Draft:Dawn Rowe
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Dawn Rowe is an American nonprofit leader, researcher, and social justice advocate. She is the founder and CEO of Girl Vow, Inc., a New York City-based organization that offers mentorship, court advocacy, and holistic programming for girls and gender-expansive youth affected by the juvenile justice system, foster care, and poverty. Rowe is also recognized for her legislative advocacy on behalf of missing and murdered Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) women and girls, as well as her work as a public speaker, educator, and youth empowerment advocate.
Early Life
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Rowe's passion for youth advocacy stems from her own life experiences. A high school dropout who struggled with suicidal ideation and unresolved trauma, Rowe credits the presence of mentors in her life for helping her recover and rise above systemic challenges. She holds dual Bachelor's degrees in Deviant Behavior and Criminology, two Master's degrees in Sociology, a Master of Science in Higher Education Administration, and a Doctorate.
Career
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Rowe began her career working in child welfare and the criminal justice system, focusing on issues related to trauma, abuse, and systemic challenges affecting young people. Her experiences led her to establish Girl Vow, Inc. in 2015, an organization dedicated to supporting girls, young women, and gender-expansive youth impacted by poverty, the juvenile justice system, and foster care.
Rowe is a John Jay College of Criminal Justice faculty member, researcher, empowerment speaker, and former Vice President of a prominent New York non-profit. She has a deep background in the criminal justice sector, working with abused children within child welfare and failed systems.
Girl Vow, Inc.
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Girl Vow, Inc. is a nonprofit organization based in New York City, founded by Dawn Rowe in 2015. The organization provides holistic, culturally responsive programming aimed at supporting girls, young women, and gender-expansive youth impacted by poverty, the juvenile justice system, and foster care.
History and Mission
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Girl Vow is a nonprofit organization founded on the principle of girls and gender-expansive intensive mentorship for those impacted by jails, foster care, juvenile justice, and poverty, ages 12 to 24. The organization aims to provide girls with the foundation and support they lack through comprehensive, intensive mentorship, aftercare, life skills workshops, and leadership. We work with girls at any stage of the juvenile justice process and provide mentoring services in jails, foster homes, secure and non-secure detentions, and support runaway/homeless youth.
Services
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Girl Vow offers a range of services, including:
Safe Open Brave Space Workshops: Weekly sessions that provide stipends to participants and focus on community-building and skill development.
Mentorship and Life Coaching: Intensive one-on-one support for personal and professional growth.
Court Advocacy: Assistance such as letters of support and in-person appearances for court-involved youth.
Aftercare Services: Ongoing support for girls and gender-expansive youth as they transition from detention or foster care.
Alternative to Incarceration Programming: Services that provide an alternative to traditional detention for justice-involved youth.
Educational and Career Development: Workshops and resources that promote educational achievement and workforce readiness.
Resources and Referrals: Connections to external services such as counseling, housing, and community programs.
Programs and Initiatives
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Girl Vow conducts workshops at secure and non-secure facilities, including New York City jails and Juvenile Detention Centers across New York State, where programming focuses on life skills, personal development, and leadership training for incarcerated youth. The organization also partners with schools and internship programs across New York City to expand opportunities for hands-on learning and leadership.
In addition to these ongoing workshops, Girl Vow offers a wide range of annual activities and special events designed to empower and support its participants. Notable events include the Annual Girl's Conference, an annual gathering that brings together girls and young women from across the city to engage in leadership development, advocacy, and community-building. This conference features keynote speakers, breakout sessions, and networking opportunities tailored to foster self-confidence, critical thinking, and empowerment.
Girl Vow also hosts an Annual Documentary Screening featuring "When Black Women Go Missing," a powerful film that highlights the systemic neglect and violence faced by Black women and girls. The screening is followed by a panel discussion that brings together community leaders, survivors, advocates, and experts to explore solutions, share lived experiences, and amplify the urgent need for change. This event raises public awareness and provides a platform for dialogue on the often-overlooked crisis of missing and murdered Black women and girls.
