MAY
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MAY 23, 2016
DREAM ON PURPOSE HOSTS AN OPEN FORUM MAY 28, SPOTLIGHTING SEX EDUCATION FOR MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS
Gainesville, Fla. – Dream on Purpose, Inc. (DOP) is hosting its second quarter Cupcakes & Conversations on Sat. May 28 from 2 to 4 p.m. This event gives young girls a structured voice, a collective forum for positive dialogue and an opportunity to engage in a multi-tiered system of resources, made just for them. Cupcakes & Conversations will be held at the Martin Luther King Jr. Multipurpose Center, 1028 NE 14 St.
This quarter’s Cupcakes & Conversations: Netflix & Chill edition will feature movie clips encouraging small group discussions on dating and presentations facilitated by licensed professionals on the topics of sex education, sexual abuse and domestic violence. Girls will have the opportunity to interact with professional women by asking questions and uncovering myths related to dating, sex and related topics. DOP’s Financial Affairs Intern Francesca Badoino said, “we want our girls to know how to be safe by educating them on making healthy decisions as they mature into adulthood. These young girls are at a pivotal stage in their lives, where their decisions can profoundly impact their quality of life and that of others, that’s why we believe what we are doing is so important.”
“I wish I had Dream on Purpose when I was growing up. I am sure I would have made different choices”, says Vice-President JoAnne Karagnara. DOP was established in January 2015 in the heart of Gainesville, FL by a group of seasoned, professional women looking to connect young girls to community resources. “We want to give these girls options and show them there is a big world of opportunities available to them,” says Karagnara.
DOP’s primary focus is to organize forums, seminars, and programs that facilitate mentorships and education for girls. “We pride ourselves in connecting leading women from various industries to young girls,” says DOP President Shareen Baptiste. “DOP strives to empower young women to follow their dreams with confidence.”
Dream on Purpose is excited to host an audience of young girls with a wide range of interests and backgrounds again. The organization hosted its inaugural Cupcakes & Conversations in February, where a panel of leading professional women spoke and interacted with more than three-dozen attendees about real life scenarios via group discussions.
“I am excited to attend Cupcakes & Conversations because I get to hang out with people my age and I can’t wait to see the ways the topics are discussed and conversations are handled,” says Julia Fletcher, 15, an attendee of the last Cupcakes & Conversations. She eagerly awaits Saturday’s event by adding, “I also can’t wait for the cupcakes.”
This event is free and open to girls between the ages of 11-18 and their parents/guardians. This event is sponsored by the City of Gainesville, Williams & Co. Events, LYFEhouse and Joshua Joel SMA Life, Inc. For more information, visit www.dreamonpurpose.org.
