Please consider supporting me as I travel with my fellow Cinnamongirls to experience this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Hola family, friends, and potential donors,

I have been chosen once again to participate in an amazing international travel experience with a wonderful organization called Cinnamongirl. Cinnamongirl is a leadership development organization that has been serving girls from all over the United States since 2003. The organization not only develops and nurtures lifelong bonds between girls within the program, but it also fosters relationships with professionals in the areas of entrepreneurship and storytelling. Cinnamongirl also provides girls of color with a wide array of first hand community and global experiences that allow girls such as myself to cultivate both a community and global oriented mindset.

With your help, I will travel to the beautiful and vibrant country of Peru in June of 2024. There, I will be immersed in the country’s rich and diverse culture, language and history. I am particularly thrilled to visit the numerous archaeological and historical sites such as the city of Cuzco and of course, the ancient Incan civilization of Machu Picchu, one of the 7 wonders of the world. I am interested in not only touring historical sites, but also learning about Peru's diverse traditions and customs. More importantly, how the Indigenous, European, and African ethnic groups blended together to create such a unique and fascinating culture.

Peru is home to a large portion of the Amazon Rainforest, over 60% of Peru's landscape is covered by the Peruvian Amazon. I am extremely excited to visit the rainforest where I will have the opportunity to learn about various animals and plant life that make up this vast ecosystem. Through this experience, I will gain a better understanding of the vital role that the Amazon Rainforest plays in sustaining the earth and why it is so important to protect and preserve it.

Traveling to Peru will be a life enriching experience. This trip will further expand my knowledge of the world around me and the unique cultures that exist within it. Through my learnings, I will grow as a global citizen and leader within my community. My expanded worldview will allow me to educate others of the influence and contributions made by Africans outside of Africa and the New World. In addition, with the knowledge gained from my travels to the Peruvian Rainforest, I can become an informed advocate for environmental health and preservation.

My goal is to raise $5,700, which will cover the cost of my airfare, lodging, food, and souvenirs. Any donation you can make would be greatly appreciated. Thank you all for supporting me! I cannot wait to go on this journey and share my experiences with you when I return.

With gratitude,

Symone