Mason Elementary School Fairies “CHIne Bright” in Summer Talk Show!

Mason Fairies in Pre-Production for their Summer Talk Show.

“What should people know about Chicago girls?” This brainstorming question started a dynamic group of girls at Roswell B. Mason Math & Science Academy on the path to creating their own youth-centric talk show. 

As part of Focus Fairies Mentoring’s 2025 “CHIne Bright” Summer Series to help Chicago girls “CHINE” (SHINE) bright all summer and the school year ahead, group mentoring sessions at our summer school sites focused on building public speaking, confidence, teamwork and social-emotional learning via a talk show theme. 

Over the course of five weeks, our Mason Fairies explored their unique interests and perspectives, while learning how to boldly communicate them in a fun, interactive, supportive and collaborative setting. 

As the saying goes, “All the world's a stage” and Focus Fairies Mentoring strives to get our girls ready to show up fully and own centerstage no matter the setting!

This special summer curriculum was designed by Focus Fairies’ Senior Manager of Program & Partnership, Sandria M. Washington, whose career as a media maker includes podcaster, radio personality, event emcee and live on-camera host.

“Public speaking terrifies many adults and it’s important for our girls to become comfortable speaking in front of others as young as possible,” Sandria shared. “The ability to speak well - and own what you’re expressing - is helpful in the classroom, at home, in friendships, everywhere.”

The Mason Fairies met with their Focus Fairies Facilitator, Ms. Tamia Morrow, twice a week. Each weekly session built upon the previous session, exploring themes like Community Building, Identity, Confidence, Planning, Teamwork and Self-Expression. 

Week 1: Welcome to the Show: Finding Your Voice

Week 2: Microphone Check: Speaking with Confidence

Week 3: Behind the Scenes – Teamwork Makes the Dream Work

Week 4: Do It Like You’re Doing It For TV: Rehearsal!

Week 5: Lights, Camera, CHIne!: Showtime

Our Mason Fairies decided on the name of their talk show,  “These Young Women Can Talk,” self-selected the roles they were most interested in, such as set design, talk show guest, talk show host, Producer and even entertainment, and chose the topics they wanted to discuss on their show.

The girls learned a lot in a short amount of time, but more than knowledge they learned that their voices matter. It was amazing to see real time transformations of girls who started Week 1 more quiet and shy get up and speak confidently (and willingly! LOL) by Week 5. 

During their talk show’s closing remarks, Fairy Meredith shared, “I feel like I’ve become a better person with this program and I hope when you watch this you are able to have that same improvement that I made.”

We are so proud of the Mason Fairies! When it was time to shine during their finale session, they showed up and showed OUT! Take a look at their original talk show below and show them some love in the comments. 

[insert Youtube video]

Yours in Fairy Tales,

Sandria, Sr. Manager Program & Partnership