Upcoming Events
Free Yoga Class Series
We are starting our new yoga class series together with our partner Harlem Wellness Center. First class is on Saturday the 13th of January at 10-11am, repeating every Saturday after that. You're welcome to stay and enjoy some tea in our community space after the class. Sign up through Eventbrite, email, or by calling.
Capacity is limited, so make sure to sign up!
Sign up on Eventbrite, by email info@kota-alliance.org or call/text 347 884 3626.
About our yoga instructor, Diana Diaz:
Diana Diaz, is a 500 hour yoga teacher with advanced certifications in Anatomy and Physiology, Accessible Yoga, Holistic Sound Healing, Yoga Philosophy, Healing Relationships, and Yoga for Stress Management.
She is a Native Nuyorican and mother (a Millennial and a GenZer) who is passionately dedicated to serving marginalized communities.
Diana is also an author, specializing in personal essay, memoir and creative non-fiction. She conducts workshops and retreats that combine the grounding and spirituality of yoga with the discipline and self-reflection of writing. The yogic practice allows us to embrace vulnerability in writing through the safety and strength of our Inner Peace.
Ayni Healing Collective Monthly Digital Reiki Circle
Each circle will be facilitated by a trained Reiki practitioner/facilitator and will center on a theme of the month. Energy medicine is a powerful tool of many cultures and traditions around the world, and for many Indigenous peoples throughout time.
We offer this space for anyone who wants to join, as you are, from wherever you are - let's share in community space online together.
Community Lunch Celebrating New Moms
Join us at Kota Nest as we extend the Mother's Day celebration!
Calling all new moms in our community to join us for a post-Mother's Day lunch featuring Diandra Sital, a local caterer and chef.
The event is dedicated to supporting new moms' and coming together as a community.
Let's gather together to create a supportive space where we can openly discuss our needs, share resources, and provide ongoing support for one another.
This event is free of charge, but be sure to register to secure your spot.
Destination Dining 2024
Kota Alliance’s annual fundraising event, Destination Dining is back!
Destination Dining - Helsinki x Harlem presents some of the most talented chefs from within the New Nordic culinary movement in the European Nordics teaming up with a local super talent to create an unforgettable evening in a historical setting in Harlem.
Back for a second time around at Destination Dining, are the award-winning head chefs and owners of restaurants 305 and Wellamo, Janne Keskevaari and Dani Hänninen from Helsinki. Joining them is the celebrated Bronx-based chef Lana Lagomarsini, most recently known for her appearance in season 1 of Netflix’s new show, the Pressure Cooker.
The evening will start with cocktails and a small bite at 6:30 pm, followed by a sit-down dinner. Tickets are priced at $250 with the possibility for an additional donation to be made. Corporate sponsorships are welcome, from $2500 and up, please inquire at jaana@kota-alliance.org. You can also help us invite some community members by purchasing an extra ticket for $150.
A ticket includes a 6-course dinner created in collaboration between the chefs, and a beverage pairing, including cocktails inspired by the Scandinavian summer designed by internationally awarded bartender Daniel Woodward. Weather permitting, we will enjoy those in our back patio.
Please let us know about any possible dietary restrictions and/or allergies at least one week before the dinner by emailing us at daniel@kota-alliance.org.
All proceeds from the event go towards Kota’s programming in health and wellness, healing arts, and economic empowerment for women in our community.
Get your tickets here : https://www.eventbrite.com/e/destination-dining-helsinki-x-harlem-nordic-fusion-dinner-tickets-882868662937?aff=oddtdtcreator
Writing Our Way Through It - Writing Workshop
This workshop will be an experimental and interactive space for us to be creative in community with each other and share the stories living in our hearts and imaginations. The space is open to anyone interested and there is no need to have writing experience. Bring your hopes, fears, joys, and heaviness and we will write our way through the storyline of our own lives.
Learn more about Teresa Mateus who will lead the workshop.
Ayni Healing Collective Monthly Celebration + Potluck Dinner
Our potluck space is a multigenerational space for community-building and connection that also centers young adults, especially folks in transition from homelessness, and our local BIPOC and QTBIPOC community members.
