She’s EmPOWERed: Georgia Teen Encourages Confidence Through Creation and Connection

Posted on December 15, 2025 by empoweredflowergirl

Seventeen-year-old changemaker Mei Tham is transforming the way girls see themselves (and their potential) through the power of creativity. As the founder of Confidence Through Creation, Mei leads a growing nonprofit dedicated to helping youth and women build self-esteem through authentic expression, mentorship and community connection.

Mei’s journey began in her freshman year, when she posted her first makeup video online. What started as a simple hobby quickly became a lesson in courage. Facing judgment from peers, Mei discovered that creating content wasn’t just about beauty products, it was also a pathway to embracing her true self.

“As someone who struggled with confidence growing up, I found empowerment through content creation and the ability to impact others,” Mei said. “Pushing myself out of my comfort zone to express myself in a way that was uncommon for girls my age, inspired me to create a community where others could do the same without fear.”

Today, Confidence Through Creation offers digital content, workshops, community projects and mentorship opportunities that encourage girls to explore their passions and turn them into impact. One of Mei’s standout initiatives includes mentorship meetings that guide girls in using their interests – whether writing, fashion, photography or social media – to design projects that uplift others. A recent example is a mentee-led “Write to Heal” journaling workshop for middle schoolers, helping participants process emotions through creative expression.

The organization also hosts a podcast spotlighting women founders who share the real and raw challenges and joys of entrepreneurship. Through these conversations, Mei shows young women that confidence often grows from vulnerability, resilience and of course, creativity.

Rooted in the theme of creating confidence through connection, Mei dreams of expanding her platform nationally after college. She plans to study human-centered technology and hopes to bring more girls into tech by blending innovation with creativity.

Learn more at confidencethroughcreation.org.

She’s Empowered: How Adi Jane Is Inspiring Kindness One Pop Tab at a Time

Posted on October 29, 2025 by empoweredflowergirl

When 9-year-old Adi Jane was diagnosed with brain cancer in October 2024, her world changed overnight. Between treatments and hospital visits at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, she and her family found comfort and care at the Ronald McDonald House (RMH). For six weeks, RMH became their home away from home.

During her stay, Adi noticed aluminum pop tabs being collected throughout the house. Curious, she learned that the tabs are recycled, and the proceeds help fund RMH programs for families like hers. Inspired by this simple yet powerful act of giving, Adi set out to collect as many pop tabs as she could. What began as a small goal (to fill one container) quickly grew into a heartfelt mission.

With the support of her family, friends, schools and community, Adi collected nearly 400 pounds of pop tabs in just two months, raising approximately $500 for Ronald McDonald House Charities. Her generosity and determination didn’t stop there. Now, she’s dreaming even bigger. She has a goal to break the world record by collecting 4,000 pounds of pop tabs in a single year.

“I hope the Ronald McDonald House gets some amazing things for the kids and be able to have many families stay there!” Adi says.

Adi’s mission is about more than pop tabs; it’s about love and the power of giving back. Even while bravely facing her own health challenges, she’s inspiring others to find ways to make a difference, no matter how small the gesture may seem. Every pop tab she collects represents a moment of hope and a reminder that kindness truly adds up.

When she looks to the future, Adi dreams of becoming a veterinarian or a teacher. Those careers reflect her deep compassion and love for both animals and people.

Through her heart, courage and commitment to helping others, Adi Jane is turning her challenges into a powerful movement rooted in generosity and empathy. She’s collecting pop tabs and hope, one tiny piece at a time.

Follow Adi Jane’s journey on Facebook.

She’s EmPOWERed: Meet Dalise and Dalia – Sisters on a Mission with a Passion for Fashion

Posted on August 21, 2025 by empoweredflowergirl

Picture this: two sisters who dream big, help each other, and love to create. That’s Dalise and Dalia – better known as the Real Fashion Sisters. Their adventure started with an idea, a pen, and a passion for fashion.

The duo first made their mark as co-authors of The Fashion Sisters: A Fashion Dream, a children’s book that quickly captured the hearts of young readers. Their debut was followed by a second title, The Fashion Sisters: Birthday Bash, and soon after, a clothing line created especially for girls and a fashion consulting venture.

For Dalise, 15, and Dalia, 11, the impact of their work is most visible in the joy they bring to young girls. “We see that our books are making a difference every time a girl comes up to our table and excitedly wants to get the book,” they shared. One of their most rewarding experiences has been seeing readers dress up as characters from their stories for school character days – a moment that affirmed just how meaningful their creations have become.

