Our Story
History
The Perfect Blend, Inc. was formed in 2007, inspired by Oprah Winfrey’s Legend weekend that was created to honor accomplished professional women and make a connection between them and young women in their early careers. The older women committed to lend a hand to women coming up in their industries, to help them navigate their early careers.
The Perfect Blend runs two distinct yet integrally-connected programs to uplift women in the Greater New Haven African American communities: the Annual Legendary Women Banquet and Day of Mentoring and the Youth Leadership Program. Our vision, via the work of perfectly blending of the generations, is to recognize and use the talents in our own Greater New Haven community to help mentor young women and girls.
Quotes from alumni and team members:
“Before I joined this program I found myself hesitant to talk to crowds and people I don't know. They opened a window for me by pushing me to work hard and to face my fears.”
“I thank you, Perfect Blend, for giving me this amazing opportunity to be a part of something greater than life.”
“It’s always a blessing when provided an opportunity to engage with the youth community--to dare them to dream bigger, and to awaken minds, hearts, and spirits. We did exactly this through talks on leadership, the importance of making intentional connections, the power of potential, stepping outside of comfort zones, and embracing the idea that we are enough.” Legendary Woman
Founder and Executive Director
Jeanette Sykes
Jeanette Sykes is the founder and President of The Perfect Blend, a non-profit organization serving women and girls in the Greater New Haven Community. She was passionate and inspired to find a way to show young girls that they have role models right in their own communities.
Jeanette has many years working with youth and young adults in many capacities. Interest in social services and children and continued to flourish throughout pursuing educational studies. She is currently the Director of Transitional Services working with community-based program and educational program. She has been the Director of Therapeutic Foster Care under her leadership she grew to serve more children.
She a community leader in her community as well as an active member of her church for many years and establishes scholarship funding for female high school seniors to pursue their education and currently serves as the Chairwoman of the Trustee Board.
She advanced her leadership skills through the Greater New Haven Chamber of Commerce leadership Program, and the William Graustein Community Leadership Program.