Join us for time together where we will open with practices for rest and relaxation and close each evening with a community ritual celebrating the theme of the month and ourselves.
Afternoon MaterniTEA Party
April 13, 2024
Join us on Saturday, April 13th, from 2:00 to 4:00 PM at Kota Alliance in New York City for a community care and conversation space celebrating Black Maternal Health Week. This event is designed for soon-to-be and new mothers from Harlem and surrounding areas, offering nurturing support, information, and resources for the birthing and mothering journey. Hosted by Kota Alliance and My Angel Doula Alliance, with support from Ayni Healing Collective, the schedule includes a welcoming meditation, herbal tea conversation, community games, holistic healing clinic, gratitude ritual, and a shared meal. Gift bags will be provided as tokens of appreciation.
Sign up on Eventbrite.
Women's Community Dinner: Focus on Breast Cancer
Join us for a special community dinner at Kota Alliance! We are coming together to raise awareness and support for women diagnosed with, or survivors of, breast cancer. At this in-person event we will enjoy healthy and delicious food, inspiring stories, and a chance to connect with others who have been affected by this disease.
We will have a guest speaker, Dr. Philip Kivitz. Dr Kivitz is a retired radiologist with expertise in breast cancer screening. Special guest: Wilhelmina Grant-Cooper of Sistaah.org (Survivors Inspiring Sisters Through Art and Advocacy for Health), an arts-based non-profit organization which seeks to inform, encourage and facilitate access to early detection of breast cancer by connecting the medically underserved to free screening services.
We will be serving salmon, rice and greens - if you require special accommodations, eg. vegan, let us know by emailing info@kota-alliance.org.
Join us for this meaningful event! It's an opportunity to learn, ask questions, and help us spread awareness and show support for those affected by this disease.
Please, sign up to the event here.
Free Yoga Class Series
We are starting our new yoga class series together with our partner Harlem Wellness Center. First class is on Saturday the 13th of January at 10-11am, repeating every Saturday after that. You're welcome to stay and enjoy some tea in our community space after the class. Sign up through Eventbrite, email, or by calling.
Capacity is limited, so make sure to sign up!
Sign up on Eventbrite, by email info@kota-alliance.org or call/text 347 884 3626.
About our yoga instructor, Diana Diaz:
Diana Diaz, is a 500 hour yoga teacher with advanced certifications in Anatomy and Physiology, Accessible Yoga, Holistic Sound Healing, Yoga Philosophy, Healing Relationships, and Yoga for Stress Management.
She is a Native Nuyorican and mother (a Millennial and a GenZer) who is passionately dedicated to serving marginalized communities.
Diana is also an author, specializing in personal essay, memoir and creative non-fiction. She conducts workshops and retreats that combine the grounding and spirituality of yoga with the discipline and self-reflection of writing. The yogic practice allows us to embrace vulnerability in writing through the safety and strength of our Inner Peace.
A Celebration of Light - A Celebration of Humanity: Art Exhibit
During the months of December and January, the Kota Alliance hosted A Celebration of Light – A Celebration of Humanity: a month-long visual art exhibit and pop-up shop for women/womynx.
During the winter holiday season, many cultures and religions traditionally celebrate with images of light. Clouded by the darkness of world events, artists can point the way to affirm our shared humanity and provide a symbol of hope.
The exhibition asserted the diverse experiences of women/womynx artists as they reflect on humanity and lightness. The exhibition also served artists in the community by providing a platform for arts sales. Organized by Yael Ben-Zion.
Women's Health Forum
The Women's Health Forum is an opportunity for organizations in Northern Manhattan to come together and discuss important topics related to women's health. This event aims to bring mental health issues into focus, including how we address them through holistic and healing modalities and the arts. Don't miss out on this informative and engaging forum where you can network with like-minded individuals, share what your organization is doing in this field, and learn from others. Mark your calendars and be prepared for an inspiring day filled with insightful discussions and valuable connections. We look forward to seeing you there!
