She’s EmPOWERed: Meet Dalise and Dalia – Sisters on a Mission with a Passion for Fashion

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Picture this: two sisters who dream big, help each other, and love to create. That’s Dalise and Dalia – better known as the Real Fashion Sisters. Their adventure started with an idea, a pen, and a passion for fashion.

 

The duo first made their mark as co-authors of The Fashion Sisters: A Fashion Dream, a children’s book that quickly captured the hearts of young readers. Their debut was followed by a second title, The Fashion Sisters: Birthday Bash, and soon after, a clothing line created especially for girls and a fashion consulting venture.

 

For Dalise, 15, and Dalia, 11, the impact of their work is most visible in the joy they bring to young girls. “We see that our books are making a difference every time a girl comes up to our table and excitedly wants to get the book,” they shared. One of their most rewarding experiences has been seeing readers dress up as characters from their stories for school character days – a moment that affirmed just how meaningful their creations have become.

 

The sisters’ author journey is just beginning. With college on the horizon, they are committed to balancing their education with entrepreneurship. Their vision for the future includes exploring new ways to grow the Real Fashion Sisters brand.

 

Dalise and Dalia are trailblazers showing girls everywhere that dreams are worth pursuing and that sisterhood, creativity, and determination can turn those dreams into reality.

 

Learn more about the Real Fashion Sisters and purchase their book at https://realfashionsisters.com. Follow them on Instagram. 

She’s EmPOWERed: Ranyah Bullock aka “The Scholarship Enthusiast” is Helping Students Level Up

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As the cost of higher education continues to climb, students across the country are searching for tuition money along with their purpose. They’re looking for guidance, access, and opportunity. And Ranyah Bullock has got their back. 

The 21-year-old Detroit native is the founder of Next Level Execution, a growing digital movement designed to equip HBCU students with the resources, tools and motivation they need to succeed in college and beyond. Fueled by her own journey, Ranyah is helping students not only afford school but also maximize the experience.

Known by many as “the scholarship enthusiast,” Ranyah built her platform to share the very tools, scholarships, internships and leadership opportunities she once searched for herself. She was able to secure $80,000 in just 11 months. 

“I’ve been that student—hungry for success, but not always sure where to look or who to ask,” she said. Now, she’s become the go-to resource she once needed.

Through her platform, Ranyah has helped thousands of students access more than just financial aid. She’s opened doors to leadership programs, campus events and industry connections. Many students have secured over $10,000 in funding thanks to resources she’s posted. Her work also includes digital tools and planners that help students stay organized and on track during the academic year.

Next Level Execution is a movement with real-world impact. 

On her HBCU campus at Delaware State University, Ranyah has led in-person activations that reached more than 500 students. Her workshops and one-on-one guidance have connected students directly with career services and empowered them to take control of their college experience.

Now, as she prepares for graduation, Ranyah’s vision is expanding. She plans to enter the field of corporate social responsibility, focusing on community impact and philanthropy. Her goal? To help companies give back in meaningful ways, especially to underserved communities.

Whether online or on campus, Ranyah Bullock is showing what it means to be emPOWERed!

Connect with Ranyah via Instagram. 

She’s EmPOWERed: Maryland Teen on a Mission to Make Activism Accessible for All

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At just 13 years old, Carolyn Deol is proving that age is no barrier to making a difference. As the founder of The Yellow Roses, a Maryland-based youth advocacy and service-learning nonprofit, Carolyn has already established her place as a changemaker.
 
Her journey began at just six years old when her mother and grandmother took her to phone bank for Hillary Clinton’s presidential campaign. That experience ignited her passion for activism.
 
“I felt so empowered and inspired, and I wanted to continue to pursue activism outside of the election, but when I asked other organizations if I could join, they told me they were all for highschoolers, and no one was willing to make an exception. So, I founded The Yellow Roses in 2020.”
 
The name and founding year of The Yellow Roses are deeply symbolic. The organization’s creation in 2020 coincided with the centennial of the 19th Amendment, which extended voting rights to women. The yellow rose, a historic symbol of support for women’s suffrage in 1920, now represents courage, equality, and social justice—a mission Carolyn embraces wholeheartedly.
 
Making Activism Accessible
 
Carolyn’s vision for The Yellow Roses centers on making activism inclusive for youth of all ages.
 
