About Sister-2-Sister
Sister-2-Sister was founded in Spring 2018. Although the project was initially based in performing arts, it has evolved into a mentoring project. The objective is to create a sisterhood of women of color; founders Sakinah Bennett '21 and Skylar Walker '21 want to become the older sister-like role models they wished they’d had in high school.
Sister-2-Sister uses performing arts, crafts, and writing as tools to facilitate conversations and conduct workshops about self-development, early college awareness, and community-building. Sister-2-Sister provides space where young women of color feel they are a priority instead of a minority, and they are offered the necessary skills and information to succeed in the world while sharing love, peace, and wisdom from one sister to another.
Sakinah and Skylar believe these methods are critical to increase graduation rates amongst young women of color; to provide a safe space where young women of color can focus solely on themselves and their development; to make sure young women of color feel important and heard; and to allow these young to express themselves and find their voices.
Sister-2-Sister Leadership
Sakinah Bennett '21
Sakinah Bennett is a 21 year old native of Douglasville, Georgia. Sakinah is currently in her senior year at Bard College on a full tuition scholarship from the Posse Foundation. She studies dance and historical studies with a concentration in Africana Studies. She began dancing at the age of 5 and hasn’t stopped since. She is the co-founder of Sister-2-Sister, dedicated to mentoring young women of color in her community and eventually around the world . She is also a teaching artist at the Center for Creative Education in Kingston, New York. After graduation Sakinah hopes to continue her education by acquiring a masters degree and developing her program Sister-2-Sister.
Contact Sakinah: sb2755@bard.edu
Skylar Walker '21
Skylar Walker is a 21 year old native of Marietta, Georgia and aspires to be a professional singer. Skylar is a Posse scholar, and is currently in her senior year at Bard College studying Jazz. She has released three solo music projects while pursuing her studies. Before coming to Bard, Skylar served as a Girl Scout for fourteen years and was an active member of the choir, drama, dance, and ministries at her church for many years. During her high school career she participated in a four-year performing arts magnet program at Pebble Brook High School in Mableton Georgia (CCEPA). Skylar is a co-founder of Sister-2-Sister and she is dedicated to inspiring and educating young women in her community -- and eventually around the world. After graduation Skylar has aspirations of obtaining her masters degree in education, and plans on starting her own record label which will cater to the artistic development of women of color.
Contact Skylar: sw4275@bard.edu
What Participants are Saying
“Sister to Sister impacted me in a very positive way. It was always something to look forward to after school. I loved being able to vent, make new friends and feel like I wasn’t an outcast. High school is hard on teens physically and mentally and it felt good knowing you weren’t the only one who goes through it. Not even just with school but the outside life too. I always felt uplifted when I left and the room was always filled with positivity and laughter. One of my favorite things about the group was feeling like I had older sisters too. I’ve always wanted one and to have another women listen to you and give you advice without judgement was super helpful and made me feel full. I think more girls should partake in it because you get a lot from it. There’s good energy, games, friends and much more!” - Mia Buford