South Bronx United's #PowerOf11

On this final day of the #PowerOf11 hear directly from two SBU Academy student-athletes, Ricky and Kevin! Make sure to follow us, spread the word, and maybe even support with a donation at powerof11.southbronxunited.org. We are so close to our fundraising goal. Help us get there! Check out the accompanying video on social media (Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn) and YouTube.

How does South Bronx United support its families? What do families look for in South Bronx United's services? Hear from Bridget Hillin who, in her eight years in the organization, has served as SBU's Youth Development Counselor, SBU Academy Program Director, and now Deputy Director. Follow us, spread the word, and maybe even support with a donation at powerof11.southbronxunited.org. Check out the accompanying video on social media (Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn) and YouTube.

What does it take to be a leader at South Bronx United? How does South Bronx United help build leaders through soccer, as its motto says? On Day 9 of #PowerOf11 campaign, we talk with Jovani Lorenzo, who graduated last year from the SBU Academy and from Careers in Sports High School. He was the captain of the SBU 2002/2003 Boys Team, completed the Coaching Corps Fellowship, and served on the Youth Council. Jovani is currently interning with South Bronx United and is going into his sophomore year at the College of the Holy Cross. Follow us, spread the word, and maybe even support with a donation at powerof11.southbronxunited.org. Check out the accompanying video on social media (Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn) and YouTube.

What is the value of a team? On Day 8 of #PowerOf11 campaign, we talk with Andy Jenkins, SBU's Director of Soccer Programs, on belonging and the value of a soccer team, specifically at South Bronx United. Andy has six years of experience under his belt at South Bronx United, along with prior experiences in Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Northern Ireland. Tune in to the conversation. Follow us, spread the word, and maybe even support with a donation at powerof11.southbronxunited.org. Check out the accompanying video on social media (Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn) and YouTube.

For Day 7 of #PowerOf11 campaign, we hear from Soccer Operations Coordinator Reindorf Kyei, better known as Balo to the SBU community. Balo is an alumnus of the SBU Academy who returned to South Bronx United to join the staff shortly after graduating from Bloomfield College. In addition to coordinating the organizations soccer programs, he serves as the Coach-Mentor of the Boys U15 team, giving back to the community he was raised in. Learn more about his background and what it means to be a Coach-Mentor. Follow us, spread the word, and maybe even support with a donation at powerof11.southbronxunited.org. Check out the accompanying video on social media (Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn) and YouTube.

Meet Danielle King, SBU's Social Work Program Manager. Through the conversation we learn about social-emotional learning and how “SEL” is infused into South Bronx United's youth programs, specifically in the SBU Academy. Follow us, spread the word, and maybe even support South Bronx United on Day 6 of the #PowerOf11 campaign. Support with a donation at powerof11.southbronxunited.org. Check out the accompanying video on social media (Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn) and YouTube.

For Day 5 of #PowerOf11 campaign, we learn more about immigration relief services at South Bronx United in a conversation with two professionals who are integral to our work. Miriam Pedraza serves as SBU's immigration services program manager and DOJ-accredited representative. Brendan Davis served as SBU's first Legal Services Coordinator and is now an attorney at New York Legal Assistance Group. Follow us, spread the word, and maybe even support with a donation at powerof11.southbronxunited.org. Check out the accompanying video on social media (Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn) and YouTube.

Rómulo Novillo Jr. is an Account Executive at Acelis Connected Health. But every Saturday he becomes Coach Rom as volunteer soccer coach in SBU's Recreational Soccer Program. Coach Rom officially started volunteering in 2012, and he was a parent in before that when his son Ethan started in the program. For Day 4 of #PowerOf11 campaign, Coach Rom shares how he first got involved in soccer and in South Bronx United and why he continues to volunteer after more than 10 years. Follow us, spread the word, and maybe even support with a donation at powerof11.southbronxunited.org. Check out the accompanying video on social media (Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn) and YouTube.

For Day 3 of our 11 day campaign, College Success Coordinator Tenzing Syelneon shares how SBU works with students into college and careers. Like many SBU Academy participants, Tenzing immigrated to the Bronx as a teenager and attending a high school in the South Bronx. Now he supports other South Bronx natives to help them stay in college towards a degree while finding a career. Follow us, spread the word, and maybe even support with a donation at powerof11.southbronxunited.org. Check out the accompanying video on social media (Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn) and YouTube.

