The Center for Community Engaged Learning (CCEL) welcomed nearly 30 middle school girls from the Bronx on Nov. 4 for a leadership-building, confidence-boosting event.
Author Tom Murphy led the workshop, drawing inspiration from his novel about the history of women’s running, Runner in Red.
“The Runner in Red workshop helps teens tap their resiliency strengths from sports and apply them to do well in school and meet challenges in life,” said Murphy.
Fordham student mentors and the athletics department joined CCEL and Murphy in welcoming the student-athletes. The young women came from several Bronx schools, including the New School for Leadership and the Arts (M.S. 244), Dr. Daniel Hale Williams (M.S. 180), and Fordham Leadership Academy. Together they participated in dynamic team-building exercises and conversations on building confidence, becoming leaders, and achieving success. The joyful, high-energy afternoon wrapped up with raffles, prizes, and cheers.
The event is one of many CCEL programs that aim to uplift youth, expand access to college, and strengthen the Bronx community.
“We want our girls in the Bronx to see themselves as strong, capable, and deserving of being in every room they walk into,” said Maria Rodriguez, CCEL’s associate director of engaged student learning. “This is about showing up for each other. When Fordham students, community partners, and staff are learning alongside them, we’re saying: ‘You belong. Your voice matters. We see you.’”
