Empowered Flower Girl

T. Rose Foundation to Host 6th Annual Girlpreneur Expo in Detroit

Posted on October 18, 2024 by empoweredflowergirl

Empowered Flower Girl is thrilled to support the T. Rose Foundation as it celebrates the entrepreneurial spirit of young innovators at the 6th annual Girlpreneur Expo! On Saturday, October 26, girls from across Detroit and the Midwest will gather to showcase their businesses and talents, creating a powerful platform for youth entrepreneurship.

The expo provides an incredible opportunity for young business owners to network with peers, meet experienced entrepreneurs, and present their products to the public. From jewelry and fashion to baked goods, skincare, and books, these girls are turning their passions into thriving businesses. The event is not just about sales—it’s about fostering creativity, building confidence, and inspiring the next generation of leaders.

A highlight of the day will be performances by talented young women, including She’s EmPOWERed alumna Kaci the Model—an anti-bullying advocate, rapper, and social media influencer. Kaci will bring her dynamic energy to the stage, alongside other amazing performers. Additionally, the foundation has some incredible prizes to give away, like tickets to the UniverSoul Circus.

Empowered Flower Girl will be at the expo, ready to connect with attendees and share information about our programs that empower youth and adults alike. Stop by our table to learn more!

Vendor spots are still available, and girls from all over the Midwest are encouraged to participate. For more details, visit https://www.t-rosefoundation.org/girlpreneur. Don’t miss this chance to support young girlpreneurs and celebrate their creativity and entrepreneurial spirit!

Saturday, October 26

Noon to 3 p.m.

Durfee Innovation Society, 2470 Collingwood St., Detroit

FREE to attend

She’s EmPOWERed: Nonprofit Founder Going with the “Flo” to Help Girls and Young Women

Posted on October 7, 2024October 7, 2024 by empoweredflowergirl

At 19 years old, Amaya Waymon of Tallahassee, Fla., is already leaving a lasting mark in the fight for menstrual equity. As the founder of The Girl Flo, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing period products, education, and advocacy, Amaya is tackling period poverty head-on and breaking down the stigma surrounding menstruation.

The inspiration for The Girl Flo was born out of Amaya’s volunteer work.

“I decided to start The Girl Flo based on volunteering in the school’s pantry that I still volunteer for in college,” she shared. What began as a local effort to supply period products to those in need has evolved into a far-reaching mission to install period product dispensers in schools and public spaces, ensuring students don’t miss class due to a lack of access to essential items.

By advocating for and installing free period product dispensers in schools, Amaya’s organization is removing the barriers that keep students from fully participating in their education. Period poverty—the inability to afford or access menstrual products—affects millions, but thanks to The Girl Flo, more and more students can attend school without fear of embarrassment or disruption.

The organization also goes beyond product access, hosting period poverty awareness events and launching campaigns to normalize conversations about menstruation. “Our goal is to make periods no longer taboo,” Amaya explained. Through educational resources, The Girl Flo empowers young people to take control of their menstrual health and pushes for policy changes to create sustainable, long-term solutions for menstrual equity.

Looking to the future, Amaya’s passion for creating lasting change doesn’t stop with The Girl Flo. She has her sights set on other avenues of influence—planning to attend law school and eventually run for political office. Currently, she’s seeking to join the Emerge National Training Program, which prepares women for political leadership roles. Amaya’s drive to serve her community and advocate for underrepresented voices positions her as a future force in both policy and social justice.

Through her work with The Girl Flo, Amaya is proving that one young woman can lead the charge toward a more inclusive and supportive world. We can’t wait to see what she’ll achieve next!

Follow The Girl Flo via Instagram.

EmPOWERing Events & Opportunities

Posted on September 18, 2024 by empoweredflowergirl

Workshop flyer 2 (3) This fall, Empowered Flower Girl is gearing up for a season of powerful events and opportunities!

In September, we’re supporting Attendance Awareness Month, highlighting the importance of students being present and engaged in school.

As we transition into October, we’ll join the movement for Bullying Prevention Month, raising awareness about the impact of bullying and empowering young people to stand up for themselves and others.

October also brings the International Day of the Girl, a global celebration dedicated to uplifting girls and gender-expansive youth, aligning with our mission to foster sisterhood and self-empowerment.

