Sixty essential and frontline female workers were recognized by the Guyanese Girls Rock Foundation, Inc for their outstanding contribution to the community during the COVID -19 pandemic.
The women were honored last week when the foundation hosted “Essentially You” a giveback event to show appreciation for the sacrifice and hard work the women continue to provide in the face of a global pandemic. 
The recipients were selected mostly from the healthcare, emergency, law enforcement, food services, postal, delivery, and transportation industries. Also among this group of honorees were community leaders, business owners, and private citizens who contributed through food drives, and other essential services.
The event was supported by several elected officials who nominated several of their constituents for this recognition and give-back and also issued NYS Senate and City Council citations.
The citations were provided by Senator Leroy Comrie, Senator Roxanne Persaud, Senator James Sanders, Jr. Councilwoman Adrienne Adams, Councilman I. Daneek Miller, Councilman Eric Ulrich, and Assemblywoman Alicia Hyndman.
The event took place during two different time slots, at the Majority Family Life Center in St. Albans.
Adhering to social distancing and PPE guidelines, recipients also received GGRF “Sheroes” award certificates, personal care gift bags, grocery hampers, and gift certificates, plus a delicious meal to go.
The event was funded through an “All In Neighborhood Grant” awarded to GGRF by Citizens Committee of NYC. Items for the gift bags, which included bed linens, sleepwear, makeup and other personal care and beauty products were all acquired through the organization’s partnership with Good360, a global leader in product philanthropy and purposeful giving, that partners with socially responsible companies to source highly needed goods and distribute them through their network of diverse nonprofits.
The Campaign Against Hunger (TCAH) donated 100 tote bags of dry groceries, which were distributed to the honorees and members of the general public.
Several local restaurants and food providers including, father and son Kevin and Tim Tulane, owners of Sumthin Amazin; and a member of the Blaque Resource Network, Our Village Roti Shop, Fazees Delight and The Nest Restaurant and Bar donated pre-packaged meals. “This was not just a GGRF effort,” shared GGRF’s Founder & President, Cloyette Harris-Stoute. “When members of the community heard what we were planning, they eagerly offered to help. A total of 17 hairstylists and makeup artists donated gift certificates. Local photographer, Michael Chu-A-Kong provided his services pro bono and Brooklyn-based DJ Kayla provided the sound-system and soft music. During her welcoming address, Mrs. Harris-Stoute told the story of New York Postal Service mail carrier, Cheyenne Norman, who inspired the idea of “Essentially You.” She spoke of observing Ms. Norman often being the only person out in the streets during the NYC mandated COVID-19 shutdown, as she went from house to house working hard to make sure that everyone still received their mail. “It is very important that we acknowledge the services that essential workers continue to provide on our behalf,” Harris-Stoute said. “GGRF also recognized that those services are extended, not just to the Guyanese community, but to the community at large, and wanted to honor all of their contributions.” A photo collage of all 60 honorees is displayed on the organization’s “Wall of Fame” located at https://guyanesegirlsrock.org/
Guyanese Girls Rock Foundation is an award-winning organization that is dedicated to empowering Guyanese women and girls to create their own paths to success.
Through its programs, GGRF facilitates youth leadership training, life skills workshops, community collaborations, access to scholarships, and awards & recognizes exceptional female role models from the Guyanese community.
The organization is currently 100% volunteer supported, and thanks Events Committee Chair, Annie Mohan, and the following members who contributed to the success of “Essentially You” – Rhonda Binda, Juneanne George, Dr. Kyomi Gregory, Melinda Ramhit, Tracey Khan, Roxanne Bascom, Onica George, Tandy Primo, Arlene Kendall, Nalini Dyal, Sabrina Mohan and Brianna Cole. Natasha Singh and sisters Arissa and Madison Edwards, who are participants.