Honoring Young Leaders
On March 22, 2025, Muskegon Community College (MCC) hosted the inspiring “Women and Girls Worth Watching” event, co-sponsored by the Muskegon Heights Optimist Club. This event was designed to recognize and celebrate the impactful contributions of women and girls in Greater Muskegon, spanning sectors such as education, government, business/entrepreneurship, and community outreach.
The recognition of Marquette McDaniel and Yahdira Tinoco underscores the vital role of violence prevention programs like MVP. These initiatives not only work towards reducing violence in our communities but also play a crucial role in nurturing young leaders. These leaders, in turn, contribute to the workforce and society in meaningful ways, ensuring a brighter and more peaceful future.
Among the distinguished honorees were two remarkable young leaders from Muskegon Violence Prevention (MVP): Marquette McDaniel and Yahdira Tinoco. In attendance to help congratulate Marquette and Yahdira was special guest Jennifer DeLaCruz, Director of the Office of Community Violence Intervention Services for the State of Michigan
Muskegon Violence Prevention (MVP) is a CDC-funded Youth Advisory Board, composed of 15 members ages 14-21 from across Muskegon County. MVP members are focused on preventing gun violence across Muskegon through a youth-driven community action plan. Yahdira Tinoco and Marquette McDaniel are junior advisors of the group, responsible for facilitating meetings and organizing their peers.
Recognizing Community Outreach Excellence: Marquette McDaniel
Marquette McDaniel, a Junior Advisor for MVP, was celebrated for her outstanding contributions to Community Outreach. As the head of the “Community Collaboration” subcommittee, Marquette is at the forefront of fostering community engagement and organizing outreach events. Her remarkable energy and unwavering passion for violence prevention have made a significant impact, demonstrating her dedication to creating safer and more connected communities.
Championing Education: Yahdira Tinoco
Yahdira Tinoco was honored for her leadership in Education. She leads the Social Marketing and Communications subcommittee of MVP and serves as a Peer Mediation trainer. Her commitment to empowering young women and providing them with the tools to mediate conflicts is commendable. Yahdira also participated as a panelist, discussing the challenges and opportunities that young women face in leadership roles, further showcasing her role as a mentor and advocate for her peers.
Event Highlights: Keynote and Facilitation
The event was enriched by the presence of Keynote Speaker Karen Buie, City Clerk, whose words inspired attendees. The facilitation by Dr. Pamela Smith, an MCC staff member and founding member of Gaining UNITY through Non-violent Solutions (G.U.N.S.), provided a thoughtful and engaging framework for the event. In total, five young women and eight women were acknowledged for their significant contributions to their communities.
Congratulations Marquette and Yahdira!
Congratulations to Marquette and Yahdira, and all of the other award winners, for their exceptional achievements and for serving as inspiring role models for their peers and community. Their dedication and leadership are truly worth watching!
Photo Credits: Lauren Meldrum and Jennifer DeLaCruz