social impact – Empowered Flower Girl

She’s EmPOWERed: Nonprofit Founder Going with the “Flo” to Help Girls and Young Women

Posted on October 7, 2024October 7, 2024 by empoweredflowergirl

At 19 years old, Amaya Waymon of Tallahassee, Fla., is already leaving a lasting mark in the fight for menstrual equity. As the founder of The Girl Flo, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing period products, education, and advocacy, Amaya is tackling period poverty head-on and breaking down the stigma surrounding menstruation.

The inspiration for The Girl Flo was born out of Amaya’s volunteer work.

“I decided to start The Girl Flo based on volunteering in the school’s pantry that I still volunteer for in college,” she shared. What began as a local effort to supply period products to those in need has evolved into a far-reaching mission to install period product dispensers in schools and public spaces, ensuring students don’t miss class due to a lack of access to essential items.

By advocating for and installing free period product dispensers in schools, Amaya’s organization is removing the barriers that keep students from fully participating in their education. Period poverty—the inability to afford or access menstrual products—affects millions, but thanks to The Girl Flo, more and more students can attend school without fear of embarrassment or disruption.

The organization also goes beyond product access, hosting period poverty awareness events and launching campaigns to normalize conversations about menstruation. “Our goal is to make periods no longer taboo,” Amaya explained. Through educational resources, The Girl Flo empowers young people to take control of their menstrual health and pushes for policy changes to create sustainable, long-term solutions for menstrual equity.

Looking to the future, Amaya’s passion for creating lasting change doesn’t stop with The Girl Flo. She has her sights set on other avenues of influence—planning to attend law school and eventually run for political office. Currently, she’s seeking to join the Emerge National Training Program, which prepares women for political leadership roles. Amaya’s drive to serve her community and advocate for underrepresented voices positions her as a future force in both policy and social justice.

Through her work with The Girl Flo, Amaya is proving that one young woman can lead the charge toward a more inclusive and supportive world. We can’t wait to see what she’ll achieve next!

Follow The Girl Flo via Instagram.

Empowered Flower Girl Founder & CEO to Receive Presidential Lifetime Achieve Award

Posted on August 2, 2024 by empoweredflowergirl

Rasheda Kamaria Williams will be honored at Oct. 13 awards ceremony for her dedication to mentoring and empowering youth

Empowered Flower Girl is thrilled to announce that Rasheda Kamaria Williams, founder and chief empowering officer, has been selected to receive the 2024 Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award (PLAA). The award is the highest level of the President’s Volunteer Service Award, launched in 2003 to recognize “the important role of volunteers in America’s strength and national identity.” The national award recognizes individuals whose service positively impacts communities nationwide and inspires others to take action.

“I am truly honored to be recognized for doing what I love – helping children and teens realize their power to make a difference in the world,” Rasheda shared. “Becoming a mentor 24 years ago transformed my life, and I’ve since dedicated myself to empowering and educating others to be there for our youth. I’ll continue to amplify the voices of mentors and mentees, recognizing those making an impact.”

Rasheda, along with other distinguished honorees, will be celebrated at the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Awards Ceremony on October 13. The event will be hosted by fellow PLAA recipient Shanithia Jhons, founder and CEO of 3Phases School of Etiquette. Tickets for the ceremony are available for $50. We invite you to join us in celebrating this remarkable achievement and the incredible work being done to uplift our communities.

Visit https://3phases.info/be-our-guest-1 for tickets and to learn more about 3Phases School of Etiquette.

The President’s Lifetime Achievement Award

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

Posted on January 1, 2024 by empoweredflowergirl

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.

Rasheda Kamaria Williams Named “Empowerment Enterprise Founder of the Year” by Acquisition International Magazine

Posted on July 19, 2023 by empoweredflowergirl

Acquisition International Magazine (AI) has announced the winners of the eighth Influential Businesswoman Awards, which shine a light upon women who are a driving force for innovation, change, and empowerment.

From interior design to holistic arts education, marketing specialists to business coaching, and much more, this year’s program is home to a fantastic number of women guiding and elevating their industries – for the sake of progression, efficiency, and equality.

Among the winners is Empowered Flower Girl Founder and Chief Empowering Officer Rasheda Kamaria Williams who received AI’s Social & Business Impact Award. She was also recognized as the 2023 Empowerment Enterprise Founder of the Year.

