Neighbor News
Pali’s Women in STEM Club & Vivian’s by Nicole Partner for Good
Vivian's by Nicole and Pali High's Women in STEM Club partner to raise funds for girls in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
It’s easy to get caught up in the holiday season’s hustle, focusing on the quest for the perfect gift and lose sight of what this time of year truly represents: fostering community joy and making a meaningful difference in others’ lives.
But not last Thursday night.
On December 5th, Pali’s Women in STEM Club hosted a fundraiser at Vivian’s by Nicole, where community members came together to enjoy each other’s company, discover fashionable treasures, and raise $1,000 and to purchase much need feminine kits for the girls at the Congo Peace School To date, Pali's Women in STEM Club has raised over $32,000 to benefit the school.
Founded by Amani Matabaro, the Congo Peace School is located in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo and serves vulnerable children and orphans. The school provides quality education, integrated with nonviolence principles derived from University of Rhode Island's Center for NonViolence and Peace Studies, based on the teachings of Martin Luther King Jr.
Founded by students Leena Adeli and Maren Ghaffari, Pali’s Women in STEM Club has been connecting with the Congo Peace School (CPS) over Zoom for almost two years. During these sessions, the club members and CPS girls discuss science, everyday life and inspire one another.
“We encourage the CPS students to pursue STEM careers, just as we plan to,” says Leena.
Maren adds, “We’ve also had many conversations about our daily lives—how they spend their time versus how we do. There are so many social and cultural differences between us, which makes the exchange fascinating and meaningful.”
The bond between the students is evident, creating a bridge that empowers both groups of young women and builds hope for a brighter future.
“Events like last Thursday’s bring me so much joy,” says Nicole Montanez, owner of Vivian’s by Nicole, which reopened in August. “As a mother, nurse, and businesswoman, having the chance to combine my passions and make a positive impact in my own small way is what Christmas is all about.”
For more information:
on The Congo Peace School click here
on Vivian’s by Nicole click here
