Girl Boss Brunch participants gather for the event.
With an incredible lineup of trailblazing women, this year’s brunch was more than just a meal — it was a movement designed to uplift, educate, and inspire the next generation of female leaders.
A Panel of Powerhouses
This year’s panel featured four phenomenal women who are breaking barriers and paving the way for Black excellence in various industries:
- Gloria Cherubin, the visionary behind Brooklyn Blew Smoke, made history in 2012 as the first Black woman to open a cigar lounge in Brooklyn and the first Black-owned cigar lounge in the USA. Her entrepreneurial spirit and resilience inspired students to think outside the box when pursuing their passions.
- Celia Springle, CEO and founder of Chozen Zay, is using sports as a platform for cultural representation. Her company brings awareness to the underrepresentation of Black athletes in American soccer through African-inspired soccer gear, proving that identity and sport can go hand in hand.
- Kenisha Dennis, founder of Black Girls Can Inc., is on a mission to empower the next generation of Black female leaders. Her organization provides free enrichment programs in STEM, entrepreneurship, financial literacy, arts, and wellness to middle and high school girls in NYC and the DMV area.
- Jacqueline Chapman, RN, affectionately known as "Nurse Jackie", brought a much-needed discussion on mental health, hygiene, and self-care. With over four decades of experience in obstetrics, she currently works at The Birthing Center of New York and has dedicated her life to healthcare and women’s wellness.
The panel of speakers at the Girl Boss Brunch.
Each panelist shared their personal journeys, challenges, and triumphs, leaving students with invaluable lessons on perseverance, self-worth, and the importance of community.
A Celebration of Culture and Connection
The young ladies of Brooklyn Scholars were treated to a delicious lunch from El Rey II, a beloved local Dominican restaurant, adding a cultural flair to the day’s festivities. As they dined, students engaged in open and honest conversations with the panelists, soaking in wisdom and gaining new perspectives on their futures.
Students talk to Special Education Teacher Cindy Williams.
The Driving Forces Behind the Event
This empowering experience would not have been possible without the dedication and hard work of Daijasia McIntosh, school social worker, who spearheaded the event with Lynn Irby, SPED teacher, and Shannon Steward, ABSS. Their collective efforts ensured that the Girl Boss Brunch was not just an event but a transformative experience for the young women of Brooklyn Scholars.
Brooklyn Scholars Executive Principal Roxanne Thomas poses for a photo with Special Education Teacher Cindy Williams.
As the day came to a close, one thing was clear: these future Girl Bosses left feeling inspired, confident, and ready to take on the world! With events like this, Brooklyn Scholars continues to lead the charge in fostering leadership, representation, and empowerment for young women.
Girl Boss Brunch participants pose for a photo.
Here’s to another year of breaking barriers and building legacies!
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About Brooklyn Scholars Charter School
Brooklyn Scholars Charter School is a tuition-free, public charter school in Brooklyn, New York, serving students in kindergarten through eighth grade. It is part of the National Heritage Academies (NHA®) network, which includes more than 100 tuition-free, public charter schools serving more than 65,000 students in kindergarten through 12th grade across nine states. For more information, visit nhaschools.com.
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