by Alexa Vargas
Photo credit: Laura McCabe
The pandemic certainly hasn’t prevented the women and girls of Wonder Girls from making a difference in their community! Launched in December 2020 by co-founders Natalie Maniscalco and Irene Zervoudis, Wonder Girls is a non-profit and after school program that focuses on building confidence, leadership, community and business skills for middle and high school girls. With the alarming statistics of the devastating effects of both social media and the pandemic on the self-esteem of teenage girls, Wonder Girls is on a mission to provide the support, empowerment and mentorship girls need to become stronger, successful women. The after-school program is currently held in high schools, middle schools and community centers in New York and New Jersey including the Nyack Community Center in Rockland County. In the meantime, you can catch these girls helping at local organizations across the suburbs. Each month, Wonder Girls partners with charities to provide hands-on community service and to encourage the need of helping those less fortunate.
“It’s important to teach children healthy habits while they are young so that they grow into healthy adults. While our core program focuses on specific business-related components, we care about the overall well-being of our Wonder Girls. We want to teach self-care and healthy habits that will help our girls to stay strong both physically and mentally, because we know that when we feel good, we look good, we do good!” said Natalie Maniscalco and Irene Zervoudis, co-founders of Wonder Girls
On Sun, Sept 26, 2021, Wonder Girls will host its first annual Wellness Day | Fitness Fundraiser at Varsity House, 337 Blaisdell Road in Orangeburg, NY from 10a-1p to raise funds for scholarships and educational programs, plus bring awareness to the importance of self-care, nutrition, mental well-being and exercise. This is a 3-hour event packed with workshops, panel discussions with industry professionals, prizes and free swag bags. $25 for adults and $10 for students. Panel discussions will be led by speakers in the health industry, such as Physical Therapist Dr. Arantzazu “Zazu” Cioce, Emotional & Spiritual Guide Yudy Veras Bueno, Fitness Ambassador Michael Chang, and Gynecologist Dr. Kerry-Anne Perkins. Each participant has a chance to win a FREE week with Getchasweaton Online Training App, Zyn Daily Wellness Drink Mix, Nail Polish from Bee Causes, Phoenix Physical Therapy Package, NYSFC Soccer Tickets, Gilly Organics Gift Basket, 1 week of training at Varsity House, and a Fit & Stretch massage vendor at the day of the event. Visit eventbrite.com to register and support a cause.
