What started with fledgling beginnings as an after school program with just a few schools, Sisters Circle mushroomed to a much larger enterprise gifting young girls with a mentor in the spring of 6th grade. What started as a dream became reality and now is in its 20th year of operation.
This is a story of transition from tween years through high school and the difference that can be made with a five prong approach bought about by the Sister Circle program. Those five prongs involve (1) An after school program to introduce girls to the concept, build rapport, and launch a 10 week social emotional curriculum focusing on self-management, self awareness, responsible decision making, and relationship skills (2) 1-1 Mentorship where girls are partnered with a mentor who learn from each other, share information, and practice life skills (3) Activities such as cultural, recreational; painting, field trips, biking, hiking, GirlTalk (4) Summer Camp experience which stretch comfort zones (5) Post Secondary Planning where girls learn broadened options and how to navigate life decisions beyond school and work.
Heather Harvison, the creator of Sisters Circle, is in her 20th year as Founder and Executive Director. On a daily basis Heather manages Development, fundraising, board relations, communication, marketing, strategic planning and leadership.
She was named one of the Daily Records 2014 Top 100 Women, VIP List Successful by 40, up and comer on the list of influential Marylanders in Philanthropy, honored by the Jr. League, woman of distinction, and national news media with Brian Williams.
Heather holds a Masters of Arts Degree from John Hopkins Univ., Bachelor Degree in public relations and advertising from Mary Baldwin College and is a 2009 graduate of Leadership Program, greater Baltimore