2020 FOCUS ON YOUTH

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​SANCTUARY is committed to helping young women with promising, future careers gain exposure and share their passions with a broader community. Each year, our August issue is dedicated to young women who inspire others with their extraordinary talents and service to their communities.

​After careful consideration, SANCTUARY has chosen a group of amazing, young women to feature in our 7th annual "Focus on Youth" issue. These young women have demonstrated outstanding commitment to their community or craft.

PROUDLY SPONSORED BY:

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FEATURED EMERGING ARTISTS​

Jarry & Korka Fall
Twin Dancers
(New Jersey)

Please tell us about someone who has motivated you to reach your goals.

"My twin sister, Korka, has been my motivator when it comes to reaching my goals. We were the only African Americans at our dance studio for a long time. As we grew older, there were a few more African Americans who enrolled, and the little girls would always look up to Korka and me. It always warmed our hearts because we didn’t have anyone to look up to, so it felt amazing to have young African American girls look to us for inspiration." ~ Jarry

"My twin sister, Jarry, motivated me to always keep dancing. We always had each other, especially when we were two of the few black girls who danced at our studio." ~ Korka 

Sasha Fraser
Photographer
(New York)

Please tell us about someone who has motivated you to reach your goals.

"Anne Hebard, my principal ballet teacher, has motivated me to reach my goals. She inspires me to push myself to be the best I can be. Even though ballet training can be quite competitive – often cutthroat - Ms. Hebard has created a positive, warm, and supportive community. I have learned many things from her that apply to life in general. Things can never be perfect, but there is always room for improvement. True passion is maintaining your commitment even when you are struggling or not succeeding."

Kyra Husbands
Interdisciplinary Artist
(New York)

Please tell us about someone who has motivated you to reach your goals. 

"The person who has motivated me the most would be my mom. She has always supported me as I tried new hobbies. I studied ballet for 13 years, and she was by my side at class and at recitals while simultaneously seeking her own degree. When I wanted to play violin, or even attempt to join the tennis team, she would be there to support me. If I realized something wasn’t what I wanted to do, she continued to support my next move. Unfortunately, many artists don't get support for turning their art into a career, but my mom never made me feel like I couldn't take my talents to another level."

Imani Jones
Painter & Draftswoman
(New York)

Please tell us about someone who has motivated you to reach your goals. 

"Mill Street Loft (now Art Effect) was a tremendous inspiration in helping me to realize that I can speak to so many people through art. My experience with the PYC program opened my eyes to so many possibilities – opportunities that I didn’t think were in my grasp. I earned a scholarship and had the chance to travel. Todd Poteet and Alexandra Baer have been like family to me and supported me from the first day I walked in!" 

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INTERVIEW WITH ENTREPRENEUR

Sophia Shaw 
Owner of Stones on Main
(New York)

Please tell us about someone who has motivated you to reach your goals.

"My mom is my biggest motivator in both my creative and my academic pursuits. While parenting three children, she managed to earn her MBA from Simon Business School at the University of Rochester, landing her a position at our local hospital. However, she also inspires me creatively because she creates unique wish necklaces that are sold at a local boutique. The most important thing I have learned from my mom is that it is never too late to decide what you want to be when you grow up."

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BOOK EXCERPT

Davida Eyam-Ozung (New York)

POETRY CORNER

Shannon DeGrave (Michigan) & Billie Morrison (London)

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Special GUEST ROOM (Kindness & Karma)

Readers Under 25...

Many have cancelled travel plans due to the coronavirus pandemic,
but we can always dream about the day we can all safely travel again.
So Jillian, our 2020 Summer Intern, gathered comments from readers.
Click the graphic above to find out where some young women would love to travel.

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SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITY FOR
​OUR ANNUAL FOCUS ON YOUTH ISSUE:
WRITE TO US!