Carver alumnae Pauldine Joseph is profiled in "VoyageMIA" magazine

Way back in 2012 and before, we shared stories about Pauldine and her sister Berdine. In 2012, Carver had nominated and won for the City of Norwalk selection into the nation's "100 Best Communities for Young People" by the Washington DC-based America's Promise Alliance. Carver also won this distinction for Norwalk in 2010 and 2011. At this 2012 Promise celebration, the Joseph sisters were our featured singers. And they have been constant Carver celebrities ever since!

You can find Pauldine’s Instagram platform here.

Here’s the interview in VoyageMIA.

Hi Pauldine, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Growing up in a strict Haitian family where the motto was Lekol (school), Lakay (home), Legliz (church) makeup, and fashion became an escape for me at an early age. I recall spending countless hours on YouTube during my school breaks, watching beauty tutorials from the black OG YT gurus absorbing as much as I can, and practicing on myself and my friends.

Those years spent practicing makeup tutorials eventually landed me actual clients during my years as an undergrad. I was the girl in the dorms doing makeup for birthdays, parties, fashion shows, etc, I even installed a few sew-ins here and there. I started sharing my makeup videos on Instagram and OOTD pictures and my followers would message me asking for makeup application tips, product recommendations, or where I purchased an item of clothing.

It was then I realized I had “influence “ and I was building an authentic platform where my audience genuinely trusted my expertise. Fast forward to 2020, the pandemic hit, and my 9-5 transitioned to remote work which granted me more time to focus on content creating.

I used any free time outside of my day job to intentionally create and with consistency, my content took off. What started as a hobby/ side hustle evolved into a budding career that I am most certainly proud of.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has not been a smooth road at all as content creating/ influencing is not a “traditional “ career path.

I’ve definitely struggled with self-doubt, encountering creator’s block, and balancing 16 hr+ days between my full-time job and influencing.

I became my own personal assistant, photographer, videographer, editor, stylist, manager, and accountant, wearing 15 different hats is no easy feat but I wouldn’t change a thing about the journey.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I post weekly fashion/beauty-related content like hair and makeup tutorials, and OOTD Inspo, and I’m a thrift girlie so I also post reels for the girls that like to look good without breaking the bank.

What I’m most proud of is the platform I’ve been able to build just by being my authentic self. I find so much joy in curating content that resonates well with my audience. My goal is to inspire Black Women to be their bold and unique selves always, in all ways.

We’d love to hear what you think about risk-taking?
I think putting yourself out there, sharing your life and your craft with the world is taking a risk.

Knowing that not everyone will be receptive to your craft, accepting that what you post is out there for any and everyone to judge and have an opinion on can be absolutely terrifying.

It was extremely hard for me at first and I’m still hard on myself sometimes but I’ve learned to put my best foot forward, create intentionally, post and just let go.

Carver's year-round program partners are fun destinations for kids this summer

As we prepare our dozen summer programs throughout Norwalk for more than 1,500 K-9 kids, here are some of our program partners that are open for kids now and all year long.

The Maritime Aquarium regularly hosts events for children, including story time and creature encounters where guests get an opportunity to get up close with sea life. 

The Stepping Stones Museum for Children gives children a place to play and interact with educational exhibits that teach them about energy, movement, and light.

Lake Compounce amusement park is open for its 2022 season.

Connecticut Science Center hosts weekly educational events for children, including teaching kids to prevent fires and hosting story time.

Bishop’s Orchards offers pick-your-own quality fruit directly from their bushes or trees. Each year the Pick-Your-Own season may vary due to weather and crop abundance, yet generally runs from mid-June until the end of October.

The Chelsea Piers Athletic Club offers a variety of youth sports leagues including swimming, tennis, parkour, soccer, basketball, lacrosse, skating, and baseball.

Norwalk beaches, parks, and trails are among the finest in the state.

The New Canaan Nature Center teaches children about wildlife through educational programs. It also has the oldest nature-based preschool in history.

And that is just a short list of all the destinations and experiences we have in store for our students this summer!

8th Annual Golf Classic - see the photos!

See all the photos in two Facebook albums. The first album here is of the reception, lunch, and day of golf. The second album here is of the evening program which included a reception, silent auction, prizes for the various winners of the day of golf, and dinner.

Many thanks for the leadership and generosity of our 8th Annual Golf Classic Committee: Jay Hinton (Chair); Jon Adelman; Deirdre Cavanagh; Bill Gallagher; Jeff Manchester; Ryan Nally; Suzanne Small; Rob Strickland; Oscar Villalonga; and Jon Whitcomb.