Agenda:
9:00 doors open - breakfast
10:00 Welcome by Kota
10:10 Keynote speaker: Catherine Monk (Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology; Chief of Division of Women’s Mental Health)
10:35 Roundtable intros of organizations in the room
11:00 Moderated discussion
11:50 Conclusion
12-1pm Lunch and networking
Keynote Speaker Catherine Monk
Catherine Monk, PhD, is the inaugural Diana Vagelos Professor of Women’s Mental Health and Chief, Division of Women’s Mental Health, in the Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology (Ob/Gyn) and Professor of Medical Psychology in the Department of Psychiatry at Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons. Dr. Monk is the founding director of Women’s Mental Health @Ob/Gyn, an embedded service helping women across the life course and enhancing health equity by accepting most insurances for mental health care. Dr Monk’s research, at the PerinatalPathways lab, brings together the fields of developmental psychopathology, developmental psychobiology, developmental neuroscience, and perinatal psychiatry to focus on the earliest influences on children’s developmental trajectories—those that happen in utero—and how to intervene early to help pregnant people and prevent mental health problems in the next generation. Her research has been continuously funded by the National Institute of Health (NIH) since her NIH Career Development award in 2000. Dr. Monk directs the new Center for the Transition to Parenthood (TtP): Two Generation Impact, a research-to-practice initiative to provide greater support and information to all patients undergoing perinatal care, address the mental health of all parents, improve infant outcomes, and promote family well-being.
Call for Artists: Holiday Exhibition
During the holidays Kota is hosting an art exhibit centered on celebrating light and humanity at the Nest!
We hope to exhibit as many women/womxn artists' works as possible. If your work corresponds to the theme, we invite you to submit an application.
Harlem LGTBQIA+ Health Forum
Join us for a space of community, conversation, resource-sharing and visioning together around our shared work in and for LGBTQIA+ communities in Harlem.
This event will include a breakfast (beginning at 9:30 am), a guest speaker, and shared networking and conversation space where a collective of representatives from Harlem-area organizations, institutions and community groups will lift up the work we do, the needs we meet and what we hope to build for LGBTQIA+ community in the neighborhood.
It will be a space to dream together and imagine the ways we can support each other's work and partner together into the future. We will close with lunch from 12-1:00 pm.
We hope you will join us for an event with representatives from across the fields serving LGBTQIA+ folks in mental/emotional, medical/embodied, spiritual care and beyond.
The Keynote Speaker: Betty Pierre
Betty Pierre, LMSW is a Haitian American Social Worker, Poet and Activist who lives, writes, and performs poetry in New York and Florida. She is the author of a poetry collection Babel 2007 (Infinity Publishing). Multilingual, she weaves Creole, French and Spanish into her poems reaching broad audiences with the scope of her pieces. She has published in community newspapers and received an Editor’s Choice Award from the International Library of Poetry (2006). She is a recognized Writer’s Digest International book award poet. She received a World of Poetry merit certificate for her poem Once the Bountiful. Her powerful poem Who is Jane? was published in the International Women’s Writers Guild Black History Month journal (2021). Her landmark poem, Who will Save the Children addressed the issues of child abuse. She is currently working on finalizing her second poetry collection, Nothing in Isolation. She is a member of the Bronx Council of the Arts, The National Writers Union, and the International Women’s Writer’s Guild.
She merges social activism and art to raise awareness about Domestic Violence, Human Trafficking, Sexual Assault and Runaway Homeless Youth. As a social work leader, she implemented many initiatives to improve child wellbeing for children in adolescents in foster care, and the critical need to provide secondary education to foster care youth. She organized Child Commercial and Sex Trafficking Prevention, and Domestic Violence conference for hundreds of attendees. She designed several group curriculums for working with parenting Spanish families, adolescents, and young children (6-12 years of age). She developed protocols for inter-county jurisdictional agreements, child fatality prevention, training and is currently working on initiatives to combat institutional racism.
