MAAC March 2025 News

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Breaking News

MAAC Unveils a New Image for the Future

Yes, this is MAAC!

After months of planning, MAAC is proud to unveil its new look, complete with an updated logo, website, brand colors, and yes, newsletter. It's a full MAAC-over!

"We are so excited to share our new look with our supporters and community," said executive director Andrea Nicole Smith-Morgan. "As we grow, we recognize the need to elevate MAAC's presence and generate new partnerships with schools and community organizations. We also wanted our new website to help funders understand the tremendous impact MAAC is making to bridge the academic gap for underserved youth."

Andrea and communications director Patty Consolazio consulted with Gabriela Cordeiro at WanderWest Consulting over the course of several months of meetings and revisions. Gabriela then took their vision and made it a reality.

"High school isn't easy in the best of circumstances, and many of our scholars come to us with burdens that transcend the typical teen experience. Gabriela understood our wish to provide MAAC with a clean, almost spa-like look and truly went the extra mile to address all of our many requests and give MAAC the facelift it deserves. MAAC's new image now reflects the warm, safe, and supportive place it endeavors to be for the scholars who come through our doors," said Andrea.

Visitors to MAAC's new website can learn about and download the organization's program offerings, as well as read about its history, leadership team, and partnerships. Readers can visit the website's News page, which features an archive of past newsletters and media coverage.

"This investment in branding comes down to one goal: to raise awareness so we can provide college and career readiness to all who need it. We look forward to leveraging our presence to continue MAAC's growth and reach deeper into the communities we serve than ever before. It's an exciting time!"

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MAAC Scholars

Tashirah Burgess: A Story of Resilience, Grace & Smarts

Tashirah Burgess (right) and Yajaida Pons (left) talk with a MAAC scholar about the college experience.

They say it's not what happens to you in life that matters; it's what you do with it.

In two months, Tashirah Burgess will graduate Felician University with her bachelor’s degree in biochemistry.  This ambitious young woman has been invited to present at annual conferences across the country, conducted research, worked as a specimens collector, and is the recipient of multiple grants and merit-based scholarships.

Tashirah is also housing displaced and living in a shelter.

“I made some bad decisions and wound up getting removed from housing,” Tashirah explains. “One administrator and I did not see eye to eye, but she connected me with a mentor named Nadine. Nadine recommended me to Andrea at MAAC to see what options she could give me.”

Andrea met with Tashirah and connected her with some resources, including yoga with practitioner Alana Amaya and counseling with Great Joy Counseling. “I’m so proud of Tashirah, as she has taken advantage of MAAC’s resources—yoga, mental health, and wellness—so much so that we asked her to become a MAAC villager and help our scholars.”

Tashirah accepted the invitation, and last month presented for the first time at MAAC’s after-school program at Harmony House in Newark. She used the opportunity to share her story.

“I got to meet with a student who’s in the same situation that I am,” said Tashirah. “I helped him understand some ways to cope by talking, networking, and journaling about his feelings. It got to him—he teared up.”

Tashirah’s greatest challenge now is to find housing, as she laments that apartment hunting is difficult, and she doesn't always meet the qualifications for each apartment. But she continues to show resilience and grace by working toward her degree, helping others, and even acknowledging the good that came from losing her housing.

“I had some resentment toward that administrator, but without her, I wouldn’t have met Nadine and Andrea and gotten to experience so many opportunities—yoga, therapy, leadership roles, and more,” reflects Tashirah, adding that she is also helping Nadine with research. “We have gotten really close.”

As for Andrea, Tashirah explains, “She is a beautiful person, inside and out. There are a lot of amazing things she has helped me with through MAAC.”

Likewise, Andrea says, “Tashirah exemplifies resilience in remarkable ways. She demonstrates strength, determination, and perseverance.”

To support MAAC programs and scholars, please click here.

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A Message from Andrea Nicole

Staying Focused Through the Distractions

Andrea works on MAAC strategy in Seattle under the supervision and support of Leeloo the German Shepherd.

There's a lot going on in the world and in our communities. Some good; some unsettling. But on the bright side, I think March is a fantastic month! Ten of my friends and family members, including myself, celebrate birthdays in March. Plus, there's March Madness, Daylight Savings Time, and the much-awaited transition from winter to spring.

Last week, I had the opportunity to travel to Seattle to work with MAAC's development strategist, Ms. Cali. Ms. Cali has a beautiful home nestled near a serene lake. Her two dogs, Leeloo and Budd, quickly became my BFFs during my brief stay.

We kicked off our business retreat by attending a Nose Work for Dogs class. I'm sure you're wondering, what the...? Nose work is a training activity in which dogs use their sense of smell to locate a hidden target odor. This fun and rewarding activity engages the dog's natural instincts and sharpens their focus, and also strengthens the bond between dog and handler.

I couldn't help but reflect on the connections to our work at MAAC. Much like a nose work class, MAAC continues to help scholars build confidence, grow personally and academically, and build strong relationships—even when faced with distracting "odors" in the form of personal and social challenges and political unrest. The reward in both cases comes from staying focused on the goal, despite the obstacles.

We can all use this philosophy as inspiration to do the same. We can remain steadfast in our personal and professional goals. We can stay committed to strengthening our communities and supporting our scholars, no matter what distractions arise. Together, we will continue to thrive.

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MAAC Board Members

Eleanor Gil-Kashiwabara | Tanya Isler-Home | Nadine Verna | Tamara Williams

Mindful Awareness Academy for Children (MAAC), PO BOX 338, Montclair, NJ 07042, United States