The sisters’ author journey is just beginning. With college on the horizon, they are committed to balancing their education with entrepreneurship. Their vision for the future includes exploring new ways to grow the Real Fashion Sisters brand.

Dalise and Dalia are trailblazers showing girls everywhere that dreams are worth pursuing and that sisterhood, creativity, and determination can turn those dreams into reality.

Learn more about the Real Fashion Sisters and purchase their book at https://realfashionsisters.com. Follow them on Instagram.

She’s EmPOWERed: Ranyah Bullock aka “The Scholarship Enthusiast” is Helping Students Level Up

Posted on June 12, 2025 by empoweredflowergirl

As the cost of higher education continues to climb, students across the country are searching for tuition money along with their purpose. They’re looking for guidance, access, and opportunity. And Ranyah Bullock has got their back.

The 21-year-old Detroit native is the founder of Next Level Execution, a growing digital movement designed to equip HBCU students with the resources, tools and motivation they need to succeed in college and beyond. Fueled by her own journey, Ranyah is helping students not only afford school but also maximize the experience.

Known by many as “the scholarship enthusiast,” Ranyah built her platform to share the very tools, scholarships, internships and leadership opportunities she once searched for herself. She was able to secure $80,000 in just 11 months.

“I’ve been that student—hungry for success, but not always sure where to look or who to ask,” she said. Now, she’s become the go-to resource she once needed.

Through her platform, Ranyah has helped thousands of students access more than just financial aid. She’s opened doors to leadership programs, campus events and industry connections. Many students have secured over $10,000 in funding thanks to resources she’s posted. Her work also includes digital tools and planners that help students stay organized and on track during the academic year.

Next Level Execution is a movement with real-world impact.

On her HBCU campus at Delaware State University, Ranyah has led in-person activations that reached more than 500 students. Her workshops and one-on-one guidance have connected students directly with career services and empowered them to take control of their college experience.

Now, as she prepares for graduation, Ranyah’s vision is expanding. She plans to enter the field of corporate social responsibility, focusing on community impact and philanthropy. Her goal? To help companies give back in meaningful ways, especially to underserved communities.

Whether online or on campus, Ranyah Bullock is showing what it means to be emPOWERed!

Connect with Ranyah via Instagram.

She’s EmPOWERed: Shamere Duncan Reps Her City and Creates Community Along the Way

Posted on February 26, 2025 by empoweredflowergirl

Detroit’s resilience, passion and can-do spirit have all shaped Shamere Duncan into the changemaker she is today. At 21, she is a Business Administration student at Wayne State University and making a significant impact as the founder of She So Detroit and as the Youth Affairs Engagement Coordinator for the City of Detroit. Her love for the city fuels her passion and her mission to empower women and youth, ensuring they recognize their strength, potential and ability to succeed.

She So Detroit is more than a brand — it’s a movement. At its core is the Detroit Butterfly, a symbol of growth and resilience. “Like the butterfly, we believe in transformation—helping women and young people in Detroit navigate their journey from struggle to strength, from dreaming to doing,” Shamere said. “It represents the beauty that emerges when women and youth in Detroit are given the tools, the space, and the belief to grow into their fullest potential.”

Shamere’s vision is to create spaces where Detroit women’s voices are amplified, their stories honored, and their dreams nurtured. Simultaneously, she is committed to uplifting the next generation, providing mentorship and opportunities to help youth see their limitless possibilities.

Through storytelling, community events, and more, She So Detroit is shifting narratives and fostering empowerment. Shamere believes that when women and youth in Detroit are given the tools, support, and belief they need, they can soar.

Looking ahead, she envisions expanding She So Detroit to create an even greater impact. She plans to deepen her commitment to philanthropy, growing mentorship programs and initiatives that support young people in their journey.

“I want to create spaces where Detroit’s youth can dream big, see their potential, and know they have the tools to succeed,” Shamere said.

Follow the She So Detroit movement via Instagram.

She’s EmPOWERed: Maryland Teen on a Mission to Make Activism Accessible for All

Posted on January 8, 2025January 8, 2025 by empoweredflowergirl

At just 13 years old, Carolyn Deol is proving that age is no barrier to making a difference. As the founder of The Yellow Roses, a Maryland-based youth advocacy and service-learning nonprofit, Carolyn has already established her place as a changemaker.

Her journey began at just six years old when her mother and grandmother took her to phone bank for Hillary Clinton’s presidential campaign. That experience ignited her passion for activism.

