She’s EmPOWERed: Seventh Grader Creates Award-Winning Early Warning Fire Detection System

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At 12 years old, Shanya Gill is making local and national headlines as an award-winning scientist. The seventh grader from San Jose, Calif. recently earned the Aspiring Scientists Cultivating Exciting New Discoveries (ASCEND) Award, which is the top prize at the Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge held in partnership with the Society for Science.  

She was among 30 finalists who participated in team challenges in addition to being judged on their science research projects. According to a press release, the challenges leveraged project-based learning and tested students’ critical thinking, communication, creativity and collaboration skills in each of the STEM areas – Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. In the end, Shanya won $25,000, which she plans to use toward future education endeavors. 

Inspired to Make a Difference

In the summer of 2022, a fire destroyed a restaurant behind Shanya’s house. The incident had an impact on many people living nearby, including Shanya. 

‘This deeply moved me because the restaurant was part of my community, and when I would go on walks, I would see it every day. Because of this experience, I researched more about house fires and decided to do something about it,” she said. 

Shanya discovered that thermal cameras can detect heat loss in homes during winter months. So she wondered if these cameras could also spot house fires more quickly than traditional smoke detectors.

Shanya built a prototype fire-detection system using a wall-mounted thermal camera that can send text alerts when a heat source is left unattended. The device is designed to predict an unattended fire before it becomes a threat, instead of waiting for the fire to be a significant safety hazard like smoke detectors do. 

“My product is a fire detector that is faster, more accurate, and with finalization, will be more affordable than your traditional smoke detector,” she noted.  

“Throughout my life, I want to be able to follow my passions and make a positive difference wherever I go.”

Shanya plans to put her device on the market and fine-tune the code and other aspects. 

We look forward to reading more news about Shanya and the good she’s doing and will do in the world. Learn more about her project/device by visiting the Society for Science YouTube channel. 

She’s EmPOWERed: Michigan Tween Working to Banish Bullying Before it Starts

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When 11-year-old Payton Pinkston faced cyberbullying, like most kids her age, she felt sad and hurt. But she didn’t let that experience keep her down. She used it as motivation to help others. As the founder of the Bully Patrol project, Payton is on a mission to stop bullying before it starts.

During National Bullying Prevention Month, a time dedicated to fostering awareness and encouraging action against bullying, Empowered Flower Girl proudly shines a light on the inspiring youth who refuse to remain silent in the face of adversity. 

“I started Bully Patrol last year because I experienced cyberbullying. I thought the kids that put me in a group message were my friends only to find out they were saying mean things about me. It was disappointing and hurtful,” Payton explained. “When I experienced cyberbullying, I knew what to do because I was always taught to speak up and let my mom or an adult know. But other kids may not know and are afraid. So that’s why I came up with Bully Patrol – to stop bullying before it starts.”

With unwavering determination, Payton uses her voice and experience as powerful tools for change. Fueled by empathy and compassion, Payton strives to eradicate bullying and cyberbullying – issues that affect so many young people worldwide. 

“When I came up with the name, I was thinking about the cartoon ‘Paw Patrol’ and my mom was like, “that’s a great name,” Payton noted. “My mom told me how she used to be a safety patrol when she was in school. So we put our ideas together and said Bully Patrol will be just like a safety patrol. We patrol the hallways. We patrol the bathroom. We patrol the lunch room. We patrol at recess and we will speak at different schools and in our community.”

Payton’s ultimate goal is to take Bully Patrol nationally and even globally. “I want to have a Bully Patrol Club in every school just like they had a safety patrol club,” she said. 

In addition to her work with Bully Patrol, Payton is an entrepreneur, actress, dancer, singer and model. The ambitious tween is not only working to banish bullying, but she’s also working the runway and the stage. 
Connect with Payton via Instagram.

She’s EmPOWERed: Meet Jazzlyn Rainey – An Artist with a Vision (and Mission)

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Jazzlyn Rainey is a gifted 18 year old using her creativity to showcase the beauty and splendor of Black girls and women. She is a self-taught artist, entrepreneur and creator whose work resonates deeply within her community. 

Through Jazzy Drew It, Jazzlyn crafts original custom art pieces that capture the essence of Black femininity in all its glory. Her motivation stems from the unwavering support of her father and community.

“I felt that I was ready for the world to hear my voice and see my art through my business,” she said. “What drives my creative journey as an artist and creator is creating the representation I wish I had growing up as a young Black girl.”

Jazzlyn’s creations are not limited to traditional mediums like canvas; she also prints her vibrant designs on vinyl and clothing such as shirts and hoodies – allowing people to wear their pride for all to see.

