For well over a decade, high school students from across Westchester County have gathered at MSP’s Yonkers office for the Summer Leadership Institute (SLI), a week-long leadership development experience. This year’s program was organized byJay Tyler, Manager of the Domestic Violence Education and Prevention (DVEP), with Elizabeth Cunniff, Community Educator in collaboration with Giant Steps Through Athletics led by Cris Castillo,Children and Youth for Safer Communities, led by Sam Merkt and the Training Program, led by Kym McNair. SLI 2025 also brought in Marlene Solano from MSP’s Children’s Counseling and Julia Wilen, from the Adult Service teams. Topics for SLI 2025 included a deep dive into the history of oppression, gender roles, grief and healing, handling emotions and socialization.
Youth Council for Safer Communities members Taylin Guzman-Farrar, a rising Junior at White Plains High Schooland Milana Guzman-Farrar, who will be starting at Spelman College, created and facilitated a workshop on self-care that gave their fellow participants ideas for developing habits to support their health and wellbeing and maintain balance. Umaina Iqbal, who will be start at Mercy University with a full ride scholarship, is also a previous SLI participant and led a workshop on Tech Abuse and creating healthy relationships with and on social media.
On field trip dayparticipants went on a walking tour led by the Philipse Manor Hall Historic Site staff and learned how the Philipse Family’s power and control shaped Yonkers. Following the walking tour, the students took the train to Ossining for The Sing Sing Prison Museum's Sink or Sing Tour. The formerly incarcerated facilitators encouraged the students to reconsider how they have been socialized to think about prisons, the justice system and the people who have been subjected to carceral violence.
On the final day of SLI, students shared poems, slides, handouts and video reflections on SLI. They also enjoyed lunch conversations with Laurena Mora, MSP’s Chief Program Officer, Susan Weissman,Program Manager from the Westchester County Youth Bureau (WCYB), Dr. Alexandria Connally, WCYB Board Chair, and Michelle A. Nicholas, of Nico Consulting who were all excited for the opportunity to learn more from the students.
Manager of Youth Education and Prevention, Jay reflects, “The energy from the students the entire week was a light for me, and I am so proud to have helped lead the group on this impactful journey.”
Thank you to everyone who helped make this week a success. We are already looking forward to what SLI can do next year!
If you would like to learn more about any of our educational programs for youth and adults, please go to our website at the link below:
Field Trip links and information: