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"Developing Tomorrow's Women Today"

The Development and Finishing Institute

Young ladies prepare to be presented at
DFI Commencement

by S. Lee Jamison
June 29, 2004

Diane Amaro, in a column of lilac satin and formal gloves, held back tears as she thanked the parents and
friends who had gathered at a 110th street banquet hall last week to watch 34 young women, with new
found poise and elegance, graduate from Harlem's only finishing school.

Ms.Amaro, 19, told the crowd that she was once a tough girl who had been cajoled into the school, the
Development and Finishing Institute, by a social worker in Harlem, Denise Pitt. "I didn't want to be in
D.F.I.," said Ms. Amaro, who completed the program last year. "I even spelled half the words wrong on
my essay on purpose."

But after taking courses in professional and social etiquette, decision making, money management,
nutrition and entrepreneurship, said Ms. Amaro, a statuesque Latina, she gained a new confidence. " I tried
to give up, but know one gave up on me," she said.

The Development and Finishing Institute, which holds classes on West 121st Street, opened in
October 2002 with a mission to prepare young black, Hispanic and other young minority women for
adulthood. They take their finishing school courses after regular school, and must complete them while
maintaining a B average or better in their regular classes. The 34 students who graduated on Saturday in the
school's first commencement, a joint ceremony for three graduating classes, ranged in age from 5 to 18.

The young women took etiquette classes at the Plaza Hotel in a collaborative arrangement with the finishing
school. Britney Brown, 12, of Harlem, was one of the graduates at the ceremony, at Bianca's on the Park.
Her mother, Kecia Bethea, 36, of Harlem, said Britney was transformed by the finishing school. "When we
are out doing things, I notice that she's using certain skills she learned, especially those from the course at
the Plaza," she said.

The school is the brainchild of Rose Murdock, a Harlem resident who used her father's inheritance to
build it. Ms. Smith said she wanted to teach young people "how to act in an acceptable way," and to expose
them to rules of etiquette and social skills not only as tools for getting what they want, but as ways to give
back to the community.

The Development and Finishing Institute Inc., a nonprofit organization, now charges $250 tuition for
10 sessions. It has extended the program to include boys next fall.

Relatives proudly describe the graduates' new confidence. Tanya Summers, 45, said her daughter Sarah
Odessa Saunders, 11, was always bright but had acquired sophistication and feminine deportment.

Sara's grandmother Sarah Smiley, 63, a retired engineer, said she was pleased that the school would be
accepting boys this fall. "I am so impressed," she said. "Whatever the fee next year, both my grands will
be in it."

By Vanessa Wakeman

The Development and Finishing Institute, a finishing school in Harlem is hosting their first annual
luncheon honoring minority-women entrepreneurs. The 12 women being honored own successful
business in the tri-state area. NEW YORK, NEW YORK In times of turmoil and uncertainty, a celebration
of spirit and perseverance is a welcome diversion in our lives. The Development and Finishing
Institute (DFI), a finishing school located in upper Manhattan is having their first annual luncheon
honoring minority-women entrepreneurs. The theme of the luncheon, “Women We Are Watching” reads
Institute says, “these women are an example of excellence and an inspiration to the young women we
are working to develop. The honorees were picked by our students; these are our role models.”

The Development and Finishing Institute opened its doors in October of 2002. The model of the
Institute is to teach every young woman that steps through its doors Vision, Purpose and Destiny.
Taking note from educator Charlotte Hawkins Brown, who founded one of the most successful black
finishing schools in 1902, DFI is focused on improving the status and image of women. The Institute
offers a social etiquette program in collaboration with The Plaza Hotel. They also have a full curriculum
in subjects ranging from art appreciation to entrepreneurship. All students, ages 13-18 must maintain a
B average while participating in the program.

The luncheon being held at Bianca’s on the Park, 103 West 110th Street in Manhattan, will take place
on Wednesday, April 30, 2003 at 11:30am. The women being honored will be presented with their
plaques by the students of the school and have an opportunity to share their thoughts.

Among those being honored are: Terrie Williams, Terrie Williams Agency; Barbara Blair, Cyberstaff;
Saundra Parks, Daily Blossom; Cynthia Grace, Cynergy Day Spa; Norma Jean Darden,Spoonbread
Restaurant; Harriet Cole, Profundities, Inc.; Clara Villarosa, Hue-Man Bookstore; Leah Abraham,
Settepani; Jeannie Yuen, A partnership and Patti Webster, W&W Public Relations. Being presented with
the Charlotte Hawkins Brown award for excellence is Mary Vinson, proprietor of The Royal Hut.

For more information about this event or The Development and Finishing Institute, please call 212-
996-2581. Ticket prices for this event range from $500 to $1000 per table. All contributions are tax-
deductible.

Relatives and friends did not miss a moment of the graduation on
Saturday for Harlem's only finishing school.

commencement.