Our foursome sponsors included the Richard and Barbara Whitcomb Foundation; The LaCroix Family; RealBlocks; Rich Baudouin; Jon Whitcomb; Diserio Martin; Diageo; COFACE; Bill Gallagher; Jay Hinton; Michael Gregorich; Rob Strickland; John Arredondo; Jim Adrian; Bowhead Specialty; Fairfield County Bank; Jay Levine; David Pramer; Deirdre Cavanagh & Jon Adelman; and Moffly Media.

Our silent auction included exciting experiences such as a boat cruise, a fishing charter, and golf at renowned private clubs.

Thank you everyone for a spectacular day at Shorehaven Golf Club!

Berdine's "Make it Work" Single Release Party on Saturday, June 25th!

We regularly write about Carver alumnae Berdine Joseph here.

Berdine grew up in Haiti before her family moved to the United States. She graduated from Norwalk High School in 2014, and through the years she has supported the Carver community with her great talent, such as at our 2022 Child of America Gala.

An especially proud moment for us all was when Berdine courageously performed on The Voice!

Now there is a great opportunity to support Berdine’s career at the MAKE IT WORK Single Release Party on Saturday, June 25th!

The event is at SPACE67, a multi-purpose creative workspace and studio with a full cyclorama wall. It’s located at the former home of the Fairfield County Bank at 67 Wall Street, Norwalk, CT.

Congratulations, Berdine!

Join the 2022 CSDE Commissioner's Summer Math Challenge!

The Connecticut State Department of Education (CSDE) Commissioner today launched the 2022 Commissioner’s Summer Math Challenge: “Mathematics: Building the Foundation for Success,” offering three ways for students to participate.

MetaMetrics offers a FREE math skills maintenance program based on grade-level standards is designed to prevent summer learning loss. The program is targeted to students who have just completed grades 1 through 8, reinforcing math skills learned during the previous school year.

1. Also for students in grades K – 8 is the Summer Math Passport, providing students with tasks related to summer activities, such as visiting the beach and hiking. By applying math beyond the classroom, students keep math skills sharp all summer long. The Summer Math Passport is offered in partnership with the Connecticut Council of Leaders of Mathematics (CCLM).

2. High School students are encouraged to practice their math skills using the Official SAT Practice from College Board and Khan Academy. Students can link their College Board accounts to determine their skill level or use the diagnostic quizzes provided to get personalized practice recommendations.

All information and printable materials (e.g., math log, registration information, and information for parents and students) for the Commissioner’s Summer Math Challenge can be found here. 

Please contact Jennifer Michalek at 860-713-6557 or jennifer.michalek@ct.gov if you have any questions about the Commissioner’s Summer Math Challenge.

Today is the first Juneteenth federal holiday!

Today is the federal holiday honoring Juneteenth, the celebration of the announcement on June 19th, 1865, in Texas that enslaved Americans were free.

On April 9, 1865, General Robert E. Lee had surrendered his Army of Northern Virginia to General Ulysses S. Grant of the U.S. Army, but it was not until June 2 that General Edmund Kirby Smith surrendered the Confederacy’s Trans-Mississippi Department, the last major army of the Confederacy, to the United States, in Galveston, Texas. Smith then fled to Mexico.

Seventeen days later, Major General Gordon Granger of the U.S. Army arrived on Galveston Island with about 2000 U.S. troops. On June 19, Granger issued General Order Number 3, informing the formerly enslaved inhabitants of Texas that they were free.

A year later, the Thirteenth Amendment abolishing enslavement except as punishment for a crime had been added to the U.S. Constitution, and on June 19, 1866, Texas freedpeople gathered to celebrate the coming of their freedom with prayers, speeches, food, and socializing.

By the following year, the federal government encouraged “Juneteenth” celebrations, eager to make sure Black citizens had an opportunity to discuss the voting rights that had been put in place by the Military Reconstruction Act in early March 1867, and the tradition of Juneteenth began to spread to Black communities across the nation.

Beginning there in Texas, the Black Americans celebrating Juneteenth emphasized that emancipation in the United States meant not just freedom from enslavement, but also freedom to shape the nation’s future.

Carver campers begin their life changing experience at The Ecology School in Maine!

Thanks to the generosity and vision of The Grossman Family Foundation, rising Norwalk 6th graders left today from the Carver Community Center for The Ecology School in Maine, the renowned sleepaway summer camp. They will explore the woods, waters, and fields of The Ecology School at the River Bend Farm, a historic 105-acre farm located on a scenic bend in the Saco River, just twenty minutes from the Maine coast. Next year, this initial cohort of students will return along with the next rising 6th graders that follow them.

This overnight camp experience is about our youth pushing boundaries, and becoming more independent. Sleepaway camp, especially at The Ecology School, is an incredible adventure filled with fun from start to finish. That doesn’t mean that homesickness won’t come into the equation now and again. The results will be newfound confidence when our young campers stick it out.

