Latest news with #TaketheMic
Yahoo
08-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Fundraiser empowers women entrepreneurs in Springfield
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – A fundraising event in Springfield showcased the power of women coming together to support and uplift each other. The 'Take the Mic Program' highlights and celebrates 12 women entrepreneurs in the Springfield area through a 'Empower Her' calendar fundraiser. Attendees were able to support these local vendors and women featured in the calendar by purchasing their products and services. All proceeds go towards the 'Take the Mic' program, which helps young girls develop their public speaking skills. Owner and Founder Ayanna Crawford told 22News, 'We want to make sure that public speaking, which is a soft skill to help you grow, whether you're going for a job, whether you're going for a college application, that you have the skills that you need to be successful.' Mary Irizarry, Owner of Icy's Events and The Venue, adds. 'Being confident and feeling powerful, feeling that they're able to advocate for themselves and having that presence, finding their own voice is so important.' The goal of the fundraiser was to raise at least $3,000 to make sure all public speaking programs remain free. WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
28-01-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Music, poetry, and rap event to encourage mental health dialogue
An evening of music, poetry, and rap is set to encourage young people to share their mental health experiences. The event, called 'Take the Mic 2,' is organised by the Bradford District and Craven Health and Care Partnership in collaboration with All Star, Common Wealth, and Bradford College. Creative Health Officers from Bradford 2025 will also be joining in. The event, which is free to attend, will be held at Common Space, Bradford, on Wednesday, February 5, from 6pm to 8pm. The evening will also feature the premiere of a short film created by Healthy Minds apprentices - described by a spokesperson as "youth advocates for mental health in Bradford." The film is to offer "a unique perspective into the struggles faced by young people today." MPTheHitMaker, a young musician from Bradford who performed at the first Take the Mic event through All Star, said: "Music helps me with my wellbeing and staying focused. "Take the Mic gave me a space to open up about my mental health through my music and connect with other young people and creatives." Hasan, a Bradford District and Craven Mind wellbeing support worker, said: "Take the Mic 2 is an opportunity to listen to young voices and learn from their experiences. "It's a chance to gain an understanding of the challenges they face and show them they are supported." Naomi Holdsworth is operations service manager at Bradford District and Craven Talking Therapies, which provides free and confidential support for those experiencing anxiety and depression. Ms Holdsworth said: "Talking about mental health and sharing experiences is an essential step toward healing. "It helps break down the stigma, offers support, and reminds individuals that they are not alone in their journey." Dr Junaid Azam, clinical lead for Bradford District and Craven Health and Care Partnership, said: "Mental health is just as important as physical health, and it's essential that we create spaces where people feel comfortable talking about it. "These events are essential for building empathy, breaking down barriers, and empowering people to seek the support they deserve." Take the Mic 2 is open to anyone aged 16 and above. Tickets can be booked through Ticketsource at The first Take the Mic event took place in May 2024 at Bradford College, with more than 80 attendees, ten performers, and a range of mental health stalls. Mental health support services in Bradford District and Craven can be identified via
