Upcoming Events

AfterHours: The Cultural Link Up September 25th, 2025 Parkville Market Hartford CT

AfterHours at Parkville Market was an exhilarating night full of vibrancy, creativity, and connection! Guests enjoyed a dynamic mix of music, laughter, and conversation as they wandered through the bustling market scene. The evening sparkled with energy. Friends old and new came together to share ideas, stories, and moments of joy in a lively, immersive atmosphere. This second AfterHours event outshined our kickoff, with more attendees, more excitement, and a contagious sense of community that kept the night buzzing. We are incredibly thankful to everyone who joined us, helping make the evening inspiring, fun, and unforgettable. The night was a true celebration of culture, connection, and the power of coming together.

Petals, Pearls and Flows July 29th, 2025 West Haven Beach

Our yoga by the beach event in collaboration with Pearliss Co. at West Haven Beach was an absolute delight! Guests soaked up the sun and sea breeze while flowing through relaxing yoga sequences designed to refresh both body and mind. Laughter, good vibes, and a sense of community filled the air as participants of all levels joined in, connecting with themselves and each other. It was the perfect blend of fun, fitness, and friendship, and we’re so grateful to Pearliss Co. and everyone who came out to make the day so special. A truly sunny, joyful celebration of wellness by the water!

100 Girls Leading Annual Summit June 7th, 2025 McLevy Green Bridgeport, Ct

Our annual DIY Ice Cream Science Lab with 100 Girls Leading was a sweet success, even with a little rain! This year, we brought back the lab that was so popular in 2024, giving participants another hands-on, educational experience that blended science, creativity, and fun. Girls explored the science behind ice cream making while building connections, learning from mentors, and enjoying a day full of laughter and discovery. The rainy weather didn’t dampen spirits—it only added to the energy and excitement as everyone worked together, experimented, and created delicious ice cream treats. We’re so grateful to 100 Girls Leading, our mentors, and all the participants for making this day of learning, mentorship, and fun so memorable!

AfterHours: The Cultural Link Up June 5th, 2025 Gastropark

Our very first Link Up kicked off in style at GastroPark, an amazing outdoor space that set the perfect backdrop for connection and celebration. For our first time hosting both men and women, we could not have asked for a better turn out. Young professionals of color came together under the open sky for a night full of culture, conversation, and community. Guests enjoyed delicious bites from local food trucks, refreshing drinks, and the kind of energy that only happens when people who get each other come together. From casual chats to meaningful networking, the night was full of moments that sparked inspiration and connection. A huge thank you to everyone who joined us and helped set the tone for what’s now becoming a must-attend experience.

Texas Roadhouse Fundraiser June 3rd, 2025 Waterbury CT

During our three-year anniversary week, we saddled up for a Texas Roadhouse fundraiser that perfectly matched our western “Three Years of Trailblazing” theme. Friends and family from near and far joined us to celebrate this special milestone, filling the restaurant with laughter, good vibes, and the mouthwatering smell of fresh-grilled steaks. From hearty ribs to those iconic, buttery rolls, everyone enjoyed a delicious meal while supporting our mission. Thanks to the incredible community turnout, we raised $800 in purchases. This event wasn’t just a fundraiser—it was a moment to reflect on how far we’ve come together and to keep blazing new trails for years to come.

Suturing and IV Training Workshop April 29th, Connecticut Children's Hospital

Members of Petals and S.T.E.M. recently participated in a Suturing and IV Skills Workshop led by pediatricians from Connecticut Children’s and medical students from the University of Connecticut School of Medicine. Held at Connecticut Children’s Hospital, the workshop provided a rare and impactful opportunity for our girls to gain hands-on experience with essential clinical skills.

Participants learned how to place IVs and practiced critical suturing techniques! In addition to skill-building, the workshop fostered meaningful conversations about medical education, career pathways, and the importance of culturally competent care.

For girls of color who aspire to enter the health care field, experiences like this are critical. They provide not only practical knowledge but also visibility, mentorship, and the affirmation that they belong in every room—especially in medicine. We’re deeply thankful to Connecticut Children’s and UConn School of Medicine for creating space for our young women to learn, explore, and lead.

SIS Annual Tea Party April 13th, University of Hartford

The SIS Annual Tea Party is a signature event that celebrates the professionalism, resilience, and achievements of women of color. This elegant gathering offers attendees an opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations, enjoy refreshments, and participate in discussions focused on personal growth and career development. The event also honors individuals who have made significant contributions to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging within the campus community. 

The Strong Independent Sisters (SIS) at the University of Hartford is a student-led organization dedicated to advocating for young women—particularly women of color—through education, service, and sisterhood. Their mission centers on empowering women by fostering independence in thought and action, and by building a supportive community that uplifts and inspires. ​​

Funday Sunday October 20th, 2024 Waterbury, Ct

Our first event of the season was a tremendous success, bringing together our community for a day of joy and festivities. From creative pumpkin decorating, making yummy candy apples, and enjoying smores with friends, our girls had a wonderful time in the company of our sisterhood. Let's not forget, we played a host of games that not only kept us entertained  but helped us all learn some interesting facts about one another! A heartfelt thank you to everyone who came out to Fall Funday Sunday and made it a memorable and impactful experience!

Brooklyn Museum First Saturday August 4th, 2024 Brooklyn, New York

Before heading to the museum, we dined at one of Brooklyn's most popular Caribbean Restaurants Negril BK.This black owned restaurant absolutely dazzled our tastebuds, every single bite taking us to another level of...yum! Jerk chicken, Cabbage, Plantains, Rice and Peas, Curry Goat..ok I'll stop before you get hungry (or realize just how much our girls can put away.) 

