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I have learned the value of honesty, and how difficult but rewarding it can be to be vulnerable. The friends and memories I have made have helped me through some of the hardest, most confusing, self-discovering parts of my life. BRAVE was my support and my motivation and quite literally my home and my family.

Mar Amador

 
 

“

She sees herself as a leader and is learning how to be a leader and an activist. 

Shannon Jacovino, BRAVE Parent

 
 

“

BRAVE is a place where a girl can be whoever she wants to be and you feel like there is no limits on being yourself.

Amalia, Elementary Student

 
 

“

Something that really stuck with me about the BRAVE workshop was the conversation about choices. Since then, I have actively been thinking about each choice I make and making sure it is for me instead of for others. This workshop also helped me realize all the BRAVE things we already do every day - in this work and our personal lives - and I am giving myself credit for it!

Professional

 
 

“

BRAVE has taught me to reach out my comfort zone, to grow and be aware of what I’m capable of in order to be the leader I am today. This semester, I’ve learned to be an advocate and use my voice for good. Being a member of BRAVE is an experience that has truly changed my life.

Barbara Shehata, UConn BRAVE Student

 
 

“

Being a part of BRAVE has made me see the world through a very different lens. That lens has shown me both the awful and wonderful things in our world. But the beauty of a lens is it gives you focus, I now have a new focus that allows me to spend time with incredible young people and see the possibilities in their lives and it makes me want to work together with them for positive change.

Deborah Sullivan, School Guidance Counselor