Awards Coordinator Jessie Wilson took a moment to comment on the success of the winners: “I applaud our winners for their tenacity, sincerity, and passion for their respective businesses and fellow human beings. Regardless of the challenges faced as women, these individuals have worked hard and risen to the top – so that they may influence and aid the rest of the world. Congratulations.”

Acquisition International prides itself on the validity of its awards and winners. The awards are given solely on merit and are awarded to commend those most deserving for their ingenuity and hard work, distinguishing them from their competitors and proving them worthy of recognition.

“It is an honor to be awarded alongside so many accomplished, powerful and talented women,” Rasheda said. “I will continue to uplift and support youth and youth advocates throughout North America and beyond so that they also have the tools and strategies to reach their full potential.”

To learn more about the award winners and to gain insight into the working practices of the “best of the best”, please visit the Acquisition International website where you can access the winners supplement.

Girl World Peace Graduates Making an Impact

Posted on May 31, 2023 by empoweredflowergirl

Meet the course alumni positively impacting the world

It’s been over two years since Empowered Flower Girl launched Girl World Peace Academy (GWPA). In such a short time, our dedicated alumni (from the U.S. and Canada) have made an immeasurable impact in their communities. These trailblazers are changing the world one step at a time with every girl they empower, every woman they inspire, and every life they touch.

From Michigan to South Carolina, we salute a few of our incredible alumni:

Chantia Thompson- Girlz Empowered

Chantia, who joined our very first cohort of amazing participants, is inspiring girls and women to be well. We’re excited to announce that this spring, Chantia is opening her first wellness center in the Detroit metro area! “Our mission is to offer a safe space for the community to heal and grow into their authentic self.” Services will include healing circles, yoga, meditation, literacy programs, doula services and more.

Tameka Citchen Spruce – My Girl Story Documentary

Since enrolling in GWPA, Tameka has been out in the community making connections and a difference. Her award-winning documentary, “My Girl Story,” is now available on Tubi and she works as co-director of a leadership program for BIPOC individuals with disabilities and parents of children with disabilities. “I was selected for NACDD’s Betty Williams Champion of Equal Opportunity Award and Unlock Her Potential Mentorship program with W. Kamau Bell as my mentor.”

Porshe Colts – Breaking Barriers No Boundaries Inc

These days, Porshe and BBNB are creating valuable and memorable workshops for girls in the Columbia, S.C. area. On April 14,2023 the organization assisted in hosting the first annual college tour in the area for middle and high school girls. “It was all of the girls’ first time visiting a college campus and they loved it! We are looking forward to growth and more partnerships in the near future.”

About Girl World Peace Academy

Girl World Peace Academy is a self-guided online course + coaching for youth advocates of all backgrounds – from teachers and counselors to after-school program professionals and mentors.

This course is especially for you if:

You aspire to make a difference in the lives of girls and young women.
Girls in your school or community face social or emotional challenges (bullying, peer pressure, trauma, etc.) that impact their ability to thrive.
You seek empowering and interactive tools and content that complement your current or future SEL, prevention or after-school programming.
You can use help getting the word out about the good you’re doing (to media, sponsors and potential participants)

Questions about the course or general questions about the youth empowerment space? Book a free discovery call with Rasheda. Learn more by visiting www.girlworldpeace.com/info. We’re currently enrolling for our spring/summer cohort.

Empowered Flower Girl one of three Detroit area organizations to win a $5,000 Social Impact Grant

Posted on June 24, 2022 by empoweredflowergirl

The Consulate General of Israel to the Midwest announced winners of its Social Impact Grants during an awards ceremony on Friday, June 17, in Detroit.

Empowered Flower Girl was selected among three Michigan-based organizations to receive a grant.

Other organizations awarded include: Detroiters Working for Environmental Justice and Quartz Water Source.

“Out of the numerous applications that we received, these three grassroots organizations reflect a value that is also quintessential to Israeli society: taking care of our own and each other” said Yinam Cohen, Consul General of Israel to the Midwest.

Empowered Flower Girl will use the funds to host events this fall, including a Be the Impact Summit in honor of International Day of the Girl and service-learning showcase for youth.

“At Empowered Flower Girl, our tagline is be empowered, live powerfully and this wonderful Social Impact Grant from the Consulate General of Israel to the Midwest will help us continue our work with young people who are being the change in their schools, communities and in the world,” said EFG Founder and Chief Empowering Officer Rasheda Williams.