Opening Ceremony Facilitator: Imani Rashid
Imani Rashid is a respected educator, community organizer, writer, activist, Yoruba Priest, motivational speaker, mentor, event curator and institution builder. Born in New York City, she was given the name Betty Bullen and later adopted the name Imani Rashid that was given to her by her partner Naema in 1975. Naema thought her name should be more meaningful. Imani Rashid means, "rightly guided", "true faith" and "the high one".
Imani managed to complete her undergraduate education at NYU as a member of AKA sorority despite suffering from undiagnosed narcolepsy. As a graduate student she studied Education and Human Development with Dr. Jeanne L. Noble; a renowned educator, author, activist and first African American woman to be made full professor at NYU. An activist was born, when Dr. Noble chose her to be part of the 1960's team who travelled throughout the states integrating schools. She had a front-row seat to observe the dichotomy, the disparity and the disappointment that segregation brought.
Imani Rashid has been a Harlem resident for decades and presently helps to lead senior citizen workshops in Tai Chi and Qi Gong. She believes intergenerational networking is the only way to move forward. As a black queer elder Imani is truly grateful for all the queer and trans youth for whom she has become a mentor and spiritual guide. Her trans men mentee's remind her of her bestie, lesbian activist Maua Flowers, who founded Salsa Soul Sisters, one of the oldest black lesbian organizations in the USA.
"I am truly living a sacred life of reciprocity, whatever I impart is given back and more."
The Face of Justice: Amplifying the Voices of West Harlem Women Artists
The Kota Alliance is hosting a month-long, curated visual art exhibit centered on women’s identity and social justice.
Documentary Film Screening: Vianey
Kota Nest is excited to host a documentary screening of Vianey (2016) together with the Finland Center Foundation.
For the past ten years, Marko Vuorinen has been returning to New York and the US. It was here that he made the transition from photographer to filmmaker. Since then he has filmed three documentaries, two of which are situated in New York: Tamara W. (2014) and Vianey (2016). The latter, which will be screened in this event, was filmed during Vuorinen’s last residency with the FCINY. He is not looking to tell stories of victims but of people with large spectrums to their lives and wants to document not only why a woman has become marginalized in society but how that person has processed it and their future direction.
Vuorinen will join for a Q&A session on Zoom after the screening. Refreshments will be served.
More about the film here.
The event is free of charge but donations are encouraged. Join us for the screening at 7PM at the Kota Nest!
Registration through this link.
The Face of Justice: Self-portraiture workshop with Rafaela Luna
In this workshop, we're not just creating art; we're exploring who we are. Guided by West Harlem Rafaela Luna, you'll bring your self-portrait to life, all while uncovering hidden talents and meaningful insights. Together, we'll brainstorm and reflect on the shaping of the self through the lens of social justice.
No prior art experience is necessary – just an open heart and a desire to explore your identity through creativity.
The Face of Justice: Artist Q&A
In this Q&A you can learn more about the powerful women artists on view at the Face of Justice exhibition at the Kota Alliance. Moderated by Curator, Yael Ben-Zion.
Participating Artists
Cathleen Campbell @cathleencampbellpix
Lisa Candela @lisa_candela_art
Mx.Enigma @Mx.Enigma
Wilhemina Grant-Cooper @sistaahstudio
Maggie Hernandez @maggiehernandezart
Junny Hibbert @junny.nyc
Julia Justo @juliajustoart
Cathleen Luo @catluo27.art
Rafaela Luna @rafaelalunarl
Naivy Perez @naivypj
Bonnie Phillips @bonniephillips008
Labdhi Shah @artistlabdishah
POSTPONED Empoderar su Billetera
Empoderar su Billetera
Los fundamentos de capacidades financieras para mujeres. Los temas incluyen banca tradicional y en línea, mejorar las soluciones de crédito y deuda y administración del dinero.
Instructor: Pedro Hernandez
Senior Manager, HUD Certified Housing Counseling Program at Harlem Community Development Corporation
La experiencia profesional de Hernández es en préstamos comerciales y asesoramiento financiero.