Another cornerstone event is the Annual Candlelight Vigil, a poignant gathering that honors missing and murdered women, girls and gender-expansive youth. This event fosters healing, solidarity, and remembrance while advocating for justice and systemic change. The vigil brings together families, community members, and supporters to shine a light on the issues of violence and neglect that disproportionately affect marginalized communities.
During the holiday season, Girl Vow hosts a Christmas Toy Giveaway, ensuring that children in the streets and other vulnerable youth in the community receive gifts and holiday cheer. This event embodies the organization's commitment to holistic support, recognizing that many children and families face economic hardships during the holiday season. By providing toys and essential items, Girl Vow helps bring joy and hope to those who need it most, reinforcing the spirit of community and compassion.
In addition, Girl Vow offers many more participant-centered activities throughout the year. These activities are designed to build resilience, develop leadership skills, and foster community among girls and young women impacted by the justice and foster care systems.
Through these comprehensive programs and annual events, Girl Vow creates a supportive and transformative environment, helping participants to thrive, build self-confidence, and become advocates for themselves and their communities.
Who They Serve
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Girl Vow serves girls, young women, and gender-expansive youth who have experienced poverty, involvement in the juvenile justice system, or foster care. The organization also provides support for those navigating systemic and bureaucratic barriers that often result from trauma. Referrals come from judges, caseworkers, attorneys, hospitals, shelters, and concerned family members.
Legislative Work
[edit]In 2021, Rowe authored the legislation that led to the creation of the New York State Task Force on Missing and Murdered Women and Girls and Gender-Expansive Youth, which was formally enacted as S.4266-A / A.5088-A and signed into law by Governor Kathy Hochul on March 26, 2024.[1]
She is also the founder of the National Taskforce for Missing and Murdered BIPOC Women and Girls, which advocates for the replication of this legislative model in other U.S. states.[2]
Symbolism and Advocacy
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As part of her national advocacy work on behalf of missing and murdered Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) women, girls, and gender-expansive youth. Rowe introduced the use of mannequins as a symbolic tool to raise public awareness and humanize the crisis. These mannequins are displayed and placed in community spaces, legislative forums, and public events as visual representations of those who have gone missing or been killed, often without significant media coverage or institutional response.
The installations are accompanied by statements and quotes drawn from the voices of affected communities. These include: "Find me when I'm missing, not when I'm murdered", "What about us?", "Save our sisters" and "I killed them because I knew no one would look for them."
In addition to the visual messaging, public vigils and community gatherings often incorporate collective chants such as: "She couldn't scream, so we scream for her," and "She couldn't cry, so we cry for her."
These symbols and chants serve as both memorial and protest, emphasizing the broader advocacy goals of Rowe's movement: to demand equity in investigative practices, to amplify the voices of marginalized communities, and to push for legislative and cultural change. The mannequins have since been recognized as a national symbol for this work and are increasingly used in awareness campaigns beyond New York State.
Academic and Public Engagement
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Rowe is a faculty member at John Jay College of Criminal Justice and a former Vice President of a prominent New York nonprofit. She has worked extensively in child welfare and criminal justice, focusing on the intersections of trauma, abuse, and systemic failure. As an empowerment speaker and researcher, Rowe has appeared in media outlets and policy spaces to share the stories of the youth she serves. Her work is featured in the 2023 VICE News documentary "When Black Women Go Missing".
Awards and Recognition
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Dr. Rowe has been recognized with a range of honors for her contributions in advocacy, leadership, and community service. She was named Power Woman of the Bronx by Schneps Media in 2023, and recognized as an Unsung Hero in 2024. She has also received acknowledgments from the New York State Attorney General's Office and proclamations from New York State Senators and Assemblymembers. Additionally, she was included in the Madam Noire and Hello Beautiful #SPEAKER 50 list, highlighting dynamic Black women in advocacy, politics, and journalism. In 2024, she was further honored as an Unsung Champion of Advocacy.