In 2021, the Consulate provided its first Social Impact Grants in Minneapolis. The Consulate General of Israel to the Midwest is charged with connecting to the following states: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.

She’s EmPOWERed: Tulsa Teenpreneur Uses Greeting Cards to Inspire, Celebrate Girls of Color

Posted on August 10, 2021 by empoweredflowergirl

Kolbi Lucas was introduced to the world of entrepreneurship as a tween after she noticed a lack of diversity in the greeting card industry.

That introduction quickly became a passion when she discovered that she could also use her ideas to create and control her future. “I have received a lot of support from many girls and women who tell me that I have inspired them,” said Kolbi, 13. “Their words are affirming and make me feel like I am on the right path.”

That path was directed while Kolbi was out shopping for a birthday card for a friend. She realized there were very few cards with images of Black and Brown girls.

So, at 10 years old, she started Kolbi’s Afromations – a company that designs handcrafted greeting cards and stationery.
She hopes that her cards inspire, encourage, and affirm the beauty, intelligence and magic of being a Black girl.

Words of Encouragement
As a successful girlpreneur, Kolbi offers some encouraging advice to aspiring young business owners.

“Be patient with your business. It is a process, and you won’t always see the success you want right away’” she said. “Prioritize your business by managing your time. As a business owner, you have to be willing to put in the time it takes to provide the best quality for your customers. Sometimes, this means sacrificing things you want to do, but in the end, it will help your business grow.”

Kolbi has aspirations of her own. After high school, she plans to attend NYU or Howard University and study art or fashion. The ambitious teen is interested in being a fashion designer, stylist, or chief editor for a high-end brand. She’s also interested in acting.

We’re sure she will flourish in any career. Kudos to Kolbi!

Connect with Kolbi:
IG: Kolbis_afromations
FB: Kolbi’s Afromations

Empowered Flower Girl to Host “Be the Impact” Service-Learning Training and If I Were President Campaign

Posted on December 30, 2020 by empoweredflowergirl

On January 20, U.S. citizens will inaugurate their 46th president. And while presidents and other elected officials serve their country as leaders and policymakers, they aren’t the only ones who can affect change.

Ordinary people make extraordinary contributions to our society every day.

Empowered Flower Girl (EFG) is inviting youth and youth advocates to explore the impact they can have and the difference they can make regardless of age or occupation.

As a social enterprise dedicated to helping young people live above life’s drama to make a POWERful difference, EFG will host “Be the Impact,” a virtual service-learning training and introduction to our “If I Were President” campaign.

“We will explore ways youth can tackle and solve issues in their communities as well as support and resources available to them,” said Rasheda Kamaria Williams, chief empowering officer for Empowered Flower Girl.

The campaign will culminate with an “inauguration” event on MLK Day, January 18, 2021, where participants will share their ideas and celebrate and support one another to make them a reality.

Two participants will be randomly selected during the inauguration to receive a $100 gift card in honor of their ideas to make a difference in their communities.

The training and inauguration event are being hosted as part of Youth Service America’s MLK Day of Service initiative. Empowered Flower Girl was among eight Michigan-based organizations awarded a grant from the Michigan Service Squad to carry out service-learning trainings and projects in honor of Dr. King’s legacy.

Be the Impact Training

Monday, January 4 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. ET

www.betheimpacttraining.eventbrite.com

She’s EmPOWERed: Empowered Flower Girl salutes girls making an impact

Posted on June 6, 2020January 24, 2023 by empoweredflowergirl

There are kids in our communities and around the world tackling issues and championing causes – from climate change and racism to access to education and homelessness. Although it’s our job as adults to pave the way and solve these problems, I am still inspired by the courage, dedication and commitment of children and teens globally.

Empowered Flower Girl is committed to showcasing youth making a positive difference and those who are using their gifts to bring joy to others.

Do you know a young social entrepreneur or change maker (who identifies as female) from 5 to 25, let us know. We’ll highlight her in the next issue of Be EmPOWERed. Email details (name, age, city and up to 100 words on why your nominee should be selected) to rkamaria@empoweredflowergirl.com.

Parental consent will be required for those under 18. Once we receive your nomination, an online form will be email.

Youth featured receive recognition via social media, Empowered Flower Girl swag, as well as a gift from partner companies or those empowering girls and young women.

Make sure you sign up to receive the Be EmPOWERed newsletter!

(Empowered Flower Girl reserves the right to reject incomplete or irrelevant nominations)