“I felt so empowered and inspired, and I wanted to continue to pursue activism outside of the election, but when I asked other organizations if I could join, they told me they were all for highschoolers, and no one was willing to make an exception. So, I founded The Yellow Roses in 2020.”

The name and founding year of The Yellow Roses are deeply symbolic. The organization’s creation in 2020 coincided with the centennial of the 19th Amendment, which extended voting rights to women. The yellow rose, a historic symbol of support for women’s suffrage in 1920, now represents courage, equality, and social justice—a mission Carolyn embraces wholeheartedly.

Making Activism Accessible

Carolyn’s vision for The Yellow Roses centers on making activism inclusive for youth of all ages.

One initiative that the organization offers is the School Year of Service where youth take on a different service project each month of the school year.

“We have organized voter registration drives. We do social justice storytime, where we read a story about a social justice movement such as women’s suffrage movement or the civil rights movement and then do a craft to go along with it,” Carolyn explained.

Currently, Carolyn is leading the charge to educate young people about the Equal Rights Amendment and empower them to take action to support it as part of the 12 days for the ERA initiative.

After high school, she plans to attend law school and one day step into the political arena.

For this young changemaker, activism isn’t just a passion—it’s a lifelong mission. Kudos to Carolyn for empowering a generation of young leaders!

Follow The Yellow Roses via Instagram.

Moving Forward to 15: Reflections and Updates from Empowered Flower Girl

Posted on December 12, 2024 by empoweredflowergirl

As the year winds down, I find myself reflecting on the journey ahead—2025 marks the 15th anniversary of my passion project that blossomed into a social enterprise: Empowered Flower Girl ™.

When I launched in 2010, I had a simple yet powerful mission: to transform how young people relate to themselves and each other. Little did I know the impact we’d make over the years, partnering with schools and nonprofits, empowering youth to live above bullying and drama, and inspiring intergenerational empathy and understanding.

Our 10-year anniversary in 2020 was meant to be a huge milestone, but like many, we faced unexpected challenges due to COVID. While the celebration we envisioned didn’t happen, our work didn’t stop. In fact, it evolved. That year, we:

Garnered media recognition for continuing to support youth and educators.

Launched the Girl World Peace Academy, our first-ever course and coaching program.

Fully embraced technology to bring our message of empowerment to a broader audience (the UK, Canada and South Africa).

Now, as we step into 2025, Empowered Flower Girl ™ is evolving, and so am I. But one thing remains constant: my unwavering commitment to youth and the incredible individuals who work tirelessly to uplift and inspire them.

Thank you to everyone who’s been part of this journey—from our first Chica Chat workshops to our ongoing advocacy for community and sisterhood.

Are you or do you know someone who wants to launch or grow a youth-serving or mentoring organization? Do you/they need clarity, support and resources (including funding opportunities, PR/marketing help and program ideas) to make it happen?

Our Girl World Peace Academy offers all of the above and more. Enrollment is open through the end of National Mentoring Month, January 31, 2025. This is your last chance to get access to this amazing professional development opportunity and 1:1 coaching for under $300!

Fostering a Lifelong Love of Learning in Children: Tips for Parents & Caregivers

Posted on November 25, 2024 by empoweredflowergirl

By Laura Pearson

In today’s fast-paced world, nurturing a child’s love for learning has become a pivotal challenge for parents and educators alike. As digital distractions abound and attention spans dwindle, the quest to maintain a child’s innate curiosity and passion for discovery appears more daunting than ever. However, cultivating an environment that celebrates creativity, encourages self-recognition, and promotes mindful learning can transform this challenge into a rewarding journey.

Creating a Home Learning Space

Creating a special learning nook at home can be a game-changer in nurturing your child’s creativity and curiosity. Designate a spot solely for educational activities, helping your child mentally associate this area with learning and exploration. Whether it’s a cozy corner or a dedicated desk, a well-organized space encourages focus and provides easy access to essential materials, fostering an environment ripe for discovery. Add vibrant colors and interactive objects to further stimulate imagination and inquisitiveness.

Acknowledging and Celebrating Success

Helping your child acknowledge their own successes can significantly boost their intrinsic motivation, sustaining a lifelong love for learning. Encourage your child to set personal goals and celebrate when they achieve them. This boosts their self-esteem and helps them develop skills like goal setting and self-awareness. Create an environment where they regularly reflect on their progress, nurturing their ability to independently reward themselves. Involving them in deciding the rewards can make the process more engaging and self-directed, further supporting their educational journey.

