At Meaningful Occasions, we recently hosted a transformative Etiquette Workshop on January 20th, an event designed to empower attendees with essential life skills tailored for formal occasions. This immersive experience aimed to equip participants with the knowledge and self-assurance needed to navigate diverse formal settings with elegance and poise.

The workshop featured meticulously designed interactive sessions covering dining etiquette, grooming insights, and motivational talks. We were honored to have a lineup of distinguished speakers and volunteers who contributed to the success of this empowering event.

A heartfelt thank you goes out to Stephen Fulton and Karen Gately of Roxbury Tenants of Harvard for recognizing and embracing our vision, generously permitting us to host our event in the splendid surroundings of their community center.

Thank to our Speakers and Volunteers:

Chris Worrell, State Representative

Iliana Ramirez, Meaningful Occasions

Jumada A. Smith, Greater Boston Interfaith Org; Goldenaires of Freedom House

Khaleis Smalls, Youth, Purpose & Partnership (YPP)

Alijah Prieto, Youth, Purpose & Partnership (YPP)

Wilmari Melo, Youth, Purpose & Partnership (YPP)

Brian Bruno, Youth, Purpose & Partnership (YPP)

Lakia Henery, Volunteer

Vania Arroyo, Black. Brown Boston

Kristen Thomas, Exotic Healer

Angelina Hightower, Angelina Songbird Hightower

Java with Jimmy

Julien Miller, Constant Elevation

James Lambert, Third Exposure

Brian Worrell, City Councilor

Anissa G, Former City Councilor, At-Large

Edward Martinez, Primerica

Shonda Little, Southern Twist

Love Your Menses

The workshop included a diverse range of sessions, including a 4-course lunch featuring soup, salad, spaghetti, and assorted desserts. Breakout rooms provided a unique opportunity for open conversations, with youth engaging in discussions on principles such as leaving parties with friends. In male breakout rooms, men from various walks of life explored topics like boundaries, respect, and love, creating a safe space for open dialogue.

The event fostered a strong connection between community leaders and youth. Both sides learned and strengthened their ability to connect, fostering a space for genuine interaction. The breakout sessions allowed for meaningful conversations, breaking down barriers and encouraging the youth to come out of their shells.

An exciting element of the workshop was the pop-up shop, where girls had the chance to try on dresses and search for matching accessories for free. This added a touch of joy and empowerment, leaving participants with lasting memories.

The Etiquette Workshop was truly an amazing experience for all involved. The valuable insights shared, the connections made, and the empowerment felt by attendees highlighted the success of this transformative event. We look forward to building on this foundation and continuing to create meaningful occasions that leave a lasting impact on our community. Stay tuned for more empowering events from Meaningful Occasions!