Empower Her Wallet
A financial education workshop for women, held in Spanish. The topics include traditional and online banking, understanding credit and debt and money management.
Instructor: Pedro Hernandez
Senior Manager, HUD Certified Housing Counseling Program at Harlem Community Development Corporation
Hernandez’s professional experience is in commercial lending and financial advising.
Women’s Health Forum
The Kota Alliance is thrilled to unveil its newest endeavor, an innovative Women's Health Forum, aimed at advancing women's empowerment through the Health Equity program. This pivotal event is strategically centered in Northern Manhattan, focusing on addressing critical health challenges faced by women in our community. The Women's Health Forum will unite mission-aligned nonprofits and stakeholders to collectively enhance women's health and well-being.
The Kota Alliance understands that fostering women's advancement is essential for societal peace and prosperity. Health and wellness form the bedrock of this progress. By participating in the Women's Health Forum, local organizations will seamlessly integrate into a collaborative effort to enact positive change and elevate women's health and empowerment.
Schedule:
9:00 Continental breakfast
10:00 Welcome by The Kota Alliance, Jaana Rehnstrom, Founder and President; Moderator: Maureen Hogan
10:10 Keynote speech , NYS Senator Cordell Cleare; Q&A
10:25 Video greeting by Melody Goodman, New York University School of Global Public Health
10:30 Maternal Mortality in BIPOC: Mary-Powel Thomas, Director of Healthy Start Brooklyn; Q&A
11:00 Introduction to Kota and the Health Equity Program; Jaana Rehnstrom
11:10 Presentation of organizations in the room; moderated and open discussion.
12:50 Concluding remarks, exit survey: Annie Reynoso
1 -2 pm Lunch and networking
We invite all organizations committed to women's health, especially those in the Northern Manhattan and the Bronx area, to join us in this transformative initiative.
Call for Artists - Convocatoria para Artistas
IN ENGLISH
Call for Artists
The Face of Justice: Amplifying Women Artists of West Harlem
Great news! KOTA has extended the deadline for the exhibition, “The Face of Justice: Amplifying Women Artists of West Harlem” to Monday, July 31.
KOTA wants to give applicants the opportunity to truly explore their connection to West Harlem in a month-long visual art exhibit centered on women’s identity and social justice.
West Harlem celebrates a rich cultural heritage and diversity of both longtime residents and immigrants from Latin America, Asia, and the Middle East. The Exhibition will provide a platform for focused discussions on the intersection of racial justice and gender equity to heighten awareness and bring about healing.
Applicants don't have to currently live in West Harlem. Self identifying women artist who have an affinity to this most culturally diverse neighborhoods of Harlem may apply, especially in you live, work, learn, play, grew up or have lived in West Harlem
We encourage all artists of any visual arts discipline to apply.
We invite artists whose work corresponds to the theme of the exhibition to submit an application on Google Forms, which can be found in the link below. Up to 10 artists will be selected to participate in the exhibition based on the quality of their individual work, as well as on its interaction with the artwork of the other artists in the show. All artists chosen to exhibit will receive a $250 stipend.
Guidelines
Deadline for submissions: Monday, July 31st 2023
Eligibility: Self identifying women artists who have an affinity to this most culturally diverse neighborhoods of Harlem may apply, especially in you live, work, learn, play, grew up or have lived in West Harlem.
All submissions must consist of:
Submission form (see link below)
Bio (up to 500 words)
Artist’s statement (up to 500 words) commenting on the themes of your work as they relate to this exhibit, the process used or other relevant descriptive material.
3-7 digital images of available work (and corresponding title, date completed, medium, and dimensions).
Important dates:
Deadline Monday, July 31st, 2023
Notification: by Tuesday, September 5, 2023
Delivery of accepted work: Wednesday, September 27, 2023
Exhibition: Monday, October 2, 2023 - Tuesday, October 31, 2023
Opening reception: Wednesday, October 4, 2023
Artist talk: Thursday, October 12, 2023
Please pick-up work: November 2, 2023
Submit your work below
We look forward to receiving your submissions!