We invite you to get involved and make a difference! Keep an eye on our social media channels for updates, events, and other opportunities to connect with us.

NATIONAL

September

Attendance Awareness Month – Every September, Attendance Awareness Month is observed to encourage regular school attendance which essential for academic success. Show up. Be present and have a great year!

DETROIT AREA

Friday, September 27

Empower Her Shine Gala – Presented by Me, Myself, and I Teen Organization. Learn more and get tickets here.

NATIONAL

October

Bullying Prevention Month – A month-long event, Bullying Prevention Month aims to prevent childhood bullying and promote kindness, acceptance, and inclusion.

Friday, October 11

International Day of the Girl – Observed annually on October 11, International Day of the Girl is a key global moment on which to celebrate girls everywhere, amplifying their voices, actions and leadership.

DETROIT AREA

Saturday, October 12

All Girls Matter Conference – Presented by America’s Big Sisters Foundation. Learn more about the AGM conference tour at www.americasbigsisters.com.

Sunday, October 13

Presidential Lifetime Achievement Awards – Presented by 3 Phases School of Etiquette. Learn more and get tickets here.

Saturday, October 26

Girlpreneur Expo – Presented by the T. Rose Foundation. The event is free to attend. Girl bosses under 18 can register for vendor tables for only $30. Learn more here.

Tuesday, October 29

Giant Step Teen Conference – Presented by Wayne State University’s Merrill Palmer Skillman Institute and brings teenagers together from diverse backgrounds to discover all they have in common. Learn more at www.mpsi.wayne.edu/outreach/teen-conference.

She’s EmPOWERed: Philadelphia Teen Turns Her Bullying Experience into a Mission to Help Others

Posted on August 12, 2024 by empoweredflowergirl

Thirteen-year-old Aleemah Lanier is an anti-bullying advocate and author making waves with her message of kindness and resilience. She was recently featured on a CBS Philadelphia news segment and in Metro Kids magazine where she shared her inspiring journey which began after experiencing bullying at her new school.

Nationally, 1 in 5 students aged 12 to 18 face bullying each year, highlighting the need for strong support systems and resources for them.

Determined to make a difference, Aleemah co-wrote the book “Let’s Help the Bullying” with her mom, Edwena, offering valuable lessons on conflict resolution and positive thinking. The book, which also comes as an interactive coloring book, is designed to engage youth in understanding and combating bullying.

Aleemah’s advocacy doesn’t stop there. She, her mom and her sister all actively participate in and facilitate various impact initiatives, including a girls’ mentoring group. This dynamic trio is dedicated to uplifting youth in their community and spreading awareness about the importance of kindness and empathy.

As the school year begins, Aleemah’s message is more timely than ever. She wants to inspire other children and teens to be brave, stand up against bullying, and treat each other with compassion.

Aleemah’s aspirations extend beyond her advocacy work; she also dreams of becoming a doctor.

We are excited to watch her journey unfold and can’t wait to see the incredible impact she’ll continue to make. Aleemah truly embodies the spirit of being emPOWERed, and we’re honored to highlight her story.

Learn more about the Let’s Help the Bully movement via Instagram.

Empowered Flower Girl Founder & CEO to Receive Presidential Lifetime Achieve Award

Posted on August 2, 2024 by empoweredflowergirl

Rasheda Kamaria Williams will be honored at Oct. 13 awards ceremony for her dedication to mentoring and empowering youth

Empowered Flower Girl is thrilled to announce that Rasheda Kamaria Williams, founder and chief empowering officer, has been selected to receive the 2024 Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award (PLAA). The award is the highest level of the President’s Volunteer Service Award, launched in 2003 to recognize “the important role of volunteers in America’s strength and national identity.” The national award recognizes individuals whose service positively impacts communities nationwide and inspires others to take action.

“I am truly honored to be recognized for doing what I love – helping children and teens realize their power to make a difference in the world,” Rasheda shared. “Becoming a mentor 24 years ago transformed my life, and I’ve since dedicated myself to empowering and educating others to be there for our youth. I’ll continue to amplify the voices of mentors and mentees, recognizing those making an impact.”

Rasheda, along with other distinguished honorees, will be celebrated at the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Awards Ceremony on October 13. The event will be hosted by fellow PLAA recipient Shanithia Jhons, founder and CEO of 3Phases School of Etiquette. Tickets for the ceremony are available for $50. We invite you to join us in celebrating this remarkable achievement and the incredible work being done to uplift our communities.

