Moving Forward to 15: Reflections and Updates from Empowered Flower Girl

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As the year winds down, I find myself reflecting on the journey ahead—2025 marks the 15th anniversary of my passion project that blossomed into a social enterprise: Empowered Flower Girl ™.

When I launched in 2010, I had a simple yet powerful mission: to transform how young people relate to themselves and each other. Little did I know the impact we’d make over the years, partnering with schools and nonprofits, empowering youth to live above bullying and drama, and inspiring intergenerational empathy and understanding.

Our 10-year anniversary in 2020 was meant to be a huge milestone, but like many, we faced unexpected challenges due to COVID. While the celebration we envisioned didn’t happen, our work didn’t stop. In fact, it evolved. That year, we:

🎉 Garnered media recognition for continuing to support youth and educators.

🎓 Launched the Girl World Peace Academy, our first-ever course and coaching program.

💻 Fully embraced technology to bring our message of empowerment to a broader audience (the UK, Canada and South Africa).

Now, as we step into 2025, Empowered Flower Girl ™ is evolving, and so am I. But one thing remains constant: my unwavering commitment to youth and the incredible individuals who work tirelessly to uplift and inspire them.

Thank you to everyone who’s been part of this journey—from our first Chica Chat workshops to our ongoing advocacy for community and sisterhood. 🌸

Are you or do you know someone who wants to launch or grow a youth-serving or mentoring organization? Do you/they need clarity, support and resources (including funding opportunities, PR/marketing help and program ideas) to make it happen?

Our Girl World Peace Academy offers all of the above and more. Enrollment is open through the end of National Mentoring Month, January 31, 2025. This is your last chance to get access to this amazing professional development opportunity and 1:1 coaching for under $300!

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

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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

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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

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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.

Empowered Flower Girl Encourages Youth to Embrace Peer Mentoring During National Mentoring Month

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Listen to episode 23 “Teens Mentoring Teens” of the MindShift Power Podcast on January 16, 2024

Empowered Flower Girl, a social enterprise on a mission to transform the way young people relate to one another and themselves, is urging young people to consider the profound impact of peer mentoring as the nation observes National Mentoring Month. Founder and Chief Empowering Officer Rasheda Kamaria Williams encourages both adults and teens to engage in mentoring, emphasizing the transformative power of supportive relationships.

Empowered Flower Girl champions the idea that everyone, regardless of age, can make a meaningful difference as mentors. Peer-to-peer mentoring is a particularly effective way for young people to provide support and guidance to one another.

“Peer mentoring empowers young individuals to share experiences, offer insights, and create a supportive community,” Rasheda said. “It’s a reciprocal relationship that fosters personal growth and resilience, benefiting both the mentor and mentee.”

Empowered Flower Girl invites youth and youth advocates to tune into the MindShift Power podcast with Fatima Bey on January 16, when Rasheda will discuss the vital role of mentors in the lives of 21st century teens. The podcast episode explores the benefits of mentoring relationships, highlighting the positive impact they have on personal development, goal-setting, and navigating challenges.

Interested in adding mentoring to your program offerings? Empowered Flower Girl offers training for organizations and associations as well as individuals who desire to make a difference through mentoring. Email rkamaria@empoweredflowergirl.com for more information.

Make an Impact with Girl World Peace Academy

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Empowered Flower Girl offers an additional $50 off enrollment Black Friday through Cyber Monday

Empowered Flower Girl, a social enterprise on a mission to transform the way young people people to one another and themselves, wants to help as many youth advocates as possible make a difference in the lives of young people.

The past few years have been challenging for students – in particular, girls and gender expansive youth. Recent reports have shown that they are being harassed online at alarming rates. And their self esteem is being impacted.

Empowered Flower Girl recognizes it can be a struggle for girls to find their place in the world – from social pressures to feeling overwhelmed by emotions. But there are strategies that can help them reach their full potential.

That’s why the company launched Girl World Peace Academy – a virtual course plus 1:1 coaching program providing guidance for educators, counselors and afterschool/non-profit professionals to make a difference in the lives of young people.

“Since launching Girl World Peace Academy, our dedicated alumni have made significant impacts in their communities. Each of these women have grown their companies/organizations, while also empowering girls and young women in a way that is both inspiring and life-changing'” said Rasheda Kamaria Williams, chief empowering officer and founder of Empowered Flower Girl.

“From Michigan and Ontario to South Carolina and Illinois, they are making an indelible mark on the world around them. We want to help others do the same. Our young people need us.”

This Black Friday (Nov. 24) through Cyber Monday (Nov. 27), Empowered Flower Girl is offering an additional $50 off Girl World Peace Academy enrollment as well as some amazing bonuses for the first 10 registrants.

Learn more at www.girlworldpeace.com/info.

About Empowered Flower Girl
Founded by award-winning mentor, author and TEDx speaker Rasheda Kamaria Williams, Empowered Flower Girl is a social enterprise on a mission to transform the way young people relate to one another and themselves. We partner with schools, nonprofits and community organizations seeking solutions to cyberbullying, drama, relational aggression and other social/communications challenges. Visit www.empoweredflowergirl.com.

Empowered Flower Girl to Join Kiwanis International Convention this Summer

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Empowered Flower Girl is excited to travel to Minneapolis this summer for the 2023 Kiwanis International Convention, June 21-24. EFG Founder and Chief Empowering Officer Rasheda Kamaria Williams will join the roster of national speakers who will explore this year’s conference theme: Nurture the Future — exploring all the ways members can prepare young leaders for the future — and the impact they’ll make in the world.

Rasheda will present “Empowering 21st Century Teens” during the Kiwanis Launchpad session focusing on nourishing relationships and facilitate a workshop, “EmPOWERing 21st Century Teens: How to Inspire Intergenerational Empathy & Understanding.”

