WAKA Anchor Ellis Eskew Volunteered as Mistress of Ceremony
Photos by Nystasha Kelly of Complexion Photography
Zahara Jolie shared her passion about menstrual equity with girls and women at the Fourth Annual Women in Training, Inc. Mother-Daughter Brunch on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at the Renaissance Montgomery Hotel in Alabama. Zahara's mother, acclaimed American actress, filmmaker and humanitarian, Angelina Jolie, flew from Los Angeles to accompany her daughter at the fundraiser to help end period poverty.
Ellis Eskew, anchor at WAKA in Montgomery, returned as the Mistress of Ceremony. Ellis was the emcee at the inaugural WIT Mother-Daughter Brunch in 2022.
Here is the text of Zahara's remarks:
"Attending an all-women's institution, period poverty is a large conversation throughout [Spelman College]," Zahara said. "Installed in our restrooms are period products. It is a sign of understanding and respect that we should be supported, and that our bodies are not barriers to our education. Sadly, this is not the case for millions of women and girls."
Zahara also spoke about the sisterhood bond she has with other members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.
"Being initiated into Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, in the fall of 2023, I gained line sisters that have only deepened my view of sisterhood and service," the Spelman College junior shared at the gathering of 500 women and girls.
The WIT Mother-Daughter Brunch opened with a string performance by the Booker T. Washington Magnet High School Ochestra, directed by Ms. Shoronda Charles.
Another performance by young people was the dance by students at the Shivalaya School of Indian Classical Dance, choreographed by Ms. Sudha Raghuram. Haley Kanparia and Navya Patel performed, “Alaripu,” a traditional Bharatanatyam classical dance style.
"The Women in Training, Inc. Board of Directors established a fundraising goal of $200,000 for Women's History Month," said Iya Ibeji Adeyela Bennett, President and Chief Engagement Officer. "You can help us meet -- and exceed -- that goal by giving today to support our programs to help end period poverty!"
One in four American girls and young women skip school or miss work because they cannot afford sanitary pads or tampons to stay healthy and clean during their period. To alleviate
period poverty, Brooke and Breanna Bennett started Women in Training, Inc. (WIT) on their 12th birthday in July 2019. WIT volunteers provide donations of WITKITS —
canvas bags full of feminine hygiene products — to underserved young women. WIT also provides educational information programs about menstruation for girls and publishes the brochure, “The WIT Guide to the Menstrual Cycle.”
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