Empowered Flower Girl Seeks Submissions for She’s EmPOWERed Program Recognizing Outstanding Young Changemakers, Entrepreneurs and Social Impact Leaders

Posted on by empoweredflowergirl

Empowered Flower Girl, a social enterprise on a mission to transform the way young people relate to one another and themselves, is accepting submissions for its She’s EmPOWERed program. The initiative aims to recognize and celebrate the extraordinary contributions of girls, young women and gender-expansive youth ages 5 to 25 who are making a positive impact in their communities and the world.

Since the program’s launch in 2020, She’s EmPOWERed has highlighted the achievements of 30 remarkable female-identifying changemakers. Young people have been recognized in diverse fields, including entrepreneurship, non-profit leadership, literature and positive social media influence.

“She’s EmPOWERed serves as a platform to amplify the voices of young visionaries and inspire others to make a difference,” said Rasheda Kamaria Williams, youth empowerment speaker, author and founder/chief empowering officer for Empowered Flower Girl. “We are inspired by 21st century teens and tweens who are challenging stereotypes, breaking down barriers, standing up and using their power for good.”

In addition to the She’s EmPOWERed program, Empowered Flower Girl has facilitated youth empowerment initiatives like the Be the Impact Virtual Summit, which showcases and celebrates young people making or aspiring to make positive contributions to society as well as helps them discover their passion for community service.

She’s EmPOWERed nominations are accepted year-round from those residing in the United States and Canada. Youth selected receive recognition via social media, empowering swag and an opportunity to join Empowered Flower Girl’s alumni network.

Interested in being featured or know someone who should? Email rkamaria@empoweredflowergirl.com or complete the questionnaire at https://bit.ly/shesempoweredform. Parental consent is required for individuals under the age of 18. Empowered Flower Girl reserves the right to reject incomplete or irrelevant submissions. Companies interested in sponsoring swag bag items are encouraged to email us.

She’s EmPOWERed: Seventh Grader Creates Award-Winning Early Warning Fire Detection System

Posted on by empoweredflowergirl

At 12 years old, Shanya Gill is making local and national headlines as an award-winning scientist. The seventh grader from San Jose, Calif. recently earned the Aspiring Scientists Cultivating Exciting New Discoveries (ASCEND) Award, which is the top prize at the Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge held in partnership with the Society for Science.  

She was among 30 finalists who participated in team challenges in addition to being judged on their science research projects. According to a press release, the challenges leveraged project-based learning and tested students’ critical thinking, communication, creativity and collaboration skills in each of the STEM areas – Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. In the end, Shanya won $25,000, which she plans to use toward future education endeavors. 

Inspired to Make a Difference

In the summer of 2022, a fire destroyed a restaurant behind Shanya’s house. The incident had an impact on many people living nearby, including Shanya. 

‘This deeply moved me because the restaurant was part of my community, and when I would go on walks, I would see it every day. Because of this experience, I researched more about house fires and decided to do something about it,” she said. 

Shanya discovered that thermal cameras can detect heat loss in homes during winter months. So she wondered if these cameras could also spot house fires more quickly than traditional smoke detectors.

Shanya built a prototype fire-detection system using a wall-mounted thermal camera that can send text alerts when a heat source is left unattended. The device is designed to predict an unattended fire before it becomes a threat, instead of waiting for the fire to be a significant safety hazard like smoke detectors do. 

“My product is a fire detector that is faster, more accurate, and with finalization, will be more affordable than your traditional smoke detector,” she noted.  

“Throughout my life, I want to be able to follow my passions and make a positive difference wherever I go.”

Shanya plans to put her device on the market and fine-tune the code and other aspects. 

We look forward to reading more news about Shanya and the good she’s doing and will do in the world. Learn more about her project/device by visiting the Society for Science YouTube channel. 

Rasheda Kamaria Williams Named “Empowerment Enterprise Founder of the Year” by Acquisition International Magazine 

Posted on by empoweredflowergirl

Acquisition International Magazine (AI) has announced the winners of the eighth Influential Businesswoman Awards, which shine a light upon women who are a driving force for innovation, change, and empowerment. 

From interior design to holistic arts education, marketing specialists to business coaching, and much more, this year’s program is home to a fantastic number of women guiding and elevating their industries – for the sake of progression, efficiency, and equality.

Among the winners is Empowered Flower Girl Founder and Chief Empowering Officer Rasheda Kamaria Williams who received AI’s Social & Business Impact Award. She was also recognized as the 2023 Empowerment Enterprise Founder of the Year.

Awards Coordinator Jessie Wilson took a moment to comment on the success of the winners: “I applaud our winners for their tenacity, sincerity, and passion for their respective businesses and fellow human beings. Regardless of the challenges faced as women, these individuals have worked hard and risen to the top – so that they may influence and aid the rest of the world. Congratulations.”

Acquisition International prides itself on the validity of its awards and winners. The awards are given solely on merit and are awarded to commend those most deserving for their ingenuity and hard work, distinguishing them from their competitors and proving them worthy of recognition.

“It is an honor to be awarded alongside so many accomplished, powerful and talented women,” Rasheda said. “I will continue to uplift and support youth and youth advocates throughout North America and beyond so that they also have the tools and strategies to reach their full potential.”

To learn more about the award winners and to gain insight into the working practices of the “best of the best”, please visit the Acquisition International website where you can access the winners supplement.