“I feel like my business is making a difference for others by showing people of color within my community that you can be and do anything you put your mind and heart into,” she explained. “I would like to make a difference for young Black girls who feel unheard and unseen; to let them know that they matter, they are loved and that they can shine and be great just like anybody else.”

Jazzlyn’s aspirations stretch far beyond mere aesthetics; they aim at leaving lasting impressions on those who come before and after her time. Her goal is to expand Jazzy Drew It on the east coast, where she currently resides as a Howard University student. Additionally, Jazzlyn is working on a short film called “An Ode to Black Women” which honors Black women and women of color who have not only supported her journey but also their communities as women, mothers, wives, aunties and as human beings. 

After college, Jazzlyn plans to travel globally to learn about other minority/unseen communities while pursuing a master’s degree at an art school overseas.

Learn more and connect with Jazzlyn:

Instagram

She’s EmPOWERed: Calgary Teen Has a Heart of Gold

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Although she’s only 14 years old, Marigold Mioc has spent nearly a decade dedicated to supporting and championing causes in her community and beyond. 

It all started in 2015 when she founded Marigold’s Heart Garden. Her intention was to sell flower headbands at local markets to fund a trip to Paris. 

However, her family’s plans were canceled after a series of terrorist attacks in the country that same year. After hearing the news of the attacks and learning of other world events, like the Syrian refugee crisis, Marigold had an idea to help others. 

She used the money she earned from Marigold’s Heart Garden to help sponsor a family from Syria to come to Canada and used additional earnings to support other global causes.

In 2018, Marigold took a leadership trip to Kenya and helped build a dorm for students while there. She also fundraised and helped support a student to attend school for two years. 

Recently, she started an initiative to create care packages for young people who are transitioning out of the foster care system. The care packages will include hygiene products, journals, gift cards and other items inside of a carry-on suitcase. A pamphlet with local resources will be included in each package. 

She was awarded a $2,000 grant from the Calgary Youth Foundation to get started. 

A Life of Service

Since 2015, Marigold’s Heart Garden has raised over $15,000 and has supported numerous individuals and initiatives in Canada and around the world. Marigold has also participated in international programs and been an ambassador for numerous organizations, including the United Way of Calgary and Gems for Gems, an organization committed to ending the cycle of domestic abuse by focusing on the economic recovery and empowerment of survivors. 

She is the recipient of a 2021 Alberta Council for Global Cooperation Top 30 under 30 Award, 2021 Humanitarian Award from IdealMe Enrichment Foundation and 2019 Diana Award, among others. 

Marigold’s dream is to attend Harvard University where she hopes to study medicine. Her ultimate goal is to work with foster children who have medical needs.

With a heart of gold and empathy for others, Marigold is the epitome of emPOWERed. We salute her and wish her continued success!

Learn more and connect with Marigold’s Heart Garden:

Instagram

In the News:

https://calgarycitizen.com/p/calgary-teen-italy

https://hundred.org/en/articles/hundred-youth-ambassador-marigold-mioc-meets-malala

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

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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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Facebook

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.

She’s EmPOWERed: Maryland Teens Demonstrate Why Representation Matters with #TheLittleMermaidChallenge

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When the trailer was released last year for Disney’s upcoming live-action adaptation of “The Little Mermaid,” the Internet was flooded with videos showing overwhelmingly joyous reactions from African-American children and adults alike. The reactions to Halle Bailey (of R&B duo Chloe x Halle) being cast as Ariel illustrated just how crucial representation is.

For high school seniors Sydnie Chandler Monet, CEO and host of The Perfect Timing Podcast and Lexi P., CEO of Curlanistas, the May 26 release of the “Little Mermaid,” is not only an opportunity to see a representation of themselves on the big screen, but it also is an opportunity to give back in a big way.

 The two have teamed up for #TheLittleMermaidChallenge and are raising money through a GoFundMe page with a goal of taking 500 young Black girls from the DMV to see the film.

 A Girl with Curls and Ambition

“I believe there is so much power in representation,” said Lexi, 18. “When you see positive examples of someone who looks like you, it gives you the power and inspiration to dream. As a young girl, I remember not seeing many people who looked like me on TV or in movies. I know how that made me feel and question my worth. Representation encourages others to imagine themselves in situations and experiences they see in the media.”

The desire for representation is also what powered Lexi’s brand, Curlanistas, which started as a movement to complement her first book Curly Girls Love Your Curls. Lexi wanted to develop the brand to help girls like her with big curly hair.

“I wanted girls to embrace who they are – to love their hair and to feel empowered to wear their hair, big, bold and proud,” she said.

In August of 2017, Lexi did a soft launch of her Curlanistas haircare line at the world-famous Bronner Brothers Convention in Atlanta and sold out the first day.

