She’s EmPOWERed: Teen Leader’s Story of Perseverance Gives Hope to Others Facing Adversity

Posted on by empoweredflowergirl

In the small town of Dayton, Wash., one teen is emerging as a powerful leader with big achievements and aspirations. 

Meet Wyntr McCauley – a high school senior who survived childhood trauma to become a trailblazer in her school and community. 

Recently gracing the cover of Inspiring Teen magazine and winning a scholarship, Wyntr’s story is a testament to the power of determination and the ability to live above adversity.

Her active involvement in various service initiatives and clubs, including the Associated Student Body, where she serves as president; and Future Farmers of America, where she serves as chapter secretary, showcases her commitment to making a positive impact. 

She has been a dedicated athlete representing Dayton, for many years, embodying the spirit of teamwork and sportsmanship.

And on top of all of that, Wyntr is a National Honor Society member and currently enrolled in three college core classes in her school.

A Model Citizen

Wyntr’s exceptional contributions to her community have earned several accolades. In 2023, the Dayton Chamber of Commerce named her Youth Citizen of the Year! This prestigious award is a reflection of Wyntr’s commitment to service, leadership, and her ability to inspire others.

After graduation this spring, Wyntr plans to attend Montana State University in the fall to study psychology. “I want to be able to help people and mental health has been a passion of mine since I was in middle school. There is a huge demand for psychology and mental health workers nationwide,” she said in the interview for Inspiring Teen magazine.

To learn more about Wyntr, check out the full Inspiring Teen interview. 

She’s EmPOWERed: Calgary Teen Has a Heart of Gold

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Although she’s only 14 years old, Marigold Mioc has spent nearly a decade dedicated to supporting and championing causes in her community and beyond. 

It all started in 2015 when she founded Marigold’s Heart Garden. Her intention was to sell flower headbands at local markets to fund a trip to Paris. 

However, her family’s plans were canceled after a series of terrorist attacks in the country that same year. After hearing the news of the attacks and learning of other world events, like the Syrian refugee crisis, Marigold had an idea to help others. 

She used the money she earned from Marigold’s Heart Garden to help sponsor a family from Syria to come to Canada and used additional earnings to support other global causes.

In 2018, Marigold took a leadership trip to Kenya and helped build a dorm for students while there. She also fundraised and helped support a student to attend school for two years. 

Recently, she started an initiative to create care packages for young people who are transitioning out of the foster care system. The care packages will include hygiene products, journals, gift cards and other items inside of a carry-on suitcase. A pamphlet with local resources will be included in each package. 

She was awarded a $2,000 grant from the Calgary Youth Foundation to get started. 

A Life of Service

Since 2015, Marigold’s Heart Garden has raised over $15,000 and has supported numerous individuals and initiatives in Canada and around the world. Marigold has also participated in international programs and been an ambassador for numerous organizations, including the United Way of Calgary and Gems for Gems, an organization committed to ending the cycle of domestic abuse by focusing on the economic recovery and empowerment of survivors. 

She is the recipient of a 2021 Alberta Council for Global Cooperation Top 30 under 30 Award, 2021 Humanitarian Award from IdealMe Enrichment Foundation and 2019 Diana Award, among others. 

Marigold’s dream is to attend Harvard University where she hopes to study medicine. Her ultimate goal is to work with foster children who have medical needs.

With a heart of gold and empathy for others, Marigold is the epitome of emPOWERed. We salute her and wish her continued success!

Learn more and connect with Marigold’s Heart Garden:

Instagram

In the News:

https://calgarycitizen.com/p/calgary-teen-italy

https://hundred.org/en/articles/hundred-youth-ambassador-marigold-mioc-meets-malala

Empowered Flower Girl Hosts 2022 Be the Impact Virtual Youth Service Summit

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Empowered Flower Girl (EFG), a social enterprise on a mission to transform the way young people relate to one another and themselves, will host the 2022 Be the Impact Summit on Saturday, October 8, 2022, from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. ET. The virtual youth service event will be held during National Bullying Prevention Month and the weekend before International Day of the Girl.

The event 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.

