She’s EmPOWERed: California Teen Activist Advocates for Women’s/LGBTQ Rights and Freedoms

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Empowered Flower Girl salutes Aria-Vue Daugherty this Women’s History Month!

Aria-Vue Daugherty, a powerhouse teen activist, is leading the charge for change in California. As co-chair of the Young Feminists Committee (an initiative of the Santa Barbara Women’s Political Committee), she advocates fiercely for women’s and LGBTQ rights, demonstrating the power of young voices. But her impact doesn’t stop there; Aria-Vue also serves as director of the California Young Feminist Party. Through her advocacy, Aria-Vue not only fights for equality but also demonstrates the immense power and potential of young leaders in shaping a more inclusive and just society.

“I was motivated to get involved after realizing that other young people were also passionate about the Equal Rights Amendment, but was surprised by the lack of YFP activity in California,” she explained. “I have been attempting to revitalize the movement in our state because I think it is extremely important to realize that Californian girls, women, and LGBTQ people are still put at risk by sexist legislation in other parts of the country despite our progressive state government.”

Aria-Vue, who identifies as queer, said the Young Feminist Party has been lobbying on local, state, and federal levels to get elected officials to realize the importance of the Equal Rights Amendment to the safety of women and queer people. 

Last spring, Aria-Vue and several young people were quoted in a Los Angeles Times article highlighting Solvang City Council’s decision to turn down a proposal to hang pride-themed banners downtown. During the council meeting, Aria-Vue shared students’ feelings about the banners. She said “a vast majority of them are absolutely unbothered by rainbows and would really appreciate representation for everyone and inclusivity for everyone.” 

She was also featured in the Winter 2024 edition of California Woman Magazine, a publication of the California Federation of Business and Professional Women.

“In California, in partnership with organizations like the YMCA Youth and Government’s Female Leaders in Power Caucus, we’ve been working on educational and legislative campaigns surrounding issues currently affecting American women, like child marriage and menstrual inequity/period poverty,” she noted.

Aria-Vue is on her way to a purpose-driven future. 

After high school, she will attend Harvard University, where she plans on studying government and computer science. “I want to go to law school, and work in regulation or public policy so that I can help make the internet a safer place for girls and women,” she said. 

Check out Aria-Vue’s work with the Young Feminist Party via Instagram.

Empowered Flower Girl Encourages Youth to Embrace Peer Mentoring During National Mentoring Month

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Listen to episode 23 “Teens Mentoring Teens” of the MindShift Power Podcast on January 16, 2024

Empowered Flower Girl, a social enterprise on a mission to transform the way young people relate to one another and themselves, is urging young people to consider the profound impact of peer mentoring as the nation observes National Mentoring Month. Founder and Chief Empowering Officer Rasheda Kamaria Williams encourages both adults and teens to engage in mentoring, emphasizing the transformative power of supportive relationships.

Empowered Flower Girl champions the idea that everyone, regardless of age, can make a meaningful difference as mentors. Peer-to-peer mentoring is a particularly effective way for young people to provide support and guidance to one another.

“Peer mentoring empowers young individuals to share experiences, offer insights, and create a supportive community,” Rasheda said. “It’s a reciprocal relationship that fosters personal growth and resilience, benefiting both the mentor and mentee.”

Empowered Flower Girl invites youth and youth advocates to tune into the MindShift Power podcast with Fatima Bey on January 16, when Rasheda will discuss the vital role of mentors in the lives of 21st century teens. The podcast episode explores the benefits of mentoring relationships, highlighting the positive impact they have on personal development, goal-setting, and navigating challenges.

Interested in adding mentoring to your program offerings? Empowered Flower Girl offers training for organizations and associations as well as individuals who desire to make a difference through mentoring. Email rkamaria@empoweredflowergirl.com for more information.

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

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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.

How to Help Your Teens Make Healthy Choices and Build Resilience

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By Laura Pearson

Parenting a teenager can be tricky. Your child is gaining independence and going out into the world on their own. You want to protect them while also giving them the freedom they crave. By teaching your teens how to make healthy choices, you can trust that they’ll stay safe. You also want to give your child the tools they need to nurture resilience, so they can navigate life’s challenges more easily. The below pointers can help you prepare them for the world.

