She’s EmPOWERed: Meet the Maryland Teen Empowering the Next Generation of Girls

Posted on by empoweredflowergirl

During Women’s History Month, Empowered Flower Girl is proud to spotlight a young changemaker who isn’t waiting for permission to lead. At 16 years old, Karishma Sharma is making her mark as a visionary social impact leader committed to closing the gender confidence gap for girls.

Karishma is the founder of BoldHER Future, an initiative designed to help young girls build confidence, find their voice and step boldly into leadership. What makes her work especially powerful is that it is deeply personal. After recognizing her own struggles with self-doubt and hesitation in the classroom, Karishma turned her experience into action. Instead of shrinking, she chose to study the issue, exploring the neuropsychological and social factors that contribute to declining confidence among adolescent girls.

“I recall not raising my hand in class sometimes even though I had something important to say and I learned over time that many young girls were experiencing the same lack of confidence in comparison to boys. I learned that confidence is something that you are not born with but that it is built,” Karishma said.

Through BoldHER Future, Karishma is translating research into real-world impact. She hosts free workshops and events that equip girls with tools to speak confidently and embrace who they are. One standout moment included a “Speaking with Confidence” workshop where participants courageously introduced themselves and shared what they were most proud of. She has also convened powerful conversations like “The First to Be HER,” featuring influential women leaders across government, media and healthcare. Her recently launched mentorship program, pairing “LeadHERs” with “DreamHERs,” further extends her impact by fostering meaningful, confidence-building relationships.

Karishma’s bold leadership has not gone unnoticed. Her work has earned media recognition, including coverage by WTOP News, highlighting her commitment to empowering the next generation of girls.

Looking ahead, Karishma aspires to study entrepreneurship and business, with plans to grow BoldHER Future into a global movement. Her vision is clear: a world where girls are confident, heard and unapologetically themselves.

Follow Karishma and BoldHER Future

Instagram: @boldher.future 

TikTok: @boldher.future  

LinkedIn: Karishma Sharma

She’s EmPOWERed: Georgia Teen Encourages Confidence Through Creation and Connection

Posted on by empoweredflowergirl

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.

She’s Empowered: How Adi Jane Is Inspiring Kindness One Pop Tab at a Time

Posted on by empoweredflowergirl

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.