One initiative that the organization offers is the School Year of Service where youth take on a different service project each month of the school year.
 
“We have organized voter registration drives. We do social justice storytime, where we read a story about a social justice movement such as women’s suffrage movement or the civil rights movement and then do a craft to go along with it,” Carolyn explained.
 
Currently, Carolyn is leading the charge to educate young people about the Equal Rights Amendment and empower them to take action to support it as part of the 12 days for the ERA initiative.
 
After high school, she plans to attend law school and one day step into the political arena.
 
For this young changemaker, activism isn’t just a passion—it’s a lifelong mission. Kudos to Carolyn for empowering a generation of young leaders!
 
Follow The Yellow Roses via Instagram.

She’s EmPOWERed: Colorado Teen is Blazing a Trail in Mountain Biking

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Isabela Wester-Rivera is taking the mountain biking world by storm. At 17, she competes on the Puerto Rico National Team and Donovan Racing Team and holds both the title of Puerto Rico and the Caribbean Mountain Bike Champion in her category (Junior, female). While her journey began as a competitive rock climber, after nearly a decade in the sport, Isabela pivoted to focus solely on mountain biking—a decision that has sparked new opportunities and aspirations.

“I started climbing competitively when I was seven after watching Ashima Shiraishi in a climbing competition,” she shared. “I started mountain biking to increase my endurance and leg power for dynamic jumps in climbing. It was then that my family and I discovered that I had great talent and skill for not just climbing but also cycling.”

While she had a passion for climbing, mountain biking presented a promising path forward.

But Isabela’s journey in the biking community hasn’t come without challenges. “Mountain biking is a male-dominated sport, especially in the USA, where competitors don’t always look like me,” she explained. “I am not only a female but also Latina and on the autism spectrum. So when I race, I remind myself of everyone I’m representing—females, Latinas, bilingual speakers, those who are neurodiverse, and most of all my family—those who are with me and those who are no longer with me.”

Isabela’s future is as bright as her achievements. She plans to attend the University of Colorado Boulder next fall to study architecture, coding, or linguistics. As she works toward the goal of representing Puerto Rico at the World Championships, her dream of competing in the Olympics remains in sight. She hopes her journey inspires others to pursue their dreams, no matter the obstacles.

Follow Isabela’s journey via Instagram.

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.

She’s EmPOWERed: Virginia Tween is a Champion for Mental Health 

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May is Mental Health Awareness Month

This month, Empowered Flower Girl celebrates the incredible work of compassionate changemakers who are using their time, talent and treasure to champion the cause of mental health. Individuals like Mila M., a Virginia tween on a mission to provide tools and resources to her peers who could use a little positive energy.

After seeing a need for mental health support and resources for girls in her community, *12-year-old* Mila applied for a microgrant as part of the #BlackGirlJoyChallenge, an initiative of the Southern Black Girls and Women’s Consortium. With this initial support, she started assembling carefully curated packages (or mental health boxes) filled with items designed to promote wellness and self-care. 

“I quickly realized how important this was and decided to grow it into a non-profit,” Mila shared. “It is important to give Black girls tools to address their mental health because they often do not talk about their mental health due to stigma.”

Mila, who has faced her own battles with mental health, is attuned to the disparities in how mental health is perceived, particularly within the Black community. Through MH Boxes, Mila is breaking down barriers and providing a safe space for young Black girls to make self-care a priority. Each box contains resources and activities to encourage self-expression, mindfulness, and emotional well-being.

Mila’s outreach efforts have been recognized by media outlets and organizations throughout Virginia. In April, she was honored as a Chesterfield Community Champion and featured in a CBS news segment highlighting her delivery of 188 “MH Boxes” to Communities In Schools of Richmond.

As we celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month, Mila reminds us all of the importance of supporting and uplifting underrepresented voices, especially when it comes to mental health.

Keep up with and support Mila and MH Boxes via Instagram. 

*At the time we wrote this feature, Mila was 12. As of May 8, Mila is officially a teen! Happy Birthday.

She’s EmPOWERed: California Teen Activist Advocates for Women’s/LGBTQ Rights and Freedoms

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Empowered Flower Girl salutes Aria-Vue Daugherty this Women’s History Month!