Teach them how to prepare healthy meals

Good nutrition is important for growing teens. Get your child invested in their own health by learning how to make healthy meals together. BBC Good Food has a roundup of recipes specifically for teen chefs that are delicious and easy to prepare. Since teens love to snack, make sure there are healthy choices available. Instead of chips and soda, for example, encourage them to chow down on nuts, fruit, or smoothies.

Help them find a form of exercise they love

Regular exercise is another essential component of good overall mental and physical health. Encourage your teen to try out different sports, from track to basketball, to see what they enjoy. Simply taking a walk together is another option. If your neighborhood isn’t ideal for walking, check out pedestrian-friendly areas online. You can scope out the “walk score” for various locations. Target areas with a walk score of 70 or more.

Encourage them to find ways to tackle stress

Raising resilient teens requires more than paying attention to their physical health. You also want to consider your child’s mental health. Create a communicative space at home where they can share their feelings. Also, encourage your teen to create their own mental health toolkit for dealing with stress. For example, they might try activities like meditation to build resilience. Finally, if your teen is struggling with mental health, turn to a professional.

Talk to them openly about drugs and alcohol

Many teens experiment with alcohol and drugs as they get older. This can be worrisome for parents. By creating a non-judgmental space to discuss these issues, you can help your child stay safe. Family Lives offers tips for parents who want to talk to kids about substance use. They recommend staying calm, being supportive, and creating a two-way dialogue. Remember, your child’s safety is the number one priority.

Discuss your child’s future education with them

It’s never too early to talk about your child’s educational aspirations. Find out what career paths they’re considering and discuss what educational paths those require. You can also help set a good example by pursuing your own educational dreams. For example, if you want to work with kids, a bachelor’s in education lets you work with elementary-aged and pre-school-aged kids. Online degrees like this one are ideal for busy parents.

Find ways for your teen to connect with the community

A sense of community can go a long way in helping teenagers feel confident and secure as they navigate the world. Look for opportunities for teens to connect with others, from team sports to volunteer activities. Online communities like Empowered Flower Girl can also be a great outlet for teens looking to connect. Teenagers may be more open to talking to other people who aren’t their parents, so it’s important they have their own community

Raising teenagers is full of challenges. As a parent, you can gain peace of mind by giving your kids the tools they need to build resilience and make smart, healthy choices. The above tips can help.

For more resources to help build resilient teens, visit the blog.

Laura Pearson, of Edutude, is passionate about teaching the younger generation. Edutude was built to share resources on how to keep children engaged and in love with learning.

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

Empowered Flower Girl Shares Tips to Avoid Drama and Live Your Best Life this Summer

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Summer break is on the horizon and there will be lots of time for teens and young adults to make memories (and mistakes). We want to ensure they’re making the most of their time and enjoying it.

Below are a few tips on what NOT to do to have a drama-free summer:

5. Get in an online fight with a celebrity.  We all love to voice our opinions about celebrities who do wild and obnoxious things, have bad hair days or overuse photoshop. But resist getting into a battle with celebrities, politicians or anyone who has a fanbase as dedicated as Beyonce’s. They sting. And they will come for you, boo. Have you seen “Swarm”?

4. Put your friends or family on blast publicly. Sure, best friends can disappoint us and sometimes our siblings can do jerky things. But, there is a better way to bring this to their attention. Instead of posting a shade-filled status update, pick up the phone, send an email or schedule a Zoom meeting. Just kidding on the Zoom meeting. But you really should talk it out.

3. Post incriminating pics or videos on Instagram or TikTok. This is one of the best ways to kiss your summer internship, college acceptance or job security good-bye. Even if everyone else is doing it, DO NOT post pics of drug use, private parts or illegal activity.

2. Make racist or homophobic posts and comments – anywhere. This one should be obvious but in the wake of what’s happened in the U.S. over the past few years, apparently it isn’t. People are losing their jobs and livelihoods. Think before you post, seriously. I always say, “what’s in my head doesn’t have to be said.” Making racist and homophobic comments is rude (first of all) and also mean. If you want to stay employed either change your thinking or don’t post your thoughts.

