Read about Empowered Flower Girl CEO Rasheda Kamaria Williams in the September 2012 issue of Wayne State University Magazine. Rasheda, a 2001 alumna, shares about how she went from bullied to inspired and why she launched EFG.
Check her out on page 34.
In honor of our two-year anniversary, Empowered Flower Girl is partnering with schools and non-profit community organizations that want to host workshops, programs and conversation circles.
We offer engaging content that inspires youth, teachers, parents and the community. From workshops combating teasing, cyberbullying and cliques, to programs encouraging goal-setting and career exploration, Empowered Flower Girl helps schools and organizations address critical social issues in a way that empowers and entertains.
If you are a counselor, executive director, educator, PTA representative or any other person responsible for your school’s or organization’s prevention programs, contact us at 248-629-0334 or email rkamaria@empoweredflowergirl.com. Book your workshop during September to receive a special discount for school and community groups.
View the Empowered Flower Girl speaker/workshop overview here.
Groups form alliances to combat bullying
Students, parents, teachers and youth advocates around the country are rallying against bullying and taking a stand for young people. People are no longer accepting teasing, harassment and hazing as child’s play.
The fact is: bullying is not a milestone in adolescent development.
Are you willing to Stand4Change?
Defeat the Label has teamed with “We Are The World” producer Ken Kragen for a national initiative called Stand4Change.
On May 4, students around the nation will take part in Stand4Change to highlight the bullying issue.
The plan is for students to stand up at noon (EST) on Friday, May 4, in protest to bullying.
Visit stand4change.org to learn more.
About Defeat The Label
Defeat The Label is a 501(c)3 organization that creates critical awareness of bullying issues among middle school and high school aged students. This is accomplished through the creation of awareness campaigns, community outreach, special events and the implementation of the Anti-Defamation League in-school curriculum.
Speaking of standing for change, have you been on YouTube lately?
I was touched and inspired by a music video from 15-year-old Megan Landry, an aspiring singer and songwriter from Ottawa, Ontario.
The 10th grader has been creating a buzz online (nearly 45,000 views) after speaking out against “mean girl” bullying with her song “Stronger.”
Megan shared with me in an online interview that she was picked on by girls in her school.
“It’s an awful feeling not knowing when they will make fun of you and exclude you and give you dirty looks. They used to be my friends,” she said.
I can relate. In May 2011, I shared my story of being alienated, harassed and taunted with tens of thousands of Cosmopolitan magazine readers in the article “Being Bullied Changed My Life.” While Megan and I are from different countries and different cultural backgrounds, the experience is the same.
Fortunately, we both found ways to stand up to bullying in a way that was empowering and encouraging.
“Everybody gets bullied though at some point; it’s a power thing . . . that’s what inspired me to write this song,” Megan said. “They will never tear me down. I will only get stronger.”
Kudos to Megan for sharing how she went from bullied to empowered.
Check out her video on YouTube.
April 12th event promotes sisterhood and positive female relationships
TROY, Mich. – Hate and Envy seem to have become the new “it” girls as evident with the popularity of reality shows depicting female drama and cat fights. While some are cashing in on the drama, others are encouraging positive and empowering relationships among girls and women.
On Thursday, April 12, the Oakland/Macomb Chapter of the National Organization for Women will present “Mentor a girl – Change your world,” a program highlighting the benefits of mentoring and personal real-life role modeling.
This program is specific to women mentoring girls and will discuss how to make mentoring fit to a busy lifestyle and the compelling reasons why mentoring is so important in today’s world.
Guest speakers include Paula Dirkes, author of “Mentor Me: The Complete Guide for Women who want to Mentor Girls,” who will discuss how to incorporate mentoring into your existing lifestyle and Rasheda Kamaria, founder of Empowered Flower Girl LLC, who will discuss the importance of inspiring sisterhood in an age of bad girls, housewives and frenemies.
The event will take place at the Troy Community Center, 3179 Livernois in Troy, Mich. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the program begins at 7 p.m. Admission is free, but donations will be accepted. Attendees must RSVP by Friday, April 6 via email to oaklandcountynow@gmail.com.
Booking spring and summer workshops!