References and Citations
[edit]Governor Hochul Signs Legislation to Establish Task Force on Missing BIPOC Women and Girls[3]
Dr. Rowe's work is featured in the Vice News documentary When Black Women Go Missing.[4]
Meet Dr. Dawn Rowe founder of Girl Vow, Inc.[5]
Power Women of the Bronx by Schneps Media[6]
Power Women of the Bronx honored by Schneps Media[7]
Bronx Based Girl Vow saving one black woman at a time[8]
Bronx mentoring program Girl Vow helps at-risk girls[9]
Girl Vow, Inc. Strives to Save One Black Woman at a Time![10]
Girl Vow, Inc. Presents: The Third Annual NYC Candle Light Vigil for Missing and Murdered Women and Girls, and Gender-Expansive Youth[11]
Bronx mentoring program Girl Vow helps at-risk girls[12]
Girl Vow rallies for task force for missing/murdered women and girls[13]
New York State Strives to Help Missing Black and BIPOC Women and Girls with New Task Force[14]
NYC activists urge neighbors to find out location of missing Shamari Brantley[15]
Candlelight vigil will push for state task force on missing/murdered BIPOC women and girls[16]
Girl Vow Hosts 7th Annual "Be Fearless" Conference at Lehman College[17]
New York State Strives to Help Missing Black and BIPOC Women and Girls with New Task Force[18]
We stand for girls[19]
Dawn Rowe of Girl Vow: helps young girls at risk.[20]
Meet Dawn Rowe Founder of Girl Vow, Inc.[21]
Dawn Rowe discusses turning her trials into triumphs on AM Wake-Up Call[22]
Girl Vow, Inc. Strives to Save One Black Woman at a Time![23]
In Conversation with Dawn Rowe of Girl Vow[24]
Bronx-Based Girl Vow: Saving One Black Woman at a Time[25]
Dawn Rowe[26]
The Power of Internships: A Juvenile Justice Internship Set Dawn Rowe '04 on a Path to Uplift System-Impacted Girls[27]
Dawn Rowe's Mission is Helping BIPOC Families Search for Missing Women and Girls[28]
Girl Vow Hosts Documentary Screening and Panel Discussion for "When Black Women Go Missing"[29]
The Key Way You Can Help Our Next Generation[30]
Second annual vigil held for missing & murdered women[31]
Summit on missing women and girls of color held in the Bronx[32]
Missing Bronx girl found in Poughkeepsie hotel[33]
See also
[edit]- Juvenile justice in the United States
- Foster care in the United States
- Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women
- John Jay College of Criminal Justice
References
[edit]- ^ https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-hochul-signs-legislation-establish-task-force-missing-bipoc-women-and-girls Governor Hochul Signs Legislation to Establish Task Force on Missing BIPOC Women and Girls
- ^ https://ourtimepress.com/new-york-state-strives-to-help-missing-black-and-bipoc-women-and-girls-with-new-task-force/ Our Time Press: NY State Strives to Help Missing BIPOC Women and Girls
- ^ "Governor Hochul Signs Legislation to Establish Task Force on Missing BIPOC Women and Girls". Office of the Governor of New York. June 13, 2023. Retrieved May 15, 2025.
- ^ Vice News (2023). "When Black Women Go Missing". Vice News on Tubi. Retrieved May 15, 2025.
- ^ Chan, Chanda (January 31, 2023). "Meet Dr. Dawn Rowe Founder of Girl Vow, Inc". Medium. Retrieved May 15, 2025.
- ^ https://www.schnepsmedia.com/events/power-women-of-the-bronx-2023/ Schneps Media: Power Women of the Bronx 2023
- ^ https://www.bxtimes.com/power-women-of-the-bronx-honored-by-schneps-media/ Bronx Times: Power Women of the Bronx honored by Schneps Media
- ^ https://www.bxtimes.com/bronx-based-girl-vow-saving-one-black-woman-at-a-time/ Bronx Times: Bronx Based Girl Vow saving one black woman at a time
- ^ https://pix11.com/news/local-news/bronx-mentoring-program-girl-vow-helps-at-risk-girls/ PIX11: Bronx mentoring program Girl Vow helps at-risk girls
- ^ "Girl Vow Inc. Strives To Save One Black Woman At A Time". Enspire Magazine. April 21, 2021. Retrieved May 15, 2025.