1. Do something productive. Of course this doesn’t follow the format of the other tips because you actually SHOULD engage in activities that inspire you and those around you. Kindness is the key to a kick-butt summer. Volunteer or advocate for a worthy cause, get a summer job or learn a new skill. Staying occupied will keep you out of trouble and give you a confidence boost.

So in conclusion, don’t be a jerk online, stay off the Internet when you’re in a crappy mood and overall, think before you Tweet or whatever you do.

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

How to foster positive relationships and self-love for youth in the digital age

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The teenage years can be a time of confusion and stress for many adolescents. And when you add social media to the mix, small conflicts can cause big drama. 

As teens navigate their way through the ups and downs of adolescence, they often face challenges that test their relationships with family, friends, romantic partners and even themselves. While it’s normal for teens to experience some conflict and disagreements, it’s important that they learn how to communicate effectively and resolve conflicts in a healthy way.

“By teaching and modeling these essential skills, we can help them develop positive relationships with others and promote self-love and self-respect,” says Rasheda Kamaria Williams, chief empowering officer and founder of Empowered Flower Girl, a social enterprise on a mission to transform the way young people relate to one another and themselves. 

Healthy relationships and self-love in the digital age

The internet, social media, and texting have become a huge part of teenage relationships. While these technologies can be used to connect teens with their friends and help them stay in touch, they can also be used to spread rumors, bully others, and engage in other negative behaviors. 

A recent Pew Research Center survey on teens and cyberbullying revealed that nearly half of all U.S. teens have been bullied or harassed online. Additionally, adolescent girls across the country are facing record levels of violence, sadness and despair, according to new survey data from the CDC.

So, how can you guide the teens in your life in developing self-love and positive relationships (on and offline)? Here are some tips:

1. Talk about what positive relationships look like.

 Discuss what healthy, supportive and positive relationships look like and ask young people for examples of each. Help them understand that these types of relationships are built on trust, respect and communication.

2. Encourage them to love themselves first.

Self-love is so important! Help the teens you work with understand that they need to love and accept themselves before they can truly love someone else. It can be difficult for some when they’re bombarded with messages telling them that they’re not enough. 

One way to help teens learn to love themselves is by using affirmations.Some examples of affirmations that teens can use to promote self-love include:

  • “I am worthy of love and respect.”
  • “I am allowed to make mistakes.”
  • “I am capable of great things.”
  • “I am valuable just as I am.”

3. Teach them how to communicate effectively.

Effective communication is essential in any relationship, whether it’s with a friend, family member or romantic partner. Engage teens in activities that encourage them to express their thoughts and feelings in a clear and respectful way. 

4. Model healthy relationships.

Show teens what positive relationships look like by modeling healthy behavior in your own relationships. Let them see you respecting others, communicating effectively and being kind and loving towards yourself and others.

Teaching teens about healthy relationships and self-love can be a difficult task but it is an important one as they transition from adolescence to adulthood. You can make an impact by keeping the lines of communication open and being a positive role model. 

Empowered Flower Girl offers a number of workshops and activities that encourage positive and healthy relationships. From cyberbullying prevention to empathy and self-esteem building, our workshops help young people break down barriers and build authentic connections. Learn more at www.empoweredflowergirl.com. 

Starting Your Own Business: Becoming a Business Owner as a Teenager

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By Joyce Wilson

Have you thought about starting your own business but are unsure if you can because you are a teenager? It’s possible to run a business of your own even if you’re not out of high school.

Working for yourself can come with many benefits, including learning how to manage money and teaching you about investing in your company, and it can give you an idea of what type of career you want to pursue in the future. 

The Benefits of Working for Yourself

Working for yourself can teach you many helpful habits when it comes to money management. You can learn about setting aside money to reinvest in your company and estimating how much you’ll need to get started. Building your own business is easier if you have low overhead, or don’t have to spend a lot of money to get set up and run your company. 