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About the Kota Alliance: Founded in 2015, Kota is a global center for gender equity. Its West Harlem headquarters in New York City serves as a hub and incubator for individuals, non-profits, and entrepreneurs working for the empowerment of women and girls, both locally and globally. Kota partners with sister organizations that seek to improve and empower women’s lives through impactful collaboration. By sharing ideas and working together, it seeks to pave the way for the advancement of all people in our communities.
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EN ESPAÑOL
Convocatoria para Artistas
El Rostro de la Justicia: Amplificando a las Mujeres Artistas de West Harlem
¡Buenas noticias! KOTA ha extendido la fecha límite para la exposición “The Face of Justice: Amplifying Women Artists of West Harlem" hasta el lunes 31 de julio.
KOTA quiere dar a los solicitantes la oportunidad de explorar verdaderamente su conexión con West Harlem en una exposición de arte visual de un mes de duración centrada en la identidad de las mujeres y la justicia social.
West Harlem celebra una rica herencia cultural y diversidad tanto de residentes de larga data como de inmigrantes de América Latina, Asia y Medio Oriente. La exposición proporcionará una plataforma para discusiones enfocadas en la intersección de la justicia racial y la equidad de género para aumentar la conciencia y lograr la curación.
Los solicitantes actualmente no tienen que vivir en West Harlem. Las mujeres artistas que se identifican a sí mismas y que tienen afinidad con los vecindarios más culturalmente diversos de Harlem pueden postularse, especialmente en su vida, trabajo, aprendizaje, juego, creció o ha vivido en West Harlem.
Alentamos a todos los artistas de cualquier disciplina de artes visuales a postularse.
Invitamos a las artistas cuyo trabajo corresponda con el tema de la exposición a enviar sus propuestas en Google Forms. Esta se puede encontrar en el enlace agregado al final del texto. Se seleccionarán hasta 10 artistas para participar en la exposición. La seleccion se basará en la calidad del trabajo individual, así como de su interacción con las obras de arte de las otras participantes. Todas las artistas elegidas para exhibir recibirán un estipendio de $250 dólares.
Pautas
Plazo de presentación: Lunes, 31 de Julio del 2023
Elegibilidad: Mujeres artistas que se identifican a sí mismas y que tienen afinidad con los vecindarios más culturalmente diversos de Harlem pueden postularse, especialmente en su vida, trabajo, aprendizaje, juego, creció o ha vivido en West Harlem.
Todas las presentaciones deben consistir en:
Formulario de envío (ver enlace más abajo)
Biografía (hasta 500 palabras)
Declaración del artista (hasta 500 palabras) comentando los temas de su trabajo en relación con esta exhibición, el proceso utilizado u otro material descriptivo relevante.
3-7 imágenes digitales de obras disponibles. Incluir: título correspondiente, fecha de finalización, medio y dimensiones.
Fechas importantes:
Fecha límite para aplicar: Lunes, 31 de Julio, 2023
Notificación: Martes, 5 de Septiembre del 2023
Recepción de obras: Miércoles, 27 de Septiembre del 2023
Inauguración: Miércoles, 4 de Octubre del 2023
Conversatorio: Jueves, 12 de Octubre del 2023
Recogida de las obras: Jueves, 2 de Noviembre del 2023
Someta su aplicacion en el enlace a continuacion:
¡Esperamos recibir sus propuestas!
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Acerca de Kota Alliance: Fundada en 2015, Kota es un centro global para la equidad de género. Su sede en West Harlem en la ciudad de Nueva York sirve como centro e incubadora para personas, organizaciones sin fines de lucro y emprendedores que trabajan para el empoderamiento de mujeres y niñas, tanto a nivel local como global. Kota se asocia con organizaciones hermanas que buscan mejorar y empoderar la vida de las mujeres a través de una colaboración impactante. Al compartir ideas y trabajar juntos, busca allanar el camino para el avance de todas las personas en nuestras comunidades.
