Who We Are
OUR MISSION is to empower women in Ulster County to discover and pursue their purpose with passion. We create a supportive community for underserved women, helping them craft a unique roadmap to success. Through one-on-one mentorship, support groups, workshops, and mentoring think tanks, our mentees build the confidence they need to achieve their educational, personal, and entrepreneurial goals.
What We Do
WHAT DOES MUSE STAND FOR?
MEANING: We help our Mentees discover meaningful work that aligns with their core values.
UNDERSTANDING: We recognize that racial injustice, social and economic inequity, and trauma have acted as barriers in the lives of our Mentees. We strive to help Mentees level the playing field by providing support groups and resources.
SUPPORT: We view each Mentee as a whole person who can heal and thrive when offered love, kindness, patience, and consistency. When a woman is ready to break inherited patterns of oppression and carve her own path, we provide a roadmap to success.
EMPOWERMENT: Our Mentors encourage Mentees to make career and life decisions based on their core values and interests while also considering the impact of those choices. We believe in reciprocity, and our mentoring model operates on a circular concept—there is no hierarchy or single path to success. Our Mentors guide each Mentee in learning to trust their inner wisdom.
Why Mentoring?
Mentoring MUSE addresses the need in Ulster County for underserved women to receive meaningful and consistent support, enabling them to achieve economic independence. This program provides a roadmap to success and helps participants discover how to turn their passions into fulfilling careers. Mentoring assists women in navigating workplace barriers and challenges, including feelings of isolation as minorities.
Mentors play a crucial role in helping entrepreneurs achieve their business goals and can exemplify important character traits that support mentees during times of crisis, such as honesty, perseverance, vulnerability, resilience, and adaptability. Our experience shows that when women identify and leverage their core values and passions, they are empowered to become leaders in their fields and contribute positively to their communities.
We receive frequent referrals from organizations such as RUPCO, DSS, Family Treatment Court, Foster Care, the Office of Probation, Family of Woodstock, YWCA, SUNY Ulster's New Start for Women and Trio Office, YMCA, People’s Place, Center for Creative Education, Ulster Immigrant Defense Network, Bard College, SUNY New Paltz, Samadhi Center, Ulster Literacy, Catholic Charities, Darmstadt Shelter, HV LGBTQ+ Community Center, Ulster Corps, RCAL, as well as through word of mouth, social media, and regular interviews and PSAs on Radio Kingston.