Teacher Creates Empowerment Program For Female Students, Instills Importance Of Self-Worth

A dance and career leadership instructor from Brooklyn, New York, has made it her mission to empower young women at her school, from instilling the importance of self-worth and purpose, to creating a safe space to open up.

Persephone DaCosta founded the R.O.S.E. (Respectful Outstanding Sisters of Excellence) program, a leadership class that provides her students with the skills to help them in their lives beyond the classroom.

She initially brought it to her school as an extracurricular club but turned it into an actual class when she saw the positive effects it was having on female students, such as increased attendance, improved grades, and overall better behavior.

Women who take her class will learn how to be leaders, basic etiquette training, and self-care and mental wellness. They will also visit college campuses, serve as mentors to other female students, and help plan school-wide events.

In addition to this class, DaCosta also teaches dance at Khalil Gibran International Academy, which offers an outlet for self-expression for her students.

DaCosta’s hard work and dedication to her students won her the FLAG Award for Teaching Excellence, where she was gifted a $25,000 and a $10,000 grant for her school.

She plans on using the money to renovate the dance studio and bring in teaching artists. She also hopes to establish a Community Dance Performance Troupe.

Learn more about DaCosta’s class and everything she does for her students in the video below:

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