Aria-Vue Daugherty, a powerhouse teen activist, is leading the charge for change in California. As co-chair of the Young Feminists Committee (an initiative of the Santa Barbara Women’s Political Committee), she advocates fiercely for women’s and LGBTQ rights, demonstrating the power of young voices. But her impact doesn’t stop there; Aria-Vue also serves as director of the California Young Feminist Party. Through her advocacy, Aria-Vue not only fights for equality but also demonstrates the immense power and potential of young leaders in shaping a more inclusive and just society.

“I was motivated to get involved after realizing that other young people were also passionate about the Equal Rights Amendment, but was surprised by the lack of YFP activity in California,” she explained. “I have been attempting to revitalize the movement in our state because I think it is extremely important to realize that Californian girls, women, and LGBTQ people are still put at risk by sexist legislation in other parts of the country despite our progressive state government.”

Aria-Vue, who identifies as queer, said the Young Feminist Party has been lobbying on local, state, and federal levels to get elected officials to realize the importance of the Equal Rights Amendment to the safety of women and queer people. 

Last spring, Aria-Vue and several young people were quoted in a Los Angeles Times article highlighting Solvang City Council’s decision to turn down a proposal to hang pride-themed banners downtown. During the council meeting, Aria-Vue shared students’ feelings about the banners. She said “a vast majority of them are absolutely unbothered by rainbows and would really appreciate representation for everyone and inclusivity for everyone.” 

She was also featured in the Winter 2024 edition of California Woman Magazine, a publication of the California Federation of Business and Professional Women.

“In California, in partnership with organizations like the YMCA Youth and Government’s Female Leaders in Power Caucus, we’ve been working on educational and legislative campaigns surrounding issues currently affecting American women, like child marriage and menstrual inequity/period poverty,” she noted.

Aria-Vue is on her way to a purpose-driven future. 

After high school, she will attend Harvard University, where she plans on studying government and computer science. “I want to go to law school, and work in regulation or public policy so that I can help make the internet a safer place for girls and women,” she said. 

Check out Aria-Vue’s work with the Young Feminist Party via Instagram.

She’s EmPOWERed: Detroit-area Tween Making a Positive Impact with Artistic and Athletic Talents 

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Empowered Flower Girl Salutes Joya Gorden during Black History Month

This Black History Month (BHM), we honor the legacy of those who’ve paved the way while bringing attention to the extraordinary accomplishments of young people who are actively shaping history today. Young people like 11-year-old Joya Gorden. 

As this year’s BHM theme celebrates “African Americans in the Arts,” Joya stands out as a multi-talented force, excelling in figure skating, visual arts, and dance. Her journey, however, is not only one of a rising artist but also a narrative of triumph over personal struggles.

Battling depression and anxiety due to bullying in school and the isolating effects of the pandemic, Joya discovered solace and strength through athletics and the arts. These outlets became her light, guiding her out of the shadows into a place of newfound confidence.

That confidence has led Joya to pursue her passion to skate and create. 

As a Black girl who loves figure skating, Joya recognized the lack of diversity in the sport and took it upon herself to break barriers. Becoming an ambassador for Diversify Ice in October 2023, Joya advocates for inclusivity in a sport often marked by its exclusivity and high costs.

“This role allows me to share out on my skating journey and encourage others to explore figure skating as a sport,” Joya said. 

In January 2024, Joya’s incredible essay and abstract painting paying homage to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. unanimously won first-place in the T-Rose Foundation’s MLK Day Essay contest. She shared what Dr. King’s legacy means to her in both words and art and was presented with a $250 cash prize during a ceremony at ArtBlock in Detroit. Joya’s painting will be on display throughout Black History Month at the Carr Center as part of Bedrock’s Celebrating Black Arts young artists competition. 

A Triple Axel Future

Joya has many aspirations for the future, like becoming a professional skater. With her talent and determination, we know someday, she’ll achieve that and other goals. 

“Once I graduate from high school, I plan to pursue employment opportunities with Disney on Ice, participate in collegiate skating, and pursue studies related to art education,” Joya noted. 

Joya not only exemplifies Black history in the making but also paves the way for a more diverse and inclusive future in the world of figure skating.

Keep up with and support Joya’s journey by following her on Instagram. 

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

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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. 

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

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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.