For Day 2 of our 11 day campaign, Director of College Access and Success Jessica Marroquin joins the conversation to share how SBU works with high school seniors through the college process. Jessica has now worked with six graduating classes of South Bronx United seniors. Follow us, spread the word, and maybe even support with a donation at powerof11.southbronxunited.org. Check out the accompanying video on social media (@southbronxunited), our website, and YouTube.

For our 2023 #PowerOf11 campaign, we bring listeners behind the scenes of South Bronx United through conversations with staff members, volunteers, and alumni. We kick off Day 1 of our 11 day campaign with a conversation on SBU's academic programs. Executive Director Andrew So is joined by SBU Academy Program Coordinator Antolina Garcia, who is also a Bronx native who went to high school in the Morrisania neighborhood of the South Bronx. Follow us, spread the word, and maybe even support with a donation at powerof11.southbronxunited.org. Check out the accompanying video on social media (@southbronxunited), our website, and YouTube.

South Bronx United is heading into our annual #PowerOf11 campaign! We hope you'll follow us, spread the word, and maybe even support with a donation at powerof11.southbronxunited.org. We plan to have a few new episodes coming out that will take you behind the scenes of South Bronx United to help you learn more about the impactful work we do on a daily basis. However, to really understand SBU and our programs, you need to see it! So we will be coming out with 11 videos that dive into all aspects of SBU's programs and services that are reaching more than 1,500 children, youth, and families. Starting June 1st, I encourage you to check out our social media pages (@southbronxunited), our website, and YouTube. In the meantime, we thought we'd take you back to the beginning of South Bronx United's story. Our Executive Director and co-founder, Andrew So, was recently on Bronx Heroes, a new Podcast from our friends at Grassroots Grocery, to speak about South Bronx United's history and programs. We are cross-posting the episode here. If you like it, I encourage you to check out more episodes of the Bronx Heroes Podcast, available wherever you listen.

Every year, more than 200 volunteers devote their time to making South Bronx United's programs possible. On the field, in the classroom, this dedicated group of coaches, educators, mentors, and supporters share their expertise and their passion to unite our community and create opportunities for South Bronx youth. In anticipation of an exciting year ahead, we want to highlight some of these committed individuals. Our own Lena Haber spoke with volunteers across SBU's programs to give them an opportunity to share what's important to them about SBU's mission to use soccer as a tool for social change!

Timestamps:Staisy and Jovani Speech: 00:05:35Stephanie and Oscar Speech: 00:22:00Jerlynn and Osvaldo Speech: 00:35:33College Announcements: 00:43:00Scholarship Announcements: 00:51:09Each senior is heading to the destination of higher learning that is a fit for them including, for the first time, two seniors who have enrolled at Ivy League colleges! On Wednesday, June 8, South Bronx United celebrated these seniors in front of family, friends, mentors, coaches, and peers. SBU also awarded more than $14,000 in college scholarships, with every senior receiving some amount.

Over Memorial Day Weekend, South Bronx United's oldest boys and girls teams took a four-day trip to Massachusetts, the organization's first overnight youth trip since the pandemic started. The trip included a college visit, soccer tournament, team building, camping, and lasting experiences. Listen to some of the sounds from the boys, through the perspective of SBU Academy senior Kevin Sika-Nartey. SBU Executive Director Andrew So tagged along to capture sounds from the trip and the tournament, in particular. Learn more and support the #PowerOf11 at powerof11.southbronxunited.org

In this special edition of Let's Kick It, Minka is joined by fellow SBU Alum Karla Ruiz. Karla graduated from the SBU Academy in 2013. Then, after completing her Bachelor's Degree at Lehman College, she returned to support SBU's Global Youth League and Recreational Soccer Program. She is currently completing a year of service through the AmeriCorps Up2Us Coach program, supporting across the organization, and serving as a Coach-Mentor to the girls U14 team.

Visit https://powerof11.southbronxunited.org to learn more and get involved!

South Bronx United's Minkael Soumah invites fellow SBU alumni into conversation about their journeys from communities all over the world to the classrooms and soccer fields of the Bronx to college graduation. They discuss the hardships, the lessons learned, and the triumphs they experienced along the way. This podcast aims to celebrate the success of these young men and women and give them recognition for their hard work which often goes unnoticed. It serves to inspire others and particularly the individuals themselves to fuel a sense of confidence and self-worth as they step into their new roles in society and begin their careers.

