A Brooklyn organization is making a difference for women across the city through programs aimed to empower females.

Women’s Access to Empowerment or WATE helps women to reach their goals and celebrates their successes.

The organization holds virtual programs like “Black Women Cook” and “Black Women Read” for women in all boroughs. Tanya Summers is a member of the organization and says it helps her to be alive and have fun in her own house.

“They helped me because I can’t, during COVID, provide all of the ingredients,” Summers say. “I’m so happy to be involved.”

WATE Executive Director Malane Brissett says the organization started as an environment for women to come to and share themselves.

She says when the pandemic hit, the organization turned their programs virtual.

Brissett is hoping to also create programming for children.

“My hope is to have a building erected for women and families that support them holistically,” Brissett says. “My long-term goal for WATE is to make sure that we have a sustainable way and a space for Black women to thrive.”