"Excellence is who I am, not something I strive to be."
the west side story…
The dream of an organization empowering women and impacting the world was birthed in Jay-Sheree Allen. From January 2007 to May 2010 she worked for the New York University Metropolitan Center for Urban Education as a Classroom Consultant at PS 154 in Central Harlem. Her mentoring experience grew into the idea of an environment where women can come together, share their experiences, invest their time in community service projects and influence a young girl in the community. Allen shared her vision with Rebekah Gordon and Kimberly Pierre-Saint in 2007 and together they founded Women of Excellence, Strength and Tenacity (WEST). WEST continued their mentoring program at PS 154, held monthly general workshops for women and had their First Annual Women's Empowerment Conference in 2009.
non-profit status
On June 1, 2009, WEST received 501(c)3 non-profit status and became WEST Inc. Since then, WEST has had two annual conferences hosting over 500 people, mentored over 100 young girls from the Harlem community, and facilitated over 40 informative and empowering workshops, and community service projects. WEST Inc. looks to not only touch the world but to influence the women they come in contact with everyday.
the 3rd annual
west conference
Tenacity: Triumph Over Trials
March 31st, 2012 •
8:30 am – 3:00 pm
The City College of New York
Three 18-year old girls lived in a world where many voices told them “no”, opportunities were scarce, and the stench of discrimination lingered in their nostrils. Despite their challenging reality, the founders of WEST Inc. read more…