The summit is free and open to youth and youth advocates globally and includes:

Youth Power Panel:

  • Avery Kelley (Atlanta, Ga.), producer and host of the Teendom Talk Show and CEO of Inspired Melanin
  • Vanesha and Varshini Hari (Redmond, Wash.), sisters and co-founders of Joys of Giving
  • Rosemary Nwaosuagwu (Houston, Texas), 9-year-old author and founder of Books by Rossy

Workshop:

Passion. Purpose. Profession: Introduction to Strategic Service facilitated by Rasheda Kamaria Williams, mentor turned social entrepreneur and chief empowering officer for Empowered Flower Girl; and featuring Tia Russell, founder of Take My Hand.

Presentation:

Youth Service America featuring Nikki Liles, director of partnerships, who will discuss community service initiatives and funding opportunities for young people and youth-serving organizations.
To close out the event, Empowered Flower Girl will announce the winner of its $250 Impact Ideas giveaway.

“There are young people in our communities and around the world tackling issues and championing causes – from climate change and racism to access to education and homelessness,” Williams said. “I am inspired by the courage and commitment of youth globally and Empowered Flower Girl is committed to honoring those using their gifts and talents to create change.”

The 2022 Be the Impact Summit is sponsored by the Consulate General of Israel to the Midwest. Empowered Flower Girl was one of three Detroit-area organizations/social enterprises to receive a Social Impact Grant from the Consulate in June.

For more information visit http://www.empoweredflowergirl.com/2022BetheImpact.

Empowered Flower Girl one of three Detroit area organizations to win a $5,000 Social Impact Grant

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The Consulate General of Israel to the Midwest announced winners of its Social Impact Grants during an awards ceremony on Friday, June 17, in Detroit.

Empowered Flower Girl was selected among three Michigan-based organizations to receive a grant.

Other organizations awarded include: Detroiters Working for Environmental Justice and Quartz Water Source.

“Out of the numerous applications that we received, these three grassroots organizations reflect a value that is also quintessential to Israeli society: taking care of our own and each other” said Yinam Cohen, Consul General of Israel to the Midwest.

Empowered Flower Girl will use the funds to host events this fall, including a Be the Impact Summit in honor of International Day of the Girl and service-learning showcase for youth.

“At Empowered Flower Girl, our tagline is be empowered, live powerfully and this wonderful Social Impact Grant from the Consulate General of Israel to the Midwest will help us continue our work with young people who are being the change in their schools, communities and in the world,” said EFG Founder and Chief Empowering Officer Rasheda Williams.

In 2021, the Consulate provided its first Social Impact Grants in Minneapolis. The Consulate General of Israel to the Midwest is charged with connecting to the following states: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.

She’s EmPOWERed: Community Service is a Family Affair for Virginia Sisters and NEST4US Founders

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Service to the community is a strong value in the Venkat family household. So it’s no surprise that sisters Shreyaa and Esha are championing causes and inspiring others to do the same.

“Our mom would bring us along to volunteer at school and community events even back in elementary school,” said eldest sister, Shreyaa, 18. “That was when we were first introduced to the world of community service. The giving spirit has always been in our family for generations.”

The award-winning sisters believe it’s our responsibility as humans to give back to the people who need it the most. There are millions of people in the world that don’t have access to basic necessities like food and some don’t even have families or loved ones.

PURPOSE & PASSION

“This is proof that the world needs people to spark change and build a better future. So, we thought, why couldn’t that be us?” said younger sister, Esha, 15. That’s the inspiration behind why they formed NEST4US, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to providing volunteer solutions to the community to make the world better through kindness.

The sisters have made such an impact in their community and across the country that they have been honored with dozens of awards, including the George H.W. Bush Points of Light Award. This year, Shreyaa was selected for the Clinton Global Initiative University 2021 Cohort by the Clinton Foundation. Additionally, the girls were among the L’Oreal Paris Women of Worth honorees and selected for the Disney Dreamers Academy with Steve Harvey.