A Purpose-Driven Influencer

As a social entrepreneur and founder of the non-profit Live Your Future Educated (LYFE), Sydnie is a proponent of representation and inclusivity. Her organization is ushering in a new generation of influencers, celebrities and innovators and offering a safe platform for them to share their inspiring stories.

In 2020, during the height of the pandemic, she launched the Perfect Timing Podcast. “The podcast was established after the growing limitations of youth positivity on social media platforms,” Sydnie explained.

“The platforms without substance fueled my desire to make a change. It’s intentional for me to meet youth where they are by showing them how to absorb into the fabric of their own lives and see that their dreams are tangible.”

Nearly three years later, Sydnie has released 130 impactful episodes with more than 2,600 dedicated listeners.

High Aspirations Fuel the Future

As high school seniors, Lexi and Sydnie have big aspirations after graduation.

Lexi is looking forward to attending Morgan State University where she plans to study business. “I want to grow my hair care line and also start a non-profit for the youth,” she said. “My goal in life is to be a leader who has a positive impact on the world.”

Sydnie is looking forward to attending Howard University and studying strategic communications this fall. “I am so excited for this new chapter,” she said. “I have been prepared and molded for this moment as I approach high school graduation. I plan to continue growing the Perfect Timing Podcast and explore the opportunities that come with it.”

Keep In Touch

Lexi

Instagram

Facebook

Sydnie

Instagram

Facebook

Support #TheLittleMermaidChallenge at https://gofund.me/905699e8

She’s EmPOWERed: Young CEO and author helps kids understand finances

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Did you know that April is National Financial Literacy Month? It is. This year marks the 20th anniversary for the observance aimed at empowering individuals to improve their personal and household financial stability and success.

And although she’s nowhere near 20, Ahmenra Johnson is an expert in helping kids understand finances. The seven-year-old CEO and author has been in business since she was a toddler! 

At the age of three, Ahmenra’s mother decided that it was important for her to understand and have a firm foundation in financial literacy and entrepreneurship. 

“She said financial literacy and entrepreneurship are important to know to help me navigate the real world as I got older,” Ahmenra explained. “I had my very first board meeting at a Fortune 500 company and I am the owner of six businesses.”

That’s right. Ahmenra is an experienced CEO and she’s not even in middle school. 

In addition to running her companies (with the help of her mom), Ahmenra is the author of seven books that are part of “Noodle, The Astrogirl CEO Learning Series,” where the focus is on teaching children that there is no age requirement to own a business or to become an author.

“My Mother teaches me that at the root of every social interaction, there is financial literacy and/or entrepreneurship embedded in the experience. I like to learn how I can monetize what I learn in school,” Ahmenra added. “For instance, one of my businesses is my very own home school, Astrokid Academics LLC. I learn so much about financial literacy and entrepreneurship that I am able to use lessons from my very own learning series to help me understand how to be an effective entrepreneur.”

An “Astrokid” with Aspirations

Ahmenra isn’t only an author and business owner. She also is a competitive dancer, competitive swimmer and on her way to getting a black belt in Tang Soo Do Martial Arts. 

Her plan is to go to community college for engineering because she’s an aspiring astrophysicist. “Then, I am going to attend Juilliard for dance and while I am dancing, I want to train to be an Olympic swimmer, too. I have many goals that I am going to accomplish as I get older,” she concluded.

With her ambition, determination and passion, we have no doubt that Ahmenra will achieve these and other goals. We can’t wait to see it happen!

Connect with Ahmenra:

Instagram 

YouTube 

Visit www.astrokidacademics.org

She’s EmPOWERed: Empowered Flower Girl Salutes Sesi Magazine during Women’s History Month

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Women’s History Month is an international observance highlighting the contributions of women in history and modern society. It gives us an opportunity to recognize and showcase their work individually and collectively. 

This month, Empowered Flower Girl honors Andréa Butler and Sesi magazine – the only print magazine for Black teen girls in the United States. Sesi means “sister” in Sotho, a Bantu language mainly spoken in southern Africa. 

History in the Making

One day, while flipping through the pages of several teen magazines, 17-year-old Andréa  noticed a lack of representation of youth of color, especially Black girls. Later that night, Andréa  vowed that if nothing changed by the time she was done with school, she would start one herself.

And she did.

After receiving her undergraduate degree, Andréa  went on to pursue a master’s degree in journalism. She taught high school English and even worked as an editor for LivingSocial – an online marketplace now owned by Groupon. 

That path led her to launch Sesi magazine in 2009 with a high school friend. 

Sesi’s mission is to “give a voice to Black teen girls in a media space in which they are virtually invisible.” The publication is committed to covering what’s most important to Black teen girls, including current events and social justice issues, as well as beauty, fashion, entertainment and more. 

