Empower Oakland's Marginalized Girls with Zahra

Bay Area coach Zahra, a formerly incarcerated foster youth, is now collaborating with Black Panther leader Elaine Brown on a powerful new initiative. In her unwavering dedication to uplifting young Black and Brown girls, Zahra has founded the Zwarrior Reborn Girls Group. This program stands in response to Oakland's failure to prioritize youth programs, especially those aimed at marginalized girls, who are often unfairly labeled as thugs or criminals. Zahra's reentry program focuses on providing mentorship, physical fitness, and mental health support, creating a safe space where young girls can thrive and grow alongside other ambitious young women.

see below for in depth detail of the program specifics

ZWarriors Reborn Program

Zwarriors Reborn is an inclusive youth program dedicated to empowering young people through comprehensive support services. The program offers mentorship, mental health resources, educational assistance, and physical fitness training, all aimed at fostering personal growth and overall well-being.

Participants use strength training, sports, and dance to keep their bodies active and healthy. The program follows many of the trusted guidelines within the current Zahra Fitness program, but Z Warriors Reborn was especially designed for vulnerable and marginalized youth (girls)in detention and public education, and those returning to the community (when applicable).

Program Specifics

[A] Every week, youth gather at 1435 Park Avenue in Emeryville, CA, for training sessions with Zahra. Each workout concludes with a reflective discussion, allowing them to check in and share how they’re feeling both physically and mentally.

[B] Monthly participants meet for a youth excursion, they will have the opportunity to associate with other youth from the program

[C] Once a month, youth meet with Zahra for a dedicated 2-hour session focused on discussing their goals, hanging out, and building deeper connections. This time is set aside for them to grow, reflect, and strengthen their bonds in a supportive environment."

The youth will engage in a variety of activities designed to support their overall well-being and development, including:

1. **Physical Wellness**: Activities such as yoga, strength training, meditation, and dance to promote physical health and mindfulness.

2. **Journaling**: Encouraging self-reflection and emotional expression through regular journaling exercises.

3. **Social Engagement**: Participating in group outings and social activities to build interpersonal skills and foster positive relationships.

4. **Educational Support**: Tailored assistance in creating and following an individualized educational plan to help achieve academic goals.

5. **Mental Health Resources**: Providing access to mental health support, including counseling and therapy, to ensure emotional well-being and resilience.

BOOK CLUB !

Literacy is developed through reading and journaling, allowing for self-reflection on emotions, triggers, or moments of peace, and reading excerpts from Coldest Winter Ever by Sista Soulja . Having their own copies will allow the youth to connect with outside success stories of people much like them for inspiration.

2024-2025 Fall suggested : “Read excerpts from Coldest Winter Ever by Sista Soulja

The novel explores themes of violence, drugs, prostitution, greed, and the relentless cycle of poverty. Despite her challenging upbringing in urban environments, Sister Souljah has risen to become a world-renowned activist and author, using her personal story to inspire and empower others.

Zahra Fitness journals will be provided to encourage monthly self-reflection. Each journal includes guided questions that prompt individuals to assess their life choices, fostering personal growth and empowering them to make more informed decisions for self-improvement.

Proposed Outcomes:

1. Increase confidence

2. Increase fitness

3. Gain knowledge of tools to help regulate emotions

4. Improve overall sense of health and well being

5.High graduation rates

6.Complete Probation

We also will provide certificates of program participation and program graduation ceremonies after six months of completing 6 months enrolled in the program

Zahra Fitness

Owned and operated by Joli Zahra Drevitch

Joli Zahra “Coach Z” Drevitch is a National Academy of Sports Medicine Certified Fitness Coach, Meal Prep and Life Coach from Oakland, California. Despite the challenges of a rough upbringing and involvement in the legal system, Zahra turned her own darkness into light. True to her motto “Let the light within shine out”, Zahra became a student at San Francisco State, peer mentor, coach and healer to her community. Coach Z now shares her transformational journey with others, restoring positivity, strength, and self love back into their rightful order. Zahra brings fitness to those who may have never had the chance to focus on themselves.

As a female trainer, I’ve set upon this journey to empower all women to love themselves in mind, body and spirit through fitness that will change the way you look at yourself in the mirror. You may even fall in love with yourself and all your talents to show that warrior that was always within you!”

-Coach Joli Zahra Drevitch