Visit https://3phases.info/be-our-guest-1 for tickets and to learn more about 3Phases School of Etiquette.

The President’s Lifetime Achievement Award

Enrollment Open for Girl World Peace Academy Course + Coaching Program

Posted on July 25, 2024 by empoweredflowergirl

Educators, mentors and other purpose-driven professionals encouraged to enroll

Watch this video for a behind-the-scene look at the course

Just ahead of the back-to-school season, Empowered Flower Girl is excited to announce that enrollment for Girl World Peace Academy (GWPA) – our virtual course + coaching program – is currently open. GWPA aims to equip educators, mentors, nonprofit founders and other youth advocates with the necessary tools and resources to create a more empathetic and kind world for youth, especially for our girls, young women and gender expansive tweens/teens.

“In the digital age, girls and young women face unprecedented challenges that demand immediate attention through targeted resources, programs, and initiatives,” said Empowered Flower Girl Founder and Chief Empowering Officer Rasheda Kamaria Williams. “We look forward to working with more educators and advocates who are passionate about making a lasting impact in the lives of young people who need our empathy and support more than ever.”

A 2021 CDC Youth Risk Behavior Survey revealed a disheartening reality: nearly 3 in 5 teen girls (57%) reported feeling “persistently sad or hopeless,” marking the highest rate in a decade. This trend underscores the urgent need for schools—where more than 95% of U.S. youth spend their days—to transform into supportive environments that prioritize mental health and social wellness alongside academic achievement.

Girl World Peace Academy offers practical tools and one-on-one coaching to help adult participants address challenges like digital harassment and social exclusion, which are increasingly prevalent among 21st century teens. The program also offers solutions as well as resources and support for individuals to launch new or elevate existing programs/initiatives.

I found the Girl World Peace Academy very helpful in my process of starting my program for girls” said Chantia Thompson of Good Vibz Yoga and Girlz Empowered. “With the help and information Rasheda provided, I feel more confident and motivated to get started. At first I was unsure of how to get start, how to get the kids engaged and keep them interested in the program. My one-on-one call let me ask questions, get tips and information and discuss possible issues that could come up.

For more information or to enroll, visit www.girlworldpeace.com/info. Receive an additional $50 off enrollment when you schedule a free discovery call.

She’s EmPOWERed: Virginia Tween is a Champion for Mental Health

Posted on May 8, 2024May 8, 2024 by empoweredflowergirl

May is Mental Health Awareness Month

This month, Empowered Flower Girl celebrates the incredible work of compassionate changemakers who are using their time, talent and treasure to champion the cause of mental health. Individuals like Mila M., a Virginia tween on a mission to provide tools and resources to her peers who could use a little positive energy.

After seeing a need for mental health support and resources for girls in her community, *12-year-old* Mila applied for a microgrant as part of the #BlackGirlJoyChallenge, an initiative of the Southern Black Girls and Women’s Consortium. With this initial support, she started assembling carefully curated packages (or mental health boxes) filled with items designed to promote wellness and self-care.

“I quickly realized how important this was and decided to grow it into a non-profit,” Mila shared. “It is important to give Black girls tools to address their mental health because they often do not talk about their mental health due to stigma.”

Mila, who has faced her own battles with mental health, is attuned to the disparities in how mental health is perceived, particularly within the Black community. Through MH Boxes, Mila is breaking down barriers and providing a safe space for young Black girls to make self-care a priority. Each box contains resources and activities to encourage self-expression, mindfulness, and emotional well-being.

Mila’s outreach efforts have been recognized by media outlets and organizations throughout Virginia. In April, she was honored as a Chesterfield Community Champion and featured in a CBS news segment highlighting her delivery of 188 “MH Boxes” to Communities In Schools of Richmond.

As we celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month, Mila reminds us all of the importance of supporting and uplifting underrepresented voices, especially when it comes to mental health.

Keep up with and support Mila and MH Boxes via Instagram.

*At the time we wrote this feature, Mila was 12. As of May 8, Mila is officially a teen! Happy Birthday.

She’s EmPOWERed: California Teen Activist Advocates for Women’s/LGBTQ Rights and Freedoms

Posted on March 19, 2024 by empoweredflowergirl

Empowered Flower Girl salutes Aria-Vue Daugherty this Women’s History Month!