Anner’s workshop for autistic adults
In July we had the pleasure to host Anner Imode who conducted a 4 week workshop for young adults focused on building confidence, empowerment and independence.
Find out more on Anner’s website:
Anner’s workshop for autistic adults
In July we had the pleasure to host Anner Imode who conducted a 4 week workshop for young adults focused on building confidence, empowerment and independence.
Find out more on Anner’s website:
Latino Film Market 2023 - Screenings and a Workshop
Latino Film Market 2023 - Screenings and a Workshop
In June 2023, the Latino Film Market welcomed filmmakers, programmers and jurors, special guests, speakers, parnetrs, artists and the general public. It was created by longtime Kota member, filmmaker Arilyn Martinez, hosted two of their events at the Kota Nest, including (short-)films screenings and two workshops;one on film marketing, distribution and financing, and the other on script writing. Since 2017, the organization focuses on creating, showcasing and promoting Latino content and upcoming filmmakers who do not have movie distribution by organizing an annual film festival.
This event happened through the collaboration and partnership of Kota Alliance and volunteers.
For more information please visit us: www.latinofilmmarket.org
Latino Film Market 2023 - Proyecciones de cortometrajes y taller
El Latino Film Market 2023 da la bienvenida a cineastas, programadores y jurados, invitados especiales, artistas y público en general.
El evento incluirá proyecciones de cortometrajes y un taller. Después de la proyección, tendremos sesiones de preguntas y respuestas con los directores, productores, actores, equipos y artistas.
Este evento está sucediendo a través de la colaboración y asociación de Kota Alliance y voluntarios.
Para más información visítenos: www.latinofilmmarket.org
Social Into Social - a social media marketing course for women - especially 50+
The course was designed for female entrepreneurs who wanted to learn how to use social media to grow their business.
In this workshop, we focused on:
Growing social media following
Creating engaging content
Using social media to drive traffic to website
Measuring results
The workshop was facilitated by JUNNY, a creative entrepreneur and Harlem designer with over 10 years of experience in social media marketing.
The workshop was open to all female entrepreneurs, with a special focus on women 50 + and was held in person only on consecutive Saturday’s from 4-6 pm on June 3, 10, 17, 24.
Empower Her Wallet - A Financial Education Workshop for Women
April is national Financial Literacy month, so it's a great time to take control of your financial destiny and sign up for our course!
Kota Alliance teams up with Pedro Hernandez, Senior Manager at HUD Certified Housing Counseling Program at Harlem Community Development Corporation, to create financial literacy classes for women. The program is designed to provide women with financial literacy knowledge, skills, tools, and resources for personal economic stability.
The 4 week -course is for ages 18 and up and priority attendance is for West Harlem residents. The classes are free of charge and refreshments will be provided.Certificate of completion will be provided for those attending the full course. Alongside this, a $ 20 gift card will be provided to those attending the full course in-person.
In-person attendance is limited to 25. Refreshments will be provided during the break. Classes will start on time and attendance will be taken.
Attending via Zoom is also possible. Attendance-link will be sent to registered attendees.
Course topics:
May 4th: Affordable banking options, chexsystems, safe online banking, online payment applications, online scams and how to spot them.
May 11th: Understanding credit and debt.
May 18th: Money management, financial independence and financial abuse.
May 25th: Life insurance: basics and overview
The KOTA Alliance Financial Literacy Program is funded by the West Harlem Development Corporation, a CDFI, located in the Manhattan Community Board 9 area of upper Manhattan.
HOW TO GET TO THE KOTA NEST:
We are located within a walking distance from the 145th Street Subway Station (lines A, B, C and D). Also buses M2, M3, M100, M101, and Bx6.
COVID Policy: Vaccination is strongly encouraged. Please stay home if you feel unwell; masks optional.
ACCESSIBILITY: There is no elevator in the building. There are 4 steps to the first floor community room. Some events take place on the second floor, to which you have to take about 15 stairs that are about 8 inches high. There are chairs to rest on between the stairs. Bathrooms can be found on every floor. No flashing lights will be used during the evening.