For individuals who are trying to build upon their commerce skills, this can be a useful way to solve problems (such as filling a need for your community), showcase your creativity (creating or designing something that people will buy).

Budgeting and Saving While Running a Business

After you have identified what type of business you want to create, set up a budget for your company, planning on how much you will spend. According to experts, this will help stay within spending limits and help you avoid spending too much money before your company has had a chance to take off.

Saving money is important because you’ll want to reinvest earnings into your company. You’ll want to identify what your profits and losses are, and use this information to tweak changes to your company so that you can ensure you are earning as much as possible. 

Potential Work in Animal Care

Are you wondering what type of business you could set up as a teenager? If you love animals, consider working with them and setting up a company that caters to their needs. You could become a dog walker or offer pet sitting services either in your home or the home of the pet’s owner. 

This business model wouldn’t cost much to get started since you’d only need to focus on marketing efforts, and you could take on as many clients as you felt comfortable managing. If you want to stand out from the competition while marketing, try using an online logo maker so you can make custom logos instantly and easily. Select a style and icon, choose the text you want, and you’ll be able to view different logos in a variety of colors and fonts. 

Working with Children

Babysitting can be fun for individuals who like to work with children. Much like pet sitting, you can set your own hours and work as much or little as you would like. You might take care of children for a few hours or a majority of the day. Your efforts will mostly rely on marketing and word of mouth to help you find customers, thereby keeping your costs low and making this a worthwhile venture. 

Even if you are still a teenager, there are plenty of ways to build a business of your own. This can teach you valuable skills that can help you in college and beyond, no matter what you choose to pursue later in life. 

Joyce Wilson is a retired teacher and enjoys sharing lesson plans, resources, and teaching tips on Teacher Spark. Her website is a compilation of practical resources that will inspire student engagement and instill a love for learning. By tapping into a student’s natural creativity and curiosity, Joyce believes that they can take their education to a new level.

Girlpreneur logo

The Girlpreneur Expo is Back!

Are you a girlpreneur or aspiring young entrepreneur in the Detroit area? If so, join us on Saturday, August 13 for the Girlpreneur Expo, hosted by the T-Rose Foundation. The event is free for attendees. Register via Eventbrite or visit www.t-rose.com/girlpreneur. Empowered Flower Girl will be there with information about our workshops and programs, including how you can get featured in our She’s EmPOWERed column and attend our Be the Impact Summit this fall.

She’s EmPOWERed: Giving Back is a Way of Life for Tennessee Teen

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For many children and teens, volunteering is a chore or something you do because you are told.

But not for Asia Bigsbee.

The 14-year-old Tennessee native has been giving back for nearly a decade and finds joy in it.

She is the founder of the Beautiful Spirited Cupcake Mentoring Program for girls ages four to 11. The program helps participants learn life skills that will help develop and mature them into positive and productive individuals in life, education and community.

“The Beautiful Spirited Cupcake Mentoring Program is making a difference in communities worldwide by providing free programming, community workshops and free resources to give girls in low-income areas a lifetime opportunity to dream big no matter what,” said Asia, who began volunteering when she was four.

Overall, she has hand-written more than 200 letters of hope filled with inspirational and encouraging words to girls worldwide. Additionally, she has fed and provided clothing for over 500 hundred people in need in her community.

Activism, Athletics and Academics

Asia has spoken to and served girls through free workshops, seminars and service projects as a girl power champion.

Not only is she laser-focused on uplifting those in her community, but she’s also focused on academics and athletics. Asia is an honor roll student, volleyball player, basketball player and proud member of several regional and national organizations/associations, including Royal Neighbors of America, Delta Gems of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., Peace First, Points of Light, Volunteer Memphis and Mentoring Grizz Foundation.

After high school, Asia aspires to enter a veterinarian program.

You can learn more about the Beautiful Spirited Cupcake Mentoring Program by visiting the Beautiful Spirited Women website at www.beautifulspiritedwomen.org.

Learn more at:
Instagram: @beautifulspiritedwomen
Twitter: @bswblessings
Facebook: @bswblessing