A New Vision For Teens' Futures in Ferguson

St. Louis, Mo. - The Oct. 3 ribbon cutting and grand opening of the new Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis (BGCSTL) Teen Center of Excellence in Ferguson, Missouri symbolized more than just the completion of a building, it celebrated the healing of a community and a brighter future for its teens.  

VIDEO: Fit Club Fun

Are you ready to put your health first? Let's go!

VIDEO: Discussing Self-Care Catholicism

Does self-care just mean yoga mats and bubble baths? Find out how taking care of yourself involves you mentally, physically and spiritually.

Meet and Greet: DJ Zeke of Oluwaseyi

On this edition of The M Report’s digital podcast, Missy interviews international Dj/Entrepreneur Dj Zeke as he shares all the tea on the creative industry, his new menswear line Oluwaseyi and mastering the hustle. You don’t want to miss the encouraging words he shares for other fellow artists! Subscribe and be inspired.

VIDEO: Rebuilding Puerto Rico

Young Catholic leaders from the Vicariate of Black Catholic Concerns' Youth Ambassadors program are back in New York after spending the first week of July volunteering in Aibonito, Puerto Rico - an area that was struck by Hurricane Maria nearly two years ago. Tablet reporter Melissa Enaje reports on the relief efforts completed by the diocesan youth and reactions from the Puerto Ricans from the Diocese of Caguas.

Sunday Soul Session: When Good Meets Brokenness

Reflecting on a mission trip to central Puerto Rico,
I couldn’t help but wonder, what is the source
for good to meet the needs of others? 

By Missy E.

Greetings from sunny central Puerto Rico! I covered a week-long mission trip to Aibonito with a large group of young adults and youth from the Vicariate of Black Catholic Concerns’ Youth Ambassador Program.

On the fifth day of the trip, we made way to San Juan’s Escambron Beach from central Aibonito’s winding roads in the mountains more than an hour away.

At the culmination of observing others for a couple days – from locals who were affected by the hurricane to New York visitors – I thought, ‘what is the source for good to meet the needs of others?’

The 2019 Summer Solstice x NUEST Cosmetics

Shine this summer! (Photo by my big sis!)

On the day Mother Earth dipped in its orbit with the North Pole at its maximum tilt, the longest period of sunlight occurred June 21, marking the official beginning of summer in the Northern Hemisphere.

With bright days ahead figuratively, we hope literally that your calendar will include brighter days. Because the fact of the matter is that as we reached this point - more than halfway through the year - it also marked the countdown until the winter solstice in December. 

So be present. Be thankful. While it’s easier said than done, it’s definitely an ongoing process. Do something that makes you happy. Embrace the light within you. 

That being said, I celebrated the start of summer with my sister in Miami 🌴☀️. We had our crazy moments, per usual, but I was so glad to spend time with her as our busy schedules allowed. My big sister is the best and I’m thankful for her crazy behind! 

Throughout the trip, I made sure to shine on the outside with the goodies from NUEST Cosmetics! NUEST has been committed to developing high quality, innovative beauty products made with integrity. Their cruelty-free formulas feel light and super silky.

Be sure to click “Read More” for more about the trip!

Sunday Soul Session: "They Made Her Stand In The Middle"

By Father Bryan Massingale, Professor of Theological and Social Ethics at Fordham University in the Bronx

(Editor's Note: I was so moved by the words of this priest, in particularly the last two paragraphs. Excellent writing to keep the most poignant and powerful point at the end. The author cites a woman theologian whom I actually had the privilege to hear speak at a panel as part of Religious Sisters Week. It was SO refreshing to hear woman leaders in the Church who are incredibly intelligent and challenge the status quo, especially when 10 out of 10 times they're challenging their superiors [men].

Nonetheless, this reflection challenges toxic masculinity in the most honest and humble way - by fixing the comparison on Jesus. I hope you enjoy as much as I did.)

Click "Read More" for the full story!

Meet and Greet: Jamie B. of Viva Bandida

Jamie B.

Spend an afternoon with two Latina trailblazers at the Brooklyn Museum - Jamie B. of Viva Bandida and Frida Kahlo - and one cannot but help but be inspired. 