South Bronx United's Minkael Soumah invites fellow SBU alumni into conversation about their journeys from communities all over the world to the classrooms and soccer fields of the Bronx to college graduation. They discuss the hardships, the lessons learned, and the triumphs they experienced along the way. This podcast aims to celebrate the success of these young men and women and give them recognition for their hard work which often goes unnoticed. It serves to inspire others and particularly the individuals themselves to fuel a sense of confidence and self-worth as they step into their new roles in society and begin their careers.

This week, Minka talks with Suleman Sey. Sully captained the Keuka College men's soccer team, and recently graduated with a degree in Criminal Justice. They discuss Sully's journey from Gambia and what fuels his motivation to succeed. South Bronx United's Minkael Soumah invites fellow SBU alumni into conversation about their journeys from communities all over the world to the classrooms and soccer fields of the Bronx to college graduation. They discuss the hardships, the lessons learned, and the triumphs they experienced along the way. This podcast aims to celebrate the success of these young men and women and give them recognition for their hard work which often goes unnoticed. It serves to inspire others and particularly the individuals themselves to fuel a sense of confidence and self-worth as they step into their new roles in society and begin their careers.

South Bronx United's Minkael Soumah invites fellow SBU alumni into conversation about their journeys from communities all over the world to the classrooms and soccer fields of the Bronx to college graduation. They discuss the hardships, the lessons learned, and the triumphs they experienced along the way. This podcast aims to celebrate the success of these young men and women and give them recognition for their hard work which often goes unnoticed. It serves to inspire others and particularly the individuals themselves to fuel a sense of confidence and self-worth as they step into their new roles in society and begin their careers.

Sarahi Barrios knows where the goal is. 00:02:29 - Sarahí's Essay 00:08:57 - Intro to conversation between Sarahí and Keyla 00:10:36 - Conversation between Sarahí and Keyla 00:15:43 - Farewell Each day, June 1-11, SBU's Joshua Martin Guerra is helping to bring you the story of an exceptional student-athlete from the SBU Academy's Class of 2021. 11 days, 11 stories—of determination, of leadership, of what it meant for each of these brilliant student-athletes to find within themselves all that they need to succeed. You can be a part of the PowerOf11 by subscribing to this podcast, by sharing these stories, and by giving $11 or more at https://powerof11.southbronxunited.org. You can see more from these student-athletes across SBU's social media throughout the campaign, and by visiting https://southbronxunited.org/powerof11-2021 https://instragram.com/southbronxunited https://facebook.com/southbronxunited https://twitter.com/SBronxUnited

Brad Hernandez wants to change the conversation. Each day, June 1-11, SBU's Joshua Martin Guerra is helping to bring you the story of an exceptional student-athlete from the SBU Academy's Class of 2021. 11 days, 11 stories—of determination, of leadership, of what it meant for each of these brilliant student-athletes to find within themselves all that they need to succeed. You can be a part of the PowerOf11 by subscribing to this podcast, by sharing these stories, and by giving $11 or more at https://powerof11.southbronxunited.org. You can see more from these student-athletes across SBU's social media throughout the campaign, and by visiting https://southbronxunited.org/powerof11-2021 https://instragram.com/southbronxunited https://facebook.com/southbronxunited https://twitter.com/SBronxUnited

Ana Mejia believes in others. Each day, June 1-11, SBU's Joshua Martin Guerra is helping to bring you the story of an exceptional student-athlete from the SBU Academy's Class of 2021. 11 days, 11 stories—of determination, of leadership, of what it meant for each of these brilliant student-athletes to find within themselves all that they need to succeed. You can be a part of the PowerOf11 by subscribing to this podcast, by sharing these stories, and by giving $11 or more at https://powerof11.southbronxunited.org. You can see more from these student-athletes across SBU's social media throughout the campaign, and by visiting https://southbronxunited.org/powerof11-2021 https://instragram.com/southbronxunited https://facebook.com/southbronxunited https://twitter.com/SBronxUnited

Sam Frimpong is unstoppable. Each day, June 1-11, SBU's Joshua Martin Guerra is helping to bring you the story of an exceptional student-athlete from the SBU Academy's Class of 2021. 11 days, 11 stories—of determination, of leadership, of what it meant for each of these brilliant student-athletes to find within themselves all that they need to succeed. You can be a part of the PowerOf11 by subscribing to this podcast, by sharing these stories, and by giving $11 or more at https://powerof11.southbronxunited.org. You can see more from these student-athletes across SBU's social media throughout the campaign, and by visiting https://southbronxunited.org/powerof11-2021 https://instragram.com/southbronxunited https://facebook.com/southbronxunited https://twitter.com/SBronxUnited

