Overtown Optimist Club, S.H.I.N.E. Networking Inc. & Sisters In Spirit Present: 2020 S.H.I.N.E. Ambassadors at CIC Miami

Photography by Samuel Rivas on September 20th, 2020 in Lifestyle

Miami, FL – September 20, 2020 – On September 20, 2020, from 7:30 am- 2:30 pm, S.H.I.N.E. Networking Inc., a Florida non-profit, partnered with the Overtown Optimist Club (the connection made possible through Sisters in Spirit of South Florida) to bridge the digital divide for senior high school students in the community of Overtown, outside of downtown Miami. They gathered (socially distanced and with all safety protocols in place) with the group of seniors, Class of 2021 from Overtown at CIC Miami, at 1951 NW 7th Ave. Miami, FL 33136.

Based on a COVID-19 needs assessment administered by the Overtown Optimist Club, together the organizations were able to identify that more than a third of the graduating Class of 2021 lacked access to a laptop in their home. It didn’t take long for the call to be answered by S.H.I.N.E. Networking Inc. and S.I.S. who have championed the Overtown community for years. A group text, turned into a Zoom call, quickly turned into an adoption of the 2021 senior class, complete with an off-site photo shoot to celebrate their reaching this successful milestone. Looking for a new innovative group of young people to recognize as their 2020 S.H.I.N.E. Ambassadors, S.H.I.N.E. Networking Inc. chose 12 exceptional high school seniors and presented them with 12 laptops to complement their vision, “no student should be left behind.”

Not only does S.H.I.N.E. gather a community to raise the energy and positive vibration through incredible speakers and opportunities to network with movers and shakers (which has been placed on hold until it is safe to do so in this new normal), but they have also been able to honor the educational scholarships set up to benefit young innovative leaders who have made a difference in our community through acts of inspired service. And, partnering with Overtown Optimist Club and S.I.S. allowed everyone to collectively execute a timely idea. “Technology can be a great equalizer for the students living within our community; these organizations have partnered to ensure digital equity and access, which is lacking for many of our community youth. Here is an exemplar for partners for progress.”

To sponsor a student in Overtown, or to learn more information about these partnering agencies, and how you can get involved in supporting the students and the families of Overtown Optimist Club or continue to support the efforts of S.H.I.N.E. Networking Inc and Sisters in Spirit, please visit overtownoptimist.org or megnocero.com/s-h-i-n-e/.