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

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.

She’s EmPOWERed: Georgia Teen’s Passion for Positivity Inspires Others 

With gloomy headlines dominating daily news and social media feeds, it can be a strain on our mental health. The negativity can cast a dark cloud that leads to sadness. 

But 13-year-old Lena Ford is shifting the narrative and focusing on the power of positivity.

As the CEO of Positively Lena, Lena is on a mission to inspire everyone she meets.

“I started Positively Lena (at 9 years old) because I saw so many negative things happening in the world,” she said. “I wanted to find a way to let people stay positive with a small but fashionable item they can always look at when they need a bit of positivity.”

Positively Lena combines Lena’s passions for art, fashion, and positive messages. The company offers a wide range of products including apparel, accessories, and stationery – all featuring positive messages, images and affirmations. These products are designed to remind young people of their worth and encourage them to stay optimistic even in challenging situations.

“We also offer workshops and events focused on building self-esteem and fostering a positive mindset,” Lena noted. “These workshops are tailored to different age groups and cover topics such as entrepreneurship, social entrepreneurship, creative writing, journaling, and positive self-talk.”

In addition to Positively Lena, Lena is also the co-founder of a non-profit, Kinship Family Initiative. The organization helps children in foster care or experiencing homelessness. Other programs that support youth in foster care include Arting 4 You, where Lena donates art kits and Embracing Their Roots, where she donates hair supplies.

“My plans for the future are to continue to grow Positively Lena and Kinship Family Initiative. I want to inspire others to give back to their communities and teach youth about entrepreneurship,” Lena said.

Support Positivity

When you purchase an item from Positively Lena, you’re not only getting a fashionable item, but you’re also helping a child have access to art supplies.

Connect with Positively Lena:

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Positive thinking has a number of benefits for mental health and happiness. Empowered Flower Girl offers these tips on how to incorporate positive thinking into everyday life:

1. Make a point to notice the good things that happen each day, no matter how small. A simple “thank you” can go a long way in helping to shift your focus from the negative to the positive.

2. When you catch yourself having negative thoughts, make a conscious effort to reframe them in a more positive light. For example, instead of “I’m such a failure,” try telling yourself “I’m doing my best and I will get better with practice.”

3. Spend time with people who make you feel good about yourself and who have a positive outlook on life. These people will help “feed” your positive mindset and make it easier for you to maintain it.

4. Take care of your physical well-being by getting enough sleep, exercising regularly, and eating healthy foods. When your body feels good, it’s much easier for your mind to follow suit!

5. Practice gratitude by keeping a gratitude journal or simply taking a few moments each day to think about what you’re thankful for in your life.