Empowering Children with Hands-on Learning

Organizing regular family activities that involve hands-on learning can be a fun and effective way to nurture curiosity and critical thinking in children. Activities like cooking together teach practical skills while introducing concepts such as measurements and nutrition. Gardening offers lessons in biology, patience, and responsibility, while building simple machines encourages creativity and problem-solving. These shared experiences not only strengthen family bonds but also make learning engaging and interactive, helping children to develop a love for discovery and experimentation.

Earning a Degree to Lead by Example

By nurturing your own curiosity and enthusiasm for education, you set a powerful example for your children. If you’ve been putting off getting a degree, pursuing an online degree offers the flexibility to balance aspirations with responsibilities. For example, exploring online accounting degree programs equips you with essential skills in areas like managerial accounting and estate taxation, demonstrating the importance of lifelong learning to your children. As you engage in your educational journey, your kids observe the value of intellectual growth, positively influencing their academic pursuits.

Incorporating Daily Mindful Moments

Incorporating mindfulness into daily routines can nurture your child’s love for learning by encouraging them to be present. Make everyday activities, like walking or cooking, opportunities for mindful engagement, helping children focus on their senses and thoughts. Utilize prompts to remind them to remain grounded, fostering curiosity about their surroundings. Embrace simple mindfulness practices during routine tasks, such as being aware of sensory experiences while brushing teeth, to develop a habit of thoughtful observation.

Unlocking Curiosity Through Questions

Encouraging your child’s curiosity can be effectively achieved by incorporating open-ended questions into your interactions. Questions starting with “why” or “how” invite your child to explore ideas and express their thoughts more freely, fostering deeper engagement with learning. Ask questions like “What do you think will happen if…?” or “Why do you believe that?” to stimulate critical thinking and boost their confidence in sharing unique perspectives.

Engaging with Interactive Online Platforms

To preserve and nurture your child’s enthusiasm for learning, explore online educational platforms designed to provide interactive and engaging activities. These platforms offer engaging lessons with gamified elements, making learning feel like play. They use quizzes and interactive lessons to captivate young learners, turning study time into a fun, competitive experience. The key is to find platforms that emphasize hands-on participation, keeping children intrigued and active in their learning process.

By weaving curiosity, creativity, and mindfulness into the fabric of everyday life, you’re not just laying the groundwork for academic success but fostering resilient minds and open hearts. Each step you take is a step towards unlocking endless possibilities. Let your home be a sanctuary of discovery, where both you and your child revel in the shared joy of learning.

Discover how you can live powerfully and make a difference with Empowered Flower Girl. Learn about our impactful workshops and resources that transform relationships and combat bullying.

About the author:

Laura Pearson is the founder of Edutude and is passionate about teaching the younger generation. Edutude was built to share resources on how to keep children engaged and in love with learning.

Image: Designed by Freepik

She’s EmPOWERed: Colorado Teen is Blazing a Trail in Mountain Biking

Posted on November 7, 2024November 6, 2024 by empoweredflowergirl

Isabela Wester-Rivera is taking the mountain biking world by storm. At 17, she competes on the Puerto Rico National Team and Donovan Racing Team and holds both the title of Puerto Rico and the Caribbean Mountain Bike Champion in her category (Junior, female). While her journey began as a competitive rock climber, after nearly a decade in the sport, Isabela pivoted to focus solely on mountain biking—a decision that has sparked new opportunities and aspirations.

“I started climbing competitively when I was seven after watching Ashima Shiraishi in a climbing competition,” she shared. “I started mountain biking to increase my endurance and leg power for dynamic jumps in climbing. It was then that my family and I discovered that I had great talent and skill for not just climbing but also cycling.”

While she had a passion for climbing, mountain biking presented a promising path forward.

But Isabela’s journey in the biking community hasn’t come without challenges. “Mountain biking is a male-dominated sport, especially in the USA, where competitors don’t always look like me,” she explained. “I am not only a female but also Latina and on the autism spectrum. So when I race, I remind myself of everyone I’m representing—females, Latinas, bilingual speakers, those who are neurodiverse, and most of all my family—those who are with me and those who are no longer with me.”

Isabela’s future is as bright as her achievements. She plans to attend the University of Colorado Boulder next fall to study architecture, coding, or linguistics. As she works toward the goal of representing Puerto Rico at the World Championships, her dream of competing in the Olympics remains in sight. She hopes her journey inspires others to pursue their dreams, no matter the obstacles.

Follow Isabela’s journey via Instagram.