As part of its Women’s History Month initiative, HITN spearheaded a powerful, intergenerational project titled Letters to the Next Generation, aimed at inspiring and uplifting young minds across New York City, Chicago, and Puerto Rico.
Students from Icahn Charter School in the Bronx, N.Y.
The campaign invited eleven exceptional women leaders—this year’s HITN Inspire Her honorees—to pen deeply personal and motivational letters to students. These messages, filled with stories of perseverance, cultural pride, and hard-earned wisdom, were distributed to schools, sparking emotional and meaningful conversations in classrooms.
“Our goal was to create a moment of connection—something lasting—that bridges the gap between generations and encourages our youth to dream big,” said HITN’s Executive Director of Government Affairs, Naomi Rivera. “The letters were not just about reflection—they were about passing the torch.”
Student from Maspeth HS in Queens, N.Y.
In the second phase of the initiative, HITN collected student responses to the letters—words that reflect the profound resonance of the messages received.
“I saw a comment about how you need good friends around you. A good friendship can push you forward,” said Isabella, a student from Maspeth High School in Queens. “It was nice to see that most of the women in the letters live where I live or have been there, like Jamaica, Queens.”
Leahlys Q. Rodriguez Morat, a student from Nueva Escuela Juan Ponce de León in Puerto Rico, shared, “Thank you for taking the time to write to us. It was very comforting. I was motivated and impressed by what you have all achieved.”
Students from Magnet School in Brooklyn, N.Y.
From Brooklyn to San Juan, students reflected on themes of identity, resilience, and the power of community. HITN’s initiative has proven that a few sincere words can plant the seeds of confidence and vision in the next generation.
As one student aptly put it: “This is a happiness and hope letter because it gives hope that you will do it, you will learn.”