Empowered Flower Girl Chief Empowering Officer Rasheda Kamaria invites schools and community organizations throughout southeast Michigan and beyond to book an empowering workshop this school year.
Kamaria delivers engaging content that inspires youth, teachers, parents and the community. From workshops combating teasing, cyberbullying and drama, to programs encouraging goal-setting and career exploration, Empowered Flower Girl can helps schools and organizations address critical social issues in a way that empowers and entertains.
Workshops include:
Empowered Flower Girl workshops are cost-effective for schools and nonprofits and are offered for as little at $5-10 per participant. As a social venture, Empowered Flower Girl is dedicated to supporting the community and gives back 25% of all merchandise sales to schools and organizations during cause campaigns throughout the year.
For more information or to book your workshop, email rkamaria@empoweredflowergirl.com or call 248-629-0334.
“The Communicating with Confidence workshop was fun, informative and engaging. The girls really enjoyed the hands-on activities. We received such positive feedback from the girls. This was a learning experience they will truly remember.” Tonya Weary, Founder of Young Entrepreneurs Series
Inspired to mentor or looking for opportunities to mentor?
Join Empowered Flower Girl and Michigan author Paula Dirkes for a FREE Mentor Appreciation Event & Mentor Me! Book Launch Party on Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2012 from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. at Renaissance Unity Church, 11200 E. Eleven Mile Road in Warren, Mich.
The event will include networking, mentor/mentee success stories, giveaways, light refreshments, mentoring resources and book signing. RSVP at mentormebooklaunch@gmail.com.
Check out Paula discussing why she mentors and why she wrote her inspirational book.
ABOUT AUTHOR PAULA DIRKES
Paula Dirkes earned her BS degree in secondary education from Michigan State University and her MA degree in Human Performance Improvement from the University of Michigan. She has taught and coached junior high school students in Lansing, Michigan and worked with infants through college students as the Youth & Aquatic Director at the Lansing Central YMCA. She has worked in secondary schools, corporate health promotion and in the healthcare industry for the majority of her career when working with adults.
Since 2001 she has been an active community-based mentor to Chelsea McKinney, a faith-based mentor for 12-18 year old boys and girls at Renaissance Unity church in Warren, Michigan, a school-based mentor/coach in the ‘Teen Leadership’ program at Hazel Park High School, a repeat adult volunteer at over 25 Challenge Day programs at numerous secondary schools in metro Detroit as well as a one-on-one tutor for grade school children at Timbuktu Academy of Science and Technology in east Detroit.
DETROIT — Empowered Flower Girl LLC announces its second annual National Mentoring Month Campaign “MenTEEs: T-shirts for a Cause.”
During National Mentoring Month in January 2012, the company will dedicate a special section on its website (and social media pages) to mentoring.
Rasheda Kamaria, chief empowering officer and founder, said Empowered Flower Girl will feature youth mentoring organizations during the month-long observance.
As part of the campaign, one organization or school group will be randomly selected to be the recipient of 25% of all Empowered Flower Girl t-shirt sales through Feb. 15, 2012. The organization will be notified on or before February 20, 2012.
“Our goal is to bring awareness to the need for positive adult role models for youth,” Kamaria said. “We want to help spread the word about organizations that empower, encourage and engage young people.”
Get your shirt today at http://www.shop.empoweredflowergirl.com.
As you’re preparing decadent feasts and decorating your homes in colors of the season, remember those in your communities and families who may be in need. Empowered Flower girl encourages everyone from tweens to seniors to give back in some way. Doing for others is a great way to express your own gratitude.
Speaking of gratitude, we’d like to thank you for your continued support. We’re gearing up for great things in 2012 and hope you’ll be there to be a part of it.
Remember to support small businesses this holiday season. Whether you’re looking for deals Black Friday or on Cyber Monday, Empowered Flower Girl is hooking you up with discounts and special gifts.
In fact, we’ll offer specials through the end of the year!
Again, we appreciate you and look forward to connecting in some way.
Happy Holidays,
Rasheda Kamaria
Empowered Flower Girl
There are so many things that the world needs. One of the most important is you. You have the ability to make this world a better place. Sure you’re young and not yet eligible to hold most political offices, but politicians aren’t the only folks who make a difference. You can make an important contribution to this planet even as a teenager.
