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: 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: Meet Jazzlyn Rainey – An Artist with a Vision (and Mission)

Posted on by empoweredflowergirl

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:

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