Roshely Cipriano finds a way. Each day, June 1-11, SBU's Joshua Martin Guerra is helping to bring you the story of an exceptional student-athlete from the SBU Academy's Class of 2021. 11 days, 11 stories—of determination, of leadership, of what it meant for each of these brilliant student-athletes to find within themselves all that they need to succeed. You can be a part of the PowerOf11 by subscribing to this podcast, by sharing these stories, and by giving $11 or more at https://powerof11.southbronxunited.org. You can see more from these student-athletes across SBU's social media throughout the campaign, and by visiting https://southbronxunited.org/powerof11-2021 https://instragram.com/southbronxunited https://facebook.com/southbronxunited https://twitter.com/SBronxUnited

Brando Francisco is keeping a promise. Each day, June 1-11, SBU's Joshua Martin Guerra is helping to bring you the story of an exceptional student-athlete from the SBU Academy's Class of 2021. 11 days, 11 stories—of determination, of leadership, of what it meant for each of these brilliant student-athletes to find within themselves all that they need to succeed. You can be a part of the PowerOf11 by subscribing to this podcast, by sharing these stories, and by giving $11 or more at https://powerof11.southbronxunited.org. You can see more from these student-athletes across SBU's social media throughout the campaign, and by visiting https://southbronxunited.org/powerof11-2021 https://instragram.com/southbronxunited https://facebook.com/southbronxunited https://twitter.com/SBronxUnited

Lesley Miron Unites our Community. Each day, June 1-11, SBU's Joshua Martin Guerra is helping to bring you the story of an exceptional student-athlete from the SBU Academy's Class of 2021. 11 days, 11 stories—of determination, of leadership, of what it meant for each of these brilliant student-athletes to find within themselves all that they need to succeed. You can be a part of the PowerOf11 by subscribing to this podcast, by sharing these stories, and by giving $11 or more at https://powerof11.southbronxunited.org. You can see more from these student-athletes across SBU's social media throughout the campaign, and by visiting https://southbronxunited.org/powerof11-2021

Yankuba Konteh brings integrity. Each day, June 1-11, SBU's Joshua Martin Guerra is helping to bring you the story of an exceptional student-athlete from the SBU Academy's Class of 2021. 11 days, 11 stories—of determination, of leadership, of what it meant for each of these brilliant student-athletes to find within themselves all that they need to succeed. You can be a part of the PowerOf11 by subscribing to this podcast, by sharing these stories, and by giving $11 or more at https://powerof11.southbronxunited.org.

Each day, June 1-11, SBU's Joshua Martin Guerra is helping to bring you the story of an exceptional student-athlete from the SBU Academy's Class of 2021. 11 days, 11 stories—of determination, of leadership, of what it meant for each of these brilliant student-athletes to find within themselves all that they need to succeed. You can be a part of the PowerOf11 by subscribing to this podcast, by sharing these stories, and by giving $11 or more at https://powerof11.southbronxunited.org.

Jeffrey Donkor is ready to lead. In the classroom and on the soccer field, Jeffrey has seen how his own perseverance inspires others to achieve their goals. Each day, June 1-11, SBU's Joshua Martin Guerra is helping to bring you the story of an exceptional student-athlete from the SBU Academy's Class of 2021. 11 days, 11 stories—of determination, of leadership, of what it meant for each of these brilliant student-athletes to find within themselves all that they need to succeed. You can be a part of the PowerOf11 by subscribing to this podcast, by sharing these stories, and by giving $11 or more at https://powerof11.southbronxunited.org

Jennifer Oliveros has been a part of South Bronx United since she was in middle school. As she prepares to head off to NYU in the fall, Jennifer reflects on what it meant to overcome the challenges of the last year. Each day, June 1-11, SBU's Joshua Martin Guerra is helping to bring you the story of an exceptional student-athlete from the SBU Academy's Class of 2021. 11 days, 11 stories—of determination, of leadership, of what it meant for each of these brilliant student-athletes to find within themselves all that they need to succeed. You can be a part of the PowerOf11 by subscribing to this podcast, by sharing these stories, and by giving $11 or more at https://powerof11.southbronxunited.org

South Bronx United is an internationally recognized sports-based youth development organization that uses soccer as a tool for social change. You can learn more about SBU by visiting the organization's website at https://www.southbronxunited.org