“It’s a fun program!” - Angel Flores
“Step-it-Up joins the community together!” - Cassie Palomura
“Step-it-Up Camp has helped me to open up to new people!” - Emily Flores
“I see it as giving back.” - Sidney Serna
“Step-it-up camp is a great community and a great way to meet new people and learn new things.” - Kwajalein Newton
COMMUNITY! - America Murguame
Comments Join The Discussion
Articles You May also Like
Monir Zandghoreishi has long been a highly respected designer in the Pacific Northwest, but her story begins thousands of miles from here in Iran. Monir Zandghoreishi knows what it is to Come to America. Her life in America began with hope and struggle, and now today, she is taking all of the success she has earned and is pouring it back into her teaching and mentoring. Her journey is a story with heart.
Growing up, my five siblings and I didn't have much. We were homeless for an extended period of time. Living in an apartment building with no basic necessities, no water, food, clean clothing, and shoes. The hard floor was our bed, but we slept in the seated position most of the time.
It’s been well over a year now since Fashion Designer and Entrepreneur Monir Zandghoreishi joined her son-in-law Maurice Leary to expand Step-It-Up Camp. At first, Step-It-Up Camp was the brain child of Monir Zandghoreishi's son-in-law Maurice Leary to provide after-school athletics to high risk students. Maurice started out with 16 kids to help them develop their skills and to stay out of trouble. Maurice himself had experienced a hardscrabble past. He was born and raised in New Rochelle, New York and knew one way to get kids on the right path was by mentoring them and giving them another road map to grow stronger and more resilient every day.
Our story about Monir Zandghoreishi and Maurice Leary is a fine example of what America stands for. Maurice is built like a linebacker and Monir has the regal bearing of a Persian Princess. Monir fled Iran during a time of grave political upheaval and unrest. Maurice comes from a hardscrabble past in New Rochelle, New York. They both share something in common: a heart of gold and a commitment to help young people.
