Fall 2023 Newsletter
OUR MISSION: Choose Creativity empowers children to develop into confident, resilient learners through an asset-based social and emotional learning curriculum.
INSTRUCTORS TRAINED: 1,424 KIDS REACHED: 26,440
WELCOME TO OUR NEW PARTNER SITES: Mosaic Preparatory Academy, East Harlem, NY; Police Athletic League: Edward Bryne Center Queens, NY and PS 13 Staten Island, NY; Whetstone Elementary School, Montgomery Village, MD; Boys and Girls Club of Greenwich, Greenwich, CT
Big news from Choose Creativity — We are incredibly excited to announce the promotion of Stephanie Krieger to the role of Executive Director.
We first met Stephanie (aka “Steph”) nine years ago when she began as our Director of Programs. Since then she has had a key role in developing our programming, supporting our partner organizations and executing on our unique vision. A true OG of the Lulu & Leo Fund, we’ve watched Stephanie embrace the 10 Principles of Creativity and grow into this leading role.
Here are some words from Stephanie on her promotion: “Watching Choose Creativity grow from an idea to a successful program that helps children become confident, creative learners has been the highlight of my career. When I started at the Lulu & Leo Fund, I never imagined that I would be the Executive Director, but today I can’t think of a more meaningful and fulfilling position. I could not be more excited to lead this organization with Marina and Kevin in its next phase of growth.”
Previously, Stephanie worked in development for Lincoln Center, MoMA, and New York Cares, raising millions in corporate revenue. Stephanie earned a BA in Art History and Business from Muhlenberg College and holds a MA in Arts Administration from Teachers College, Columbia University.
Recently, the New York City DOE Office of Attendance Improvement introduced our curriculum to District 4 in East Harlem. In District 4 nearly 45% of students are considered chronically absent. As part of their strategy to combat this critical issue, we are working with several of their schools this fall.
We announced this exciting news at the Choose Creativity Awards, our successful June fundraising event. And we are happy to report that the professional developments are underway! In late August, we did our first curriculum training for Mosaic Preparatory Academy. At Mosaic, administrators and teachers strive to create a positive school culture where students want to come to school and feel that they are a valued member of their school community.
The 10 Principles of Creativity help do just that! During this extensive training, we showed staff members how to use the 10 Principles of Creativity as a common language to build a positive school climate. We helped teachers understand how each of the 10 Principles can empower students and their families with a sense of self-efficacy that they can bring to all parts of their lives.
Teachers were inspired! They truly developed a sense of ownership over the curriculum and the 10 Principles and left with countless ideas on how to bring this to life in their classroom. We’re excited to continue to support this extraordinary school staff this school year.
Authenticity and respect for the culture and identities of every child is core to what Choose Creativity is all about. So this accomplishment feels especially great. We hunkered down this summer with bilingual dynamos Haley and Julianna and translated our entire curriculum (lessons, slide decks and visuals) into Spanish.
With the surge of asylum-seeking students in the public schools, quality bilingual educational materials have never been more important. Our bilingual programming Aprende con Confianza Creativa helps students build their creative confidence and resilience as learners. Inspired students and staff are key to a thriving and engaged school community, so we are so honored to be bringing the 10 Principles of Creativity to Spanish-speaking students.
Welcome Yeimmy Torrez, our newest Professional Development Facilitator. Yeimmy dove right in and has already co-facilitated the training of the Mosaic staff with Terese Boegly. In Terese’s own words, “Yeimmy is a natural!” Another plus — she is a fluent Spanish speaker.
Yeimmy’s field of expertise includes education, implementation strategy, and diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. With 10 years of experience in classroom teaching, training educators, and implementing various organizing campaigns within NYC, Yeimmy continues to pursue her passion for educational equity and aspires to be a leader who champions social, economic, and racial justice.
Prior to joining Choose Creativity, Yeimmy managed different aspects of teacher training, including building their social-emotional development competencies and leadership skills, as well as strengthening community partnerships. Yeimmy has a natural ability to facilitate meaningful discussions and create inclusive environments. Yeimmy earned her B.S. in Communication & Design from Ithaca College. She holds an MA in Education.
