You Glow, Girls
Photos by Stephanie Chitica/Rec and Parks
It’s ten years and counting for Rec and Parks’ innovative and life-changing Pretty in Pink empowerment program for young girls.
Founders Reneshia White, formerly with Rec and Parks, Club Member, and Yessica Famoso, Facility Director, Club Member, were on hand to celebrate the milestone.
The celebration was held Sept. 14 at EXPO Center.
Pretty in Pink is a youth conference created to empower young girls in the urban community. Pretty in Pink provides a safe space for them to be open and discuss daily life challenges among women who truly care for them. The girls get opportunities to socialize with young girls from other parks/communities. The conference is designed to encourage and empower the girls to achieve their goals and aspirations. They leave the conference knowing that they are not alone with issues that may be occurring in their lives and that they have people that care about them.
Reneshia White, who grew up hanging out at LA Parks facilities, started the program at South Park Rec Center in 2012 under the department’s CLASS Parks program (the program paused during the pandemic). The 10 girls from the club wanted to have a party. They decide to have party, which included “girl talk” sessions. They ate food, listened to music, and made crafts. The girls enjoyed it so much that Reneshia and Yessica Famoso, Facilities Director who came aboard the project the following year, decided to make it an annual event in a conference format. Over the years the numbers have expanded from 10 to 30 to 100 to 200, to 300 and well more than that now. Not only have the numbers expanded, but the program also receives support from the Department, the Neighborhood Council, Council offices, the LAPD, and other outside agencies.
Renishia has transferred to a different City department but returned to celebrate the milestone.
Yessica mentioned at the event that several employees helping to manage Pretty in Pink started as young girl participants in early conferences.
Congratulations to Reneshia, Yessica and all associated with producing Pretty in Pink each year. The Club honors you!