Additionally, Empowered Flower Girl will have a table in the convention exhibit hall. Learn more about our workshops and programs and purchase a copy of “Be Empowered: How to Live Above & Beyond Life’s Drama.”

If you’re going, be sure to stop by for swag! Visit the conference website at https://www.kiwanis.org/convention/2023-convention.

Mentors Urgently Needed: You can make a life-changing difference for youth

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January is National Mentoring Month

According to MENTOR: The National Mentoring Partnership, 1 in 3 young people will grow up without having a mentor. This means that they may face growing and developing without positive resources and reinforcement outside of the home. 

Life-changing impact

Mentoring has the potential to profoundly transform the lives of young people in our communities. By providing guidance and support, mentors are able to open up new opportunities and broaden horizons for their mentees. However, despite this potential, mentors are still urgently needed in many areas across the country.

Learn why mentorship is so important and how you can help make a difference in the lives of young people today.

What is mentoring?

Mentoring is a process whereby an experienced individual provides guidance, support and advice to a less experienced person. The aim of mentoring is to help the mentee develop their skills, knowledge and confidence so that they can reach their full potential. 

Mentors can come from any walk of life and don’t necessarily have to be in the same field as their mentee. What’s important is that they have experience and knowledge that the mentee can benefit from. A mentor relationship is built on trust and mutual respect, and should be entered into willingly by both parties. 

Mentoring can take many different forms, but typically involves meeting on a regular basis (either in person or virtually) to chat, offer advice and support, and answer any questions the mentee might have. The frequency and length of meetings will vary depending on the needs of the individual involved. 

If you’re interested in becoming a mentor, there are many organizations that can connect you with someone who would benefit from your time and expertise. Alternatively, you may know someone in your personal or professional life who could benefit from having a mentor – if so, why not reach out and see if they’d be interested in starting a mentoring relationship with you?

Long-lasting impact

A mentor can provide guidance, support and advice that can help a young person make good choices and achieve their goals. Mentoring is an important part of helping young people grow and develop into successful adults by:

  • Raising aspirations and confidence
  • Developing new skills
  • Overcoming adversity and setbacks
  • Achieving potential

Mentors can play a vital role in supporting young people through difficult times and helping them to progress towards their goals. 

Read: How Mentorship Supports Young People in Difficult Times

Become a mentor today!

It takes a special person to be a mentor. One who can give of their time, energy and resources to help another individual grow and develop into their best self. If you have the passion and commitment to make a difference in the life of a young person, then becoming a mentor may be the perfect opportunity for you. You can do it!

Still a little unsure? Here are a few tips on how to get started with mentoring:

  • Determine what type of mentoring you would like to do. There are many different types of mentoring programs available, so it is important to decide which one is right for you. Do you want to work with children, teens or young adults? Would you prefer one-on-one mentoring or group mentoring?
  • Consider your skills and experience. Do you have expertise in a particular field that could benefit your mentee? Are you good at listening and providing support? Think about what assets you can bring to the table as a mentor.
  • Complete any necessary training or certification. Some mentoring programs may require you to complete specific training before becoming a mentor. Others may provide training as part of the program itself.
  • Sign up to receive Empowered Flower Girl’s FREE Mentoring Guide to learn how you can fit mentoring into your busy schedule.

Girl World Peace Academy gives youth advocates tips, tools and templates to engage and empower girls

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Countless articles, polls and reports have shown that girls are being adversely impacted by digital harassment and cyberbullying. Additionally, a 2020 study revealed that we are in the middle of a teen mental health crisis – and girls are at its epicenter.

Now is the time for us to come together to help our girls. 

You may have been thinking of launching a girls mentoring program or youth-focused nonprofit but not sure where to start or how to engage students. 

Or perhaps you already have an established program but need additional help and resources to grab the attention of potential participants, media and funders.

If either of these describe you, consider Empowered Flower Girl’s Girl World Peace Academy! 

“Our course graduates are making an impact and a difference in their communities,” said Rasheda Kamaria Williams, EFG chief empowering officer and founder. “Our girls need positive role models, mentors and advocates. They need women like you.”

Make a Difference this Year!

Girl World Peace Academy is a self-guided online course + coaching for youth advocates of all backgrounds – from teachers and counselors to after-school program professionals and mentors.

This course is especially for you if:

  • You aspire to make a difference in the lives of girls and young women. 
  • Girls in your school or community face social or emotional challenges (bullying, peer pressure, trauma, etc.) that impact their ability to thrive.
  • You seek empowering and interactive tools and content that complement your current or future SEL, prevention or after-school programming.
  • You can use help getting the word out about the good you’re doing (to media, sponsors and potential participants)

Questions about the course or general questions about the youth empowerment space? Book a free discovery call with Rasheda. 

Enroll at https://rashedakamaria.com/girlworldpeace.

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EmPOWERing 21st Century Teens series addresses challenges and opportunities for youth and youth advocates

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Empowered Flower Girl wants to support families and those who work with teens with a space to discuss the issues, challenges and opportunities their young relatives/students face in the 21st century.

In observance of May’s Mental Health Awareness Month, Empowered Flower Girl is hosting a FREE 3-week conversation series. If you’d like to participate as a guest panelist or if your organization provides resources to families of teens and preteens, email rkamaria@empoweredflowergirl.

The series will be streamed via Zoom and Facebook. Follow Empowered Flower Girl at www.facebook.com/empoweredflowergirl.

Schedule:
May 11, 18, 25 – 6 to 6:45 p.m. EDT
Zoom link: http://bit.ly/21stcenturyteens

Topics:
5.11 – Mentoring teens to live above bullying
5.18 – Intergenerational empathy
5.25 – Collaborating to support youth