PHOTO PERMISSION: By attending the event, you consent to film or photos from the event, potentially including your image, being shared publicly.
For any questions, contact via email info@kota-alliance.org or call +1 (347) 884-3626
Destination Dining; New Nordic x Harlem
Kota Alliance and Finland Center Foundation hosted a charity dinner, with some of the most talented young chefs from Helsinki and New York. Janne Keskevaari, head chef of Michelin-awarded restaurant Grön; Dani Hänninen, professional Finnish Masterchef finalist and co-owner/head chef of restaurant Wellamo; and local cook Andrea Cruz from restaurant Cosme in New York, serving contemporary Mexican cuisine. All chefs are are united by the ideology of creating shared value through creating positive social and environmental impact in their work. Promoting and supporting equity, inclusion and diversity is at the core of their sustainable work ethics.
The charity dinner was held at Kota Nest in Harlem, on 43 St. Nicholas Place on Tuesday April 4th.
All proceeds from the event went towards Kota's programming in financial and digital literacy, and women's health and wellness, with a particular focus on the West Harlem community.
Supported by Kyrö distillery, Finland and ZevRovine Selections.
Kota's community pop-up shop
Kota Alliance is hosting local vendor pop-up shops! We are looking for local women business owners who want to vend.
Mar. 18th
We are looking for 20-30 women vendors. We are looking for:
Health and Beauty
Fashion and Accessories
Non-Profit (to promote their services)
Food and Desserts
Arts and Crafts
Service Based Businesses
$75 per day. The table is included for the first 8 vendors to sign-up.
Vendor Set-up- 10 am-12 pm
Pop-Up Event- 12pm-6pm
Vendor Break-down - 6pm-8pm
You do not have to vend all days. You can vend on 1 day.
Knitting and Crafts Circle at Kota
Join us for a nice evening knitting, crocheting, crafting or whatever you wish to do with your hands!
Knitting and Crafts Circle at Kota
Join us for a nice evening knitting, crocheting, crafting or whatever you wish to do with your hands!
What is FGM/C (female genital mutilation/cutting) and what can we do about
Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C) affects, it is estimated, 50 000 women and girls in the New York area. Yet it is rarely spoken about. While it is a practice that occurs in communities worldwide, there are some immigrant groups in NYC who come from countries where it is prevalent. We invite people, especially women , from these communities to join us to listen to our panel for accurate information; to have a chance to ask questions about treatment options, and give us their ideas on how to prevent this human rights violation in the future.
Reception with non-alcoholic drinks and snacks after the event. Your donation will help us cover some costs, and improve our capacity to organize similar events going forward. Thank you!
Kota's West Harlem headquarters can be reached via the 145th St station (A/B/C/D) and buses M2, M3, M100, M101, and Bx6.
COVID Policy: Vaccination is strongly encouraged. please stay home if you feel unwell; masks optional
ACCESSIBILITY: There is no elevator in the building. There are 4 steps to the first floor community room. Some events take place on the second floor, to which you have to take about 15 stairs that are about 8 inches high. There are chairs to rest on between the stairs. Bathrooms can be found on every floor. Light, ambient music may play during the event. No flashing lights will be used during the evening.
By attending the event, you consent to film or photos from the event, potentially including your image, being shared publicly
GO Red! Fashion Show and pop-up Boutique hosted by CK!
GO Red! Fashion Show and Pop-up Boutique hosted and curated by CK. Affordable designs for every size and every woman! MODELS WANTED! All sizes are welcome to walk.
Empowerment Self Defense Workshop
What is your definition of self-defense? Come learn what your mind, voice and body can do to keep you safe.
You will learn strategies such as situational awareness, boundary setting and de-escalation for self protection and physical techniques for fighting back. The class will include discussion, a light warmup, and striking drills with pads. Common types of attacks will be addressed. Questions and having fun is encouraged!
No experience is necessary and all levels of ability are welcome. There is no charge, but if you’d like to make a $5-10 donation to Kota Alliance, the proceeds go towards bringing more events like this one to you.
Produced in collaboration with ESD Global