“Life for Black teen girls has gotten even more complex, as they have to navigate not only the typical racism and gender issues but also increased gun violence in various spaces, blatant attacks by state governments on the teaching of Black history and literature, increased instances of suicide and cyberbullying and more,” Andréa  said. 

“Through Sesi, we help our readers process these issues by discussing what’s going on, as well as giving them a place to express themselves through short stories and poetry. We also like to give our readers a place to feel joy through other articles that focus on beauty, fashion and entertainment — the fullness of a Black girl’s life.”

Twenty-first century girls and young women are facing challenges that generations before them may have never imagined and need support from the adults in their lives. 

Andréa  said one of the most important ways to support Black girls is to listen to them. “They’ll tell you what they need,” she added.

New Voices Sought

Sesi accepts submissions from teens as well as professional journalists and student journalists. The publication publishes content covering everything from beauty, fashion and health to social issues, entertainment and relationships. 

“We’re also looking to add more college-related content to the mag,” Andréa  said. 

View the writer’s guidelines at www.sesimag.com/writersguidelines.

Connect with Sesi Magazine:

Facebook

Instagram

TikTok

She’s Empowered: Young author offers support to siblings with “I’m a Big Sister Now, Lucky Me” book

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It’s common for children to experience different emotions – from jealousy and nervousness to excitement – when a new baby arrives. For 12-year-old Aubrey Holly, a big sister to three siblings, her experience was all of the above.

“Though some days are challenging, I love being a big sister and I love my sisters,” said the author and self-professed big sister expert. “They are my friends. As a big sister, the responsibility to be a good example, be the bigger person (all the time), and share literally almost everything can be overwhelming and sometimes feel like too much to deal with. That’s why I decided to share my story.”

When she was seven, Aubrey told her mother she wanted to start a business. At the time, Aubrey’s little sister was four years old. She knew she wanted to write and decided that becoming an author would be a way to make a difference. 

“Becoming a big sister was one of the biggest changes that she experienced in her life at the time,” said Aubrey’s mom, Queala Holly. She said I’m going to write on Tuesdays and she did – every Tuesday for a month.”

Aubrey turned those words into the book “I’m a Big Sister Now, Lucky Me,” available at www.aubreykam.com.

“She would write her thoughts down and I would review,” mom said. “She has three younger sisters now. And thinking about the impact big sisters have on the younger siblings, we’re working on developing a community for big sisters.” 

In addition to the big sister book, Aubrey has published the “Be Yourself___You’re Amazing Notebook” and the “Goal Writing and Productivity Planner.”

When Aubrey grows up, she would like to be an orthodontist. 

We know Aubrey will be successful in whatever she puts her mind to. She’s emPOWERed!

Connect with Aubrey:
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Facebook

She’s EmPOWERed: Eight-year-old Savannah girl sends message of hope with “happy bags” for the homeless

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It is estimated that more than half a million people in the United States are experiencing homelessness. 

While riding along with her mom in their Savannah, Ga. neighborhood, five-year-old Bethany Moultry witnessed people in her community without a place to call home. 

“We were running errands when we pulled up to a stop sign and Bethany saw a man holding a sign asking for help,” said Bethany’s mom, Colleen Moultry. “She cried and asked me if she could break open her piggy bank and give him all of her money.”

That encounter three years ago triggered something in little Bethany that inspired her to move from empathy to action. As a result, she founded Bethany’s Happy Bags for the Homeless.

The “happy bags” are gallon-sized bags chock-full of necessities like personal hygiene items, food, water or juice, utensils and homemade first aid kits. Some may also include items such as hand warmers, gloves, hats, emergency blankets, sun screen, bug repellent and more, but all are packed with hope and a hand-written note of encouragement. 

“I want every person experiencing homelessness to know that I see you and I care,” said Bethany, now 8 years old.

Since launching, Bethany’s Happy Bags for the Homeless has assembled and distributed more than 4,700 bags! 

“From what we have been told by our neighbors experiencing homelessness as well as from our partner agencies, her Happy Bags have literally saved lives,” Colleen said. 

The bags are distributed in Savannah through various channels. Partners like the Savannah Police Dept, Chatham-Savannah Authority for the Homeless as well as several churches and shelters distribute the bags to some of the most vulnerable in the city. 

The work is expanding as the team has begun making bags to distribute in the Hudson Valley area of New York where some of Bethany’s extended family lives. 

In the future, Bethany plans to continue her mission to not only assist her neighbors who are experiencing homelessness, but her main goal to END homelessness. She would like to create an organization that assists with safe, long-term housing, offers mental health services and job training. 

With her passion, empathy and dedication, Bethany is definitely on the path to making this a reality. 

Learn more about Bethany’s Happy Bags for the Homeless at www.bethanyshappybags.com.

Connect with Bethany and her team via social media:

Facebook

Instagram

Tiktok