  Our time at the Brooklyn Museum was a vibrant celebration of Caribbean culture. The evening was a fantastic blend of fun and learning, featuring a lively party atmosphere that highlighted Caribbean music, dance, and cuisine. Attendees enjoyed an array of interactive museum exhibits, artifacts, and displays that offered both educational and entertaining experiences. The event successfully combined cultural celebration with educational enrichment, allowing our young women to connect with their heritage while exploring history in an engaging and memorable way. It was a night to remember, setting a high bar for future activities organized by Petals and S.T.E.M. (Did we mention we also learned how to ride a subway on our own for the first time!)

Make Your Own Ice Cream Lab June 1st, 2024 Bridgeport, CT

Our recent "Make Your Own Ice Cream" lab during 100 Girls Leading Annual Summit was a fantastic experience for everyone involved! This lab introduced girls of all ages to learn about the science behind one of their favorite treats: ice cream.

During this tasty lab, girls learned about freezing point depression and the crucial role salt plays in the process. Armed with this knowledge, they dove into measuring out ingredients like milk, sugar, and vanilla. As they shook their bags, students could see and feel the transformation happening, from liquid to creamy ice cream. Once the ice cream was ready, students were thrilled to taste their creations, after adding sprinkles of course! The smiles and excitement as they enjoyed their homemade ice cream were priceless. The event was not only educational but also incredibly fun.

Waterbury Prom Drive April 19 and April 20th, 2024 Waterbury, CT 

Our Prom Drive, in collaboration with Waterbury Youth Services, was a resounding success. With the support of generous donors and volunteers, we were able to provide dozens of young girls with beautiful prom dresses, shoes, accessories and free beauty services, ensuring that they felt confident and radiant on their special day. The event was not just about providing attire; it was a celebration of inner beauty and self-worth. The smiles on their faces and the gratitude in their hearts were a testament to the impact of this event, highlighting the importance of community support and solidarity in uplifting our youth.

Make Your Own Bath Bomb Lab April 18th, 2024 Park Central 

During our recent event, the girlies over at Park Central got to dive into the fascinating world of bath bomb creation! Not only did they get to mix and mold their own bath bombs with a variety of scents and colors, but they also learned to follow scientific procedures. From understanding chemical names and formulas to experimenting with different ingredients, they got a hands-on lesson in chemistry while crafting their perfect relaxation recipe. It was a fizzy, fragrant, and downright fun experience that left everyone feeling pampered and refreshed!

Single Til' Marriage April 13, 2024 Art by Adreana, Waterbury CT 

The Single Til Marriage book tour event was an inspiring and transformative experience for all attendees. Dr. Valerie Dupree captivated the audience with her wisdom and insightful perspectives on relationships and faith. Throughout the event, participants engaged in thought-provoking discussions, interactive workshops, and intimate conversations, gaining valuable insights into navigating the journey from singleness to marriage. The event concluded with a renewed sense of hope, empowerment, and clarity, as participants left feeling inspired to embrace their singleness and journey towards marriage with confidence and faith.

Bring your Bestie Brunch Mar. 23rd, 2024 Bristol Bazaar

We're back baby and what a way to kick off the season! Our Bring your Bestie Brunch was a time of connection, networking, and deepening friendships. We had a wonderful spread for brunch: fruit, Belgian waffles, seasoned potatoes, scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage and more. After our delicious meal, we played a round of Culturetags, a game that tests knowledge about the culture of people of color! A time was truly had and we are excited to be back in action this spring.

Pink Christmas Party Dec. 30th, 2023 Watertown, CT 

Petals and S.T.E.M. closed out our winter season with an all pink Christmas party/Secret Santa event. The time was bittersweet as we enjoyed our last pow-wow before our hiatus. We traded gifts, indulged in some sweet treats, and even got a little too competitive during our gingerbread house building! We are so proud of how much we've grown and how far we've come in 2023 and we can't wait to reunite with you all this spring

Christmas Toy Drive December 20th, 2023 Hopkins Street Center 

In the season of giving, Petals and S.T.E.M. sprung into action with a mission to bring joy to children across Waterbury this Christmas. Thanks to the generous contributions of supporters near and far, Petals and S.T.E.M. was able to provide 50 families with toys this Christmas. That's approximately 300 toys and 150 children! Financial donations poured in from across the country, from New York to Florida. We are truly feeling blessed being able to be a blessing to others and we cannot thank you all enough for your support during this venture. We're hoping our giving makes Christ smile on His birthday this year!

Friendsgiving November 1st, 2023 Art by Adreana 

We are still reminiscing about the wonderful time we spent with Art by Adreana enjoying Friendsgiving with all of our Petals and S.T.E.M. sisters. We had a wonderful time enjoying a delicious potluck style meal (with yummy desserts to follow!). Our girls then spent time making prayer boards as we learned that putting our faith in God first can hold the key to our success. What a wonderful faith-filled event and special thank you to Art by Adreana. Visit www.artbyadreana.com to learn more about this great local art space in Waterbury, CT.

"Chat and Chill" Pajama Party October 25th, 2023 Post University

Did you make it to our pajama party at Post University? We had such a great time in the company of our Post University sisters from Black Student Union and Los Latinos. We discussed techniques to implement further representation on campus in both academics and athletics. We also discussed the importance of sisterhood and solidarity within PWI's. Black Student Unions and Los Latinos are important clubs on Post University's campus that promote diversity and unity.

"All Shade, No Tea" Interactive Discussion Panel October 24th, 2023 University of Hartford 

Our collaboration with S.I.S. at the University of Hartford  was a huge success! We discussed topics ranging from dating as a woman of color to mental health in Black and Hispanic communities. Girls in the audience shared their on campus experiences and had fun making new friendships amongst one another. Petals and S.T.E.M. had a great time meeting new sisters and spending time on campus promoting diversity and cultural awareness!