- ^ "Girl Vow, Inc. Presents the Third Annual NYC Candle Light Vigil for Missing and Murdered Women and Girls of Color". EIN Presswire. October 26, 2023. Retrieved May 15, 2025.
- ^ "Bronx mentoring program Girl Vow helps at-risk girls". PIX11. February 24, 2022. Retrieved May 15, 2025.
- ^ "Girl Vow rallies for task force on missing/murdered women". New York Amsterdam News. June 3, 2021. Retrieved May 15, 2025.
- ^ "New York State Strives to Help Missing Black and BIPOC Women and Girls with New Task Force". Our Time Press. 28 December 2023. Retrieved May 15, 2025.
- ^ "NYC activists urge neighbors to find out location of missing Shamari Brantley". PIX11 News. 20 October 2023. Retrieved May 15, 2025.
- ^ "Vigil pushes for task force on missing BIPOC women and girls". Amsterdam News. November 1, 2023. Retrieved May 15, 2025.
- ^ "Girl Vow Hosts 7th Annual Be Fearless Conference at Lehman College". WFLA. EIN Presswire. Retrieved May 15, 2025.
- ^ "New York State Strives to Help Missing Black and BIPOC Women and Girls With New Task Force". Our Time Press. 28 December 2023. Retrieved 2025-05-28.
- ^ "We Stand for Girls - Girl Vow, Inc". Facebook. Beauty Within TV. Retrieved 2025-06-19.
- ^ "Dawn Rowe of Girl Vow Helps Young Girls at Risk". Beauty Within Magazine. 15 February 2021. Retrieved 2025-06-19.
- ^ "Meet Dawn Rowe, Founder of Girl Vow, Inc". Medium. Conversations With Chan. March 2021. Retrieved 2025-06-19.
- ^ "Dawn Rowe discusses her trials turned triumphs on 'The AM Wake-Up Call'". Rolling Out. 2021-02-03. Retrieved 2025-06-19.
- ^ "Girl Vow, Inc. Strives to Save One Black Woman at a Time". Enspire Magazine. 2021. Retrieved 2025-06-19.
- ^ "In Conversation with Dawn Rowe of Girl Vow". Entreprenista. Retrieved 2025-06-19.
- ^ Cohen, Jason (2021). "Bronx‑Based Girl Vow: Saving One Black Woman at a Time". Bronx Times. Retrieved 2025-06-19.
- ^ Vivas, Alexia (2025-02-11). "Dawn Rowe". Women's Activism NYC. NYC Department of Records & Information Services. Retrieved 2025-06-19.
- ^ "The Power of Internships: A Juvenile Justice Internship Set Dawn Rowe '04 on a Path to Uplift System‑Impacted Girls". John Jay College of Criminal Justice. John Jay College. 2021-02-04. Retrieved 2025-06-19.
- ^ Gillespie, Fern (2024). "Dawn Rowe's Mission is Helping BIPOC Families Search for Missing Women and Girls". Our Time Press. Retrieved 2025-06-19.
- ^ "Girl Vow Hosts Documentary Screening and Panel Discussion for "When Black Women Go Missing"". EIN Presswire. 2023-11-23. Retrieved 2025-06-19.
- ^ "The key way you can help our next generation". SoundCloud. The Confident Podcast. Retrieved 2025-06-19.
- ^ News 12 Staff (2022-11-05). "Second annual vigil held for missing & murdered women". News 12 New York. Retrieved 2025-06-19.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link) - ^ News 12 Staff (2024-05-08). "Summit on missing women and girls of color held in the Bronx". ABC7 New York. WABC-TV. Retrieved 2025-06-19.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link) - ^ PIX11 News (22 April 2022). "Missing Bronx girl found in Poughkeepsie hotel". PIX11. Retrieved 2025-06-19.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)