For 17 years, urban university’s social enterprise has been part of Oakland’s Grand Avenue community, creating pathways to jobs, skills, wellness, housing, and economic mobility for single mothers.

We opened our first resale social enterprise in 2009 during another difficult economic period. What began as an on-the-job training space has grown into something much larger: an ecosystem where mothers can work, learn, strengthen their skills, address barriers, and move toward greater economic stability.

Through economic downturns, a pandemic, changes in funding, and changes in our own organization, we are still here.

Focused. Resilient. Determined. Grateful.

Inspired by the poem Still We Rise by poet Maya Angelou, On October 8, our community will gather at the workshop, 3235 Grand Avenue in Oakland, from 6:30–8:00 PM to celebrate how far we’ve come and the women who continue to move us forward.

The evening includes:

• Program Graduate Celebration honoring Nia Jackson

• Upcycled Capsule Collection Reveal

• Participant skill shares

• Community, music and celebration

• A look toward what comes next for urban university

Still We Shine is more than an anniversary theme. It recognizes the persistence of our organization, our community, and the single mothers who continue moving forward even when the path isn't easy.