Drop-off day today was exciting yet daunting. There were no long emotional, and tearful goodbyes. Parents kept it together and gave their children a farewell that was full of excitement and hope. Very likely, however, a few of them shed a tear once they got back in their cars!

But not to worry. Our summer campers arrived safely today In Maine. They are prepared both mentally and physically and we all can be sure that they will have the time of their lives and make memories that will last forever.

P-TECH offers our newest Summer Transition Program!

The new P-TECH Summer Bridge Program will assist incoming 9th-grade scholars with their transition to high school.

Just like our other two high school summer transition programs, the new P-Tech Scholars will engage in academic and enrichment classes throughout the day this summer to help them prepare for a one-of-a-kind high school experience this fall while having fun! 

P-TECH Norwalk (Pathways in Technology Early College High School) is an independent high school located within Norwalk High School. P-TECH partners with Norwalk Community College and IBM to allow students to graduate from high school while simultaneously earning an AAS degree from Norwalk Community College.

P-TECH Norwalk offers three possible associate degrees in computer science: software engineering, web development, and mobile programming. Upon graduation, P-TECH scholars are prepared to join the workforce or they may transfer to a four-year institution to complete their undergraduate degree.

The P-TECH School Model is a pioneering education reform initiative created by IBM, to prepare young people with the academic, technical, and professional skills required for 21st Century Jobs and ongoing education. P-TECH Norwalk is a member of this worldwide initiative. The model combines rigorous coursework with workplace experiences that include industry mentoring, worksite visits, paid internships, and first–in–line for job considerations with a school’s company partner. P-TECH schools are at no cost to students and their families and are open enrollment, with no testing or grade requirements.

Free, digital learning is also available through Open P-TECH, which introduces students and educators to the tech skills of tomorrow, from emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and cybersecurity, to new ways of working such as agile and design thinking.

Celebrate Juneteenth Freedom Day

Juneteenth National Independence Day falls on Sunday, June 19, 2022, and is a federal holiday according to the Office of Personnel Management.

As with Carver staff, federal employees will receive next Monday as a day off of work.

Connecticut also made this a state holiday, but this year’s commemoration will not be a paid day off for state employees.

We have celebrated and written about Juneteenth many times here through the years.

Click here to learn more about this Juneteenth event at the Carver Community Center

The newest Federal holiday was signed into law on June 17, 2021, by President Joe Biden to commemorate the end of slavery in the U.S. following the conclusion of the Civil War.

The day has been celebrated annually around the country since 1865 when a Union General arrived in Galveston, Texas, and informed the enslaved African Americans that the Confederacy had lost the war and that they were free as per the Emancipation Proclamation, which was inked in 1863. In many parts of the country, the proclamation was not implemented until the army enforced it.

Texas was the first state to codify the date into law in 1980 and was the only state to have the day as a paid holiday for state employees in 2020. Since then, at least eight states — New York, Maine, Louisiana, Virginia, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Washington and Illinois — have followed, according to AP.

The next federal holiday is Independence Day on Monday, July 4th.

New Canaan Community Foundation Renews its support of Carver kids

We are deeply grateful to the New Canaan Community Foundation (NCCF) for all they do for the Carver community and for the community in general.

Carver is one of the 78 NCCF grantees that recently received a total of $635,299. These grant investments were made in New Canaan and neighboring communities.

See all the photos here from the NCCF grant awards ceremony.

The grantmaking process involves a thoroughgoing proposal and a team of NCCF volunteers and staff visiting with Carver staff at the Carver Community Center to discuss our proposal and Carver’s programmatic and financial health.

The Foundation’s annual grant process distributes funds raised from donors across the community, who give at all different levels to pool their collective resources and make their community a better place. Together, with the Foundation’s other grantmaking programs, NCCF will invest more than $2.8 million in the community this year.

Every year, NCCF’s grantmaking goal is to provide impactful funding for a range of programs serving the community. They support • Human Services – Community members are able to meet their basic needs • Arts, Culture & Community Resources – Community members benefit from New Canaan’s cultural, recreational, and other community resources • Youth & Education (that us!) – Youth have the academic, social, and financial support they need to succeed • Health – Community members have the information and access to services they need to stay healthy • and Seniors & Special Needs – Older adults and persons with special needs achieve and maintain a high quality of life.

This year, the Foundation chose to place additional focus on several key areas – including COVID-19 response and, for the fourth year in a row, behavioral health.

The Foundation’s COVID-19 Response Fund launched in March of 2020 and invested over $680,000 to: support the emergency financial needs of New Canaan families and workers; help nonprofit organizations adapt to changing client needs, as well as shifts in operations; and support critical services in lower Fairfield County. To date the Foundation has dispersed the entirety of the COVID-19 Response Fund, but continues to assess and include pandemic-related service needs in its overall grantmaking.

THANK YOU, NCCF!