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.
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