— IN 2025 —
Standin’ on Women’s Business
20 years and over 2000 young women served in the Syracuse community. That is the impact of The Image Initiative, Inc. We have been and continue to be dedicated to the empowerment of young women from underserved populations through education, mentorship, and leadership. We have and continue to be committed to transforming the lives of those who might make headlines into dynamic women who make headway. We continue to elevate promise and potential. Thank you to our young women who have participated in our programming over the last 20 years; the high school/college graduates, graduate school graduates, business owners, civic and community leaders. Thank you for giving back to the young women who are coming after you. Let’s make it happen! Here’s to 20 more years!
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I joined the Image Initiative in 2005 as a high school sophomore after a tough freshman year, where I passed only half my classes. I initially attended the conference to skip school and despite knowing girls I didn’t like would be there. However, the discussions, especially on bullying, resonated deeply with me. I had both experienced and become a bully. This organization and conference is vital because it gives young women the opportunity to change their lives. Today, I’m a graduate of William Nottingham High School, Syracuse University, a teacher for Syracuse City School District and published author. The Image Initiative has been with me every step of the way, helping me find my voice, embrace who I am, and focus on what I can change. This organization and conference needs your support because it truly saves lives—one young girl at a time.”
— S. REAVES
— MARCH 21-22, 2025 —
2005
The 1st Sisters Empowering Sisters Annual Conference was created by Nicole Watkins and took place on May 21, 2005 at Syracuse University with a phenomenal team of women. The conference’s first keynote speaker was Michaela Angela Davis, former Executive Fashion and Beauty Editor of Essence Magazine, writer and producer. About 50 young women from the Syracuse City School District attended.
2025
In 2025, we will celebrate 20 years of “seeing” and “empowering” the young women of Syracuse. We remain committed to elevating the promise of the young women in this community. The 20th Sisters Empowering Sisters Annual Conference will host a new generation of 250-300 young women allowing us to continue our legacy of focusing on positive self-esteem, sisterhood, healthy relationship awareness, higher education and career choices.
How You Can Help
As we celebrate 20 years of service, we invite you to join us in ensuring that this legacy continues to thrive. We’re launching a special fundraising campaign: $20 for 20 Years. Together, we can continue our mission of empowering the next generation of women from underserved populations, helping them dream big and achieve more. Ready to make a difference? Donate today and help us build on 20 years of success to empower our next generation of women. Let’s continue to inspire, lead, and change lives for years to come!