When I was a child, I’d heard adults say things like “children should be seen and not heard.” Get real!
You have the power to change the world and all it takes is the courage to speak up for yourself and your community. If you are passionate about an issue, don’t be afraid to take action.
Give and receive
As we move into the holiday season, think about what you can do to make it a joyful time for others. Some say it is better to give than receive. I believe that when you give, you also receive. Studies (real ones from psychologists and other official folks) have found that people who do for others are much happier in life. Additionally, students who are active in their communities and those who volunteer their time do better in school.
There are numerous ways to give back. Organizations always need money, but if your allowance and part-time job don’t afford you the opportunity to be philanthropic, consider volunteering your time for a worthy cause.
Passion and purpose
Volunteer with organizations that reflect the issues and activities you care about the most. Are you an animal enthusiast? Many animal shelters need help with clerical work and cleaning. Passionate about saving the planet? Start a “green” program at your school or pitch in to clean up a neighborhood park.
There are thousands of causes, charities and issues in which to get involved. Websites like Idealist.org and Volunteermatch.org are great resources to help you find opportunities that touch, move and inspire you to take action.
My gift to you is this blog entry. Hopefully it empowers you to pay it forward and make this holiday season one to remember.
Becoming a multimillionaire or launching a profitable business enterprise was once seen as something that people did in their 30s and 40s. Now, more and more teens are starting successful corporations, small businesses and social ventures.
Internet entrepreneurs like Facebook’s Mark Zuckerberg or What Ever Life’s Ashley Qualls, who launched her site at 17, are proof that you don’t have to wait until you graduate college – or high school for that matter – to pursue your passion. And these days, you don’t have to do it alone. There are numerous organizations that offer training to aspiring moguls.
The Young Entrepreneur Series (Y.E.S.), based in the Detroit area, recently announced its new Future CEO Leaders program designed to teach teen girls about business, leadership, philanthropy and social responsibility through self-empowerment. Registrations are being accepted for the six-month program through Oct. 15, 2011.
Empowered Flower Girl spoke with global business consultant and Y.E.S. Executive Director Tonya McNeal-Weary about how she got started and how she’s helping girls realize their entrepreneurial potential.
What was your first job ever?
My first job was actually working for my cousin as a receptionist at a tire repair shop. I was 18 years old.
When did you know you wanted to be an entrepreneur?
I realized I wanted to become an entrepreneur and run my own business when I was about 20 years old. I have always liked the idea of being my own boss.
Who was your business mentor growing up?
I didn’t have any formal mentoring relationships growing up; however I had role models whom I looked up to. Having a mentor or a positive role model can be very helpful as you are deciding on career options, or maybe looking to decide what path to take for your future.
Teens hear every day that when they graduate jobs will be hard to find, what can a young person do now to prepare for their future career?
The reality is that jobs are more scarce than ever before – making the few jobs that are available more competitive. I would encourage young people today to invest in a good college education, seek additional opportunities including internships, study abroad programs, and learning a foreign language. This would make them more competitive in today’s job market. I would also encourage young people to turn their unique talents and hobbies into a business of their own. Help to create jobs and rebuild our economy.
What advice would you give to a girl thinking of starting a business or nonprofit?
I would advise her to never give up on her dream. Starting a business is not easy. You have to have drive and dedication. Having a good mentor can really be beneficial as well. Definitely take advantage of various resources available to entrepreneurs. There are many agencies and organizations that offer free and low-cost services to assist new entrepreneurs. There are risks that come with entrepreneurship but as with any other investment – the greater the risk, the greater the reward.
Not in Detroit? Not a problem. There are numerous groups throughout North America that offer leadership training, tips, news and other resources for aspiring business owners. Google it! Or check out these sites:
Small Business Association – http://www.sbaonline.sba.gov/teens/
Entrepreneur Online – http://www.entrepreneur.com/tsu
Elevator Pitch – http://www.elevatorpitch2011.com/
Young Entrepreneur – http://www.youngentrepreneur.com/
Empowered Flower Girl 