The new Frida Kahlo exhibit at the Prospect Heights museum opened to the public and Jamie invited The M Report along for the ride. 

Balancing her role as an artist and the creative director behind the brand Viva Bandida, Jamie B. shared her insight as to what she brings to the table. 

Click "Read More" for the full interview!

Meet and Greet: Designer Penny Wang of PYW Goods

For Women's History Month, we're highlighting visionaries who aren't afraid to step out of the box and pave a way for their passions to come to life. 

First up is Penny Wang of the Bangkok based brand, PYW Goods. 

Penny Wang 

M:  Tell us about your products and the vision behind them.

PW: Designing bags is a hobby I picked up not too long after I started working here in Bangkok, Thailand. I appreciate fashion and I want to create something special - simple, stylish, unique handbags that are not overpriced - bags deisgned by a woman for women. Each piece is unique. The material, texture and hardwares are all carefully chosen and put together. I hope my future customers can see my designs as statements, ways of expressing themselves. 

For the full story, click "Read More" below!

NEW VIDEO: "Being Sent Forth: World Youth Day 2019"

World Youth Day pilgrims from around the world are back home, having returned to the responsibilities of school and work, family life and social circles. Missy of The M Report and her guest Reyna discuss how to apply what was taught or experienced in Panama City back into their own lives.

World Youth Day 2019 in Panama!

Hanging out at the Press Center with fellow Houston pilgrim, Reyna Anderson.

I'm finally back in the regular swing of things after one of the best experiences in my life (hands down!) 

Even on my birthday, the love kept pouring in and I was just overwhelmed with such gratitude and joy from strangers and those whom I hold close. 

So I wanted a central place to share all the stories I filed while I was in Panama as well as when I came back to New York. Ta-da! This post will have all the links. Thanks to all the pilgrims and especially to the group leaders who made the weeklong experience as seamless as possible. 

• Queens Village Youth Gets A Special Opportunity to Shine
• Panamanian Sisters Honor Late Mother With WYD Pilgrimage
• How WYD Group Leaders Saved the Final Catechesis
• Catechesis Changes Perceptions, Encourages Youth to Connect to God
• Pilgrims Find Challenges, Graces on the Journey
• WYD Brings Affirmation, Joy, Graces to Diocesan Youth
• Pilgrims Receive Blessing Before Heading to Panama
• Incarnation Youth Raise Funds to See the Pope

And a personal reflection: Let's Walk With Our Youth To Help Shape the Future

Missy’s Bday: Send Songs and/or Donate To Harlem Non-Profit ‘Rising Leaders’

It’s that time of year again - celebrating the precious gift of life! While that should be an everyday mantra, we all know life can be rough around the edges. But all hope is not lost. Small acts of charity and kindness can stir up the pot and sometimes it’s just as simple as a smile or a great song that motivates us to move in a positive direction.

I’m dedicating this b-day to Rising Leaders, Inc. - a nonprofit that empowers underserved middle schoolers through mentorships and leadership development. Their local NYC chapter is making a difference in the lives of Harlem students. If you know me, I love the kids! Our world needs great leaders and this is definitely one step in that direction. To find out more about Rising Leaders, head to their facebook page: Rising Leaders, Inc.

Here’s how YOU come into play:

If you’re at the NYC B-Day celebration (1/19) - there will be a raffle for a sweet giveaway package. Purchase some raffle tickets! Proceeds are going to the organization. We’ll take venmo or square will take cards.

How to Donate to the B-day Charity:  venmo @MMEnajellc or to my personal fundraising page

Missy's Fundraising Page

We’re hoping to have a wicked playlist, so send us some songs that will keep the night flowing! Click the link below and add songs!

How to Send Songs to the Spotify Playlist: 

Missy’s Bday Jams

My birthday wish is that we continue to move in a positive direction this year, dear 2019. As my fellow Aquarius winter babies know, we flow to the rhythms that life gives us, but we need the sun!

So spread a little sunshine for what I’m hoping will be a great birthday event. Everything happens for a reason and I’m thankful the reason you’re here is to contribute to the sounds for the birthday event and/or to donate to a great cause.

I’d like to thank the local sponsors for their generosity with the giveaways!

Please show a lot of love to Viva Bandida!