she’s empowered – Empowered Flower Girl

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.

When 9-year-old Adi Jane was diagnosed with brain cancer in October 2024, her world changed overnight. Between treatments and hospital visits at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, she and her family found comfort and care at the Ronald McDonald House (RMH). For six weeks, RMH became their home away from home.

During her stay, Adi noticed aluminum pop tabs being collected throughout the house. Curious, she learned that the tabs are recycled, and the proceeds help fund RMH programs for families like hers. Inspired by this simple yet powerful act of giving, Adi set out to collect as many pop tabs as she could. What began as a small goal (to fill one container) quickly grew into a heartfelt mission.

With the support of her family, friends, schools and community, Adi collected nearly 400 pounds of pop tabs in just two months, raising approximately $500 for Ronald McDonald House Charities. Her generosity and determination didn’t stop there. Now, she’s dreaming even bigger. She has a goal to break the world record by collecting 4,000 pounds of pop tabs in a single year.

“I hope the Ronald McDonald House gets some amazing things for the kids and be able to have many families stay there!” Adi says.

Adi’s mission is about more than pop tabs; it’s about love and the power of giving back. Even while bravely facing her own health challenges, she’s inspiring others to find ways to make a difference, no matter how small the gesture may seem. Every pop tab she collects represents a moment of hope and a reminder that kindness truly adds up.

When she looks to the future, Adi dreams of becoming a veterinarian or a teacher. Those careers reflect her deep compassion and love for both animals and people.

Through her heart, courage and commitment to helping others, Adi Jane is turning her challenges into a powerful movement rooted in generosity and empathy. She’s collecting pop tabs and hope, one tiny piece at a time.

Follow Adi Jane’s journey on Facebook.