PROPEL and the value of being mentored by career coach Ellen Ades. They beautifully highlighted the balance achieved between aspiring to obtain a career and devoting attention to family.
A video montage recapped our year at PROPEL and celebrated each graduate to a resounding, “We are the Champions” soundtrack.
Our Keynote speaker, community occupational therapist Bonnie Shams, delivered a heartfelt address describing her family background. She took inspiration early in life from her working grandmother and mother, and began her career journey on the wings of these role models. Bonnie was honored at the graduation with the “Support Inspires Success” award, as she supports countless children in the community, encouraging them to be the best they can be. Similarly, PROPEL invests in coaching and guiding women to be the best they can be, by finding suitable careers that generate income, and also make sense, and honor the traditional values of our community. Women are heroines, and are balancing professional and family life successfully.
A special message from the Israeli army appeared on the video screens from Phyllis, Bonnie’s daughter, congratulating her mom. Emotions ran high in the room that night!
The finale was a presentation of diplomas to our graduates by members of the PROPEL Board of Directors, including Co-president Jacqueline Harary, Co-founder Rebecca Harary, Vice President Gayle Krost, Marketing Director Marlene Mamiye, Elliot Tamir, and sponsors of our School of Wellness, Nellie and David Haddad. A special thank you to board member Ezra Ashkenazi for providing electronic gifts to each graduate.
Many women who attended the graduation were inspired to contact PROPEL. Count yourself in that group, and call PROPEL today!
If you are excited to enter the workforce, PROPEL is here to support you and help you fulfill your professional goal. Call (646) 494-0822, or email info@thepropelnetwork.org. Follow us on Instagram @PropelNetwork for info about upcoming programs and events.