It’s hard to imagine Shreyaa and Esha having time for anything else with all their NEST4US initiatives. But they do! These fierce founders are both travel soccer players, Kathak dancers, 3rd degree black belts, certified soccer referees and assistant martial arts instructors.

“Many people wonder, how do we manage to balance academics, extracurriculars and still keep time open in our schedules to give back consistently? Well, for us, we believe that you don’t need to have time, you should make the time to help others,” the sisters agreed.

ASPIRATIONS

Currently, Shreyaa is balancing her time as a freshman at Georgetown University majoring in Global Health studies. She aspires to enter the medical field and delve into healthcare management, through which she’ll continue providing aid to marginalized populations who lack equitable access to vital healthcare resources and treatments.

Esha, who is a high school student, is interested in studying neuroscience and/or computer science/animation when she goes to college. “Personally, I want to work in the neuroscience and technology field when I grow up, because I am interested in the brain and all things STEM,” she said.

You can keep up to date with all of the NEST4US initiatives and activities at www.nest4us.org.

Follow them at:

Facebook- @nest4us
Instagram- @joinnest
Twitter- @joinnest4

Empowered Flower Girl to Host “Be the Impact” Service-Learning Training and If I Were President Campaign

Posted on by empoweredflowergirl

On January 20, U.S. citizens will inaugurate their 46th president. And while presidents and other elected officials serve their country as leaders and policymakers, they aren’t the only ones who can affect change.  

Ordinary people make extraordinary contributions to our society every day.  

Empowered Flower Girl (EFG) is inviting youth and youth advocates to explore the impact they can have and the difference they can make regardless of age or occupation. 

As a social enterprise dedicated to helping young people live above life’s drama to make a POWERful difference, EFG will host “Be the Impact,” a virtual service-learning training and introduction to our “If I Were President” campaign.  

“We will explore ways youth can tackle and solve issues in their communities as well as support and resources available to them,” said Rasheda Kamaria Williams, chief empowering officer for Empowered Flower Girl.  

The campaign will culminate with an “inauguration” event on MLK Day, January 18, 2021, where participants will share their ideas and celebrate and support one another to make them a reality. 

Two participants will be randomly selected during the inauguration to receive a $100 gift card in honor of their ideas to make a difference in their communities. 

The training and inauguration event are being hosted as part of Youth Service America’s MLK Day of Service initiative. Empowered Flower Girl was among eight Michigan-based organizations awarded a grant from the Michigan Service Squad to carry out service-learning trainings and projects in honor of Dr. King’s legacy.  

Be the Impact Training 

Monday, January 4 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. ET 

www.betheimpacttraining.eventbrite.com

Program helps teens find passion and purpose in service

Posted on by empoweredflowergirl

Growing up in the ‘80s, I often heard adults saying things like “children should be seen and not heard.” It was their way of maintaining peace and quiet. I was never a proponent of this proverb. In fact, I am a firm believer in the opposite – young people should be seen and heard. Their voices matter!

Everyone – regardless of age – has the power to change the world. All it takes is the courage to speak up and take action.

April is National Volunteer Month and we encourage tweens and teens (and adults) to turn their passions into purpose by volunteering with organizations that reflect the issues and activities they care about the most.

There are thousands of causes, charities and issues in which to get involved. Websites like Idealist.org and VolunTeenNation.org are great resources to help find opportunities that touch, move and inspire action as well as funding to make it all happen.

Looking for ideas to encourage volunteerism among youth?

Empowered Flower Girl’s got you covered with our School & Community Service Learning Guide, which explores ways for tweens and teens to make a difference in their communities based on their interests and passions.

The guide is available for schools and organizations that purchase at least 20 copies of “Be EmPOWERed: How to Live Above & Beyond Life’s Drama.” Register by April 15 and receive special bonuses! Email info@rashedakamaria.com for details.

Be sure to join us at 10 a.m. on Saturday, April 8 via Facebook for a special announcement about the service learning guide and how teens can secure funding for their do-good projects!!

About Global Youth Service Day (GYSD)

Hosted by Youth Service America, GYSD is the largest service event in the world and the only one that celebrates the contributions that children and youth make 365 days of the year. 

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