Aria-Vue Daugherty, a powerhouse teen activist, is leading the charge for change in California. As co-chair of the Young Feminists Committee (an initiative of the Santa Barbara Women’s Political Committee), she advocates fiercely for women’s and LGBTQ rights, demonstrating the power of young voices. But her impact doesn’t stop there; Aria-Vue also serves as director of the California Young Feminist Party. Through her advocacy, Aria-Vue not only fights for equality but also demonstrates the immense power and potential of young leaders in shaping a more inclusive and just society.

“I was motivated to get involved after realizing that other young people were also passionate about the Equal Rights Amendment, but was surprised by the lack of YFP activity in California,” she explained. “I have been attempting to revitalize the movement in our state because I think it is extremely important to realize that Californian girls, women, and LGBTQ people are still put at risk by sexist legislation in other parts of the country despite our progressive state government.”

Aria-Vue, who identifies as queer, said the Young Feminist Party has been lobbying on local, state, and federal levels to get elected officials to realize the importance of the Equal Rights Amendment to the safety of women and queer people.

Last spring, Aria-Vue and several young people were quoted in a Los Angeles Times article highlighting Solvang City Council’s decision to turn down a proposal to hang pride-themed banners downtown. During the council meeting, Aria-Vue shared students’ feelings about the banners. She said “a vast majority of them are absolutely unbothered by rainbows and would really appreciate representation for everyone and inclusivity for everyone.”

She was also featured in the Winter 2024 edition of California Woman Magazine, a publication of the California Federation of Business and Professional Women.

“In California, in partnership with organizations like the YMCA Youth and Government’s Female Leaders in Power Caucus, we’ve been working on educational and legislative campaigns surrounding issues currently affecting American women, like child marriage and menstrual inequity/period poverty,” she noted.

Aria-Vue is on her way to a purpose-driven future.

After high school, she will attend Harvard University, where she plans on studying government and computer science. “I want to go to law school, and work in regulation or public policy so that I can help make the internet a safer place for girls and women,” she said.

Check out Aria-Vue’s work with the Young Feminist Party via Instagram.

She’s EmPOWERed: Detroit-area Tween Making a Positive Impact with Artistic and Athletic Talents

Posted on February 12, 2024 by empoweredflowergirl

Empowered Flower Girl Salutes Joya Gorden during Black History Month

This Black History Month (BHM), we honor the legacy of those who’ve paved the way while bringing attention to the extraordinary accomplishments of young people who are actively shaping history today. Young people like 11-year-old Joya Gorden.

As this year’s BHM theme celebrates “African Americans in the Arts,” Joya stands out as a multi-talented force, excelling in figure skating, visual arts, and dance. Her journey, however, is not only one of a rising artist but also a narrative of triumph over personal struggles.

Battling depression and anxiety due to bullying in school and the isolating effects of the pandemic, Joya discovered solace and strength through athletics and the arts. These outlets became her light, guiding her out of the shadows into a place of newfound confidence.

That confidence has led Joya to pursue her passion to skate and create.

As a Black girl who loves figure skating, Joya recognized the lack of diversity in the sport and took it upon herself to break barriers. Becoming an ambassador for Diversify Ice in October 2023, Joya advocates for inclusivity in a sport often marked by its exclusivity and high costs.

“This role allows me to share out on my skating journey and encourage others to explore figure skating as a sport,” Joya said.

In January 2024, Joya’s incredible essay and abstract painting paying homage to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. unanimously won first-place in the T-Rose Foundation’s MLK Day Essay contest. She shared what Dr. King’s legacy means to her in both words and art and was presented with a $250 cash prize during a ceremony at ArtBlock in Detroit. Joya’s painting will be on display throughout Black History Month at the Carr Center as part of Bedrock’s Celebrating Black Arts young artists competition.

A Triple Axel Future

Joya has many aspirations for the future, like becoming a professional skater. With her talent and determination, we know someday, she’ll achieve that and other goals.

“Once I graduate from high school, I plan to pursue employment opportunities with Disney on Ice, participate in collegiate skating, and pursue studies related to art education,” Joya noted.

Joya not only exemplifies Black history in the making but also paves the way for a more diverse and inclusive future in the world of figure skating.

Keep up with and support Joya’s journey by following her on Instagram.