“EmPOWERed and On Purpose”: Celebrating 15 Years of Impact

This month marks a powerful milestone for Empowered Flower Girl — our 15-year anniversary! July has always held special meaning for me. Not only is it my birthday month, but it’s also the month I officially launched Empowered Flower Girl with a mission to transform the way young people relate to themselves and each other.

After what I’ve come to recognize as my year of completion — a year filled with growth and healing — this new season feels especially aligned and filled with possibility. I’m stepping boldly into this chapter with renewed purpose and vision.

I’m honored to have recently shared my founder story, “EmPOWERed and On Purpose,” in the July edition of She Wins Magazine. I want to thank Hanna Olivas and Adriana Luna of She Rises Studios for providing such an inspiring platform for women to share their stories. Their commitment to uplifting women through powerful, purpose-driven publications is something I deeply admire.

As we celebrate 15 years of empowering youth, championing sisterhood, and helping individuals and organizations make a difference in their communities, I’m filled with gratitude. This journey has been nothing short of POWERful.

Thank you for your support and positive energy.

Sincerely,

Rasheda Kamaria Williams

Founder & Chief Empowering Officer

Empowered Flower Girl

She’s EmPOWERed: Shamere Duncan Reps Her City and Creates Community Along the Way

Detroit’s resilience, passion and can-do spirit have all shaped Shamere Duncan into the changemaker she is today. At 21, she is a Business Administration student at Wayne State University and making a significant impact as the founder of She So Detroit and as the Youth Affairs Engagement Coordinator for the City of Detroit. Her love for the city fuels her passion and her mission to empower women and youth, ensuring they recognize their strength, potential and ability to succeed.

She So Detroit is more than a brand — it’s a movement. At its core is the Detroit Butterfly, a symbol of growth and resilience. “Like the butterfly, we believe in transformation—helping women and young people in Detroit navigate their journey from struggle to strength, from dreaming to doing,” Shamere said. “It represents the beauty that emerges when women and youth in Detroit are given the tools, the space, and the belief to grow into their fullest potential.”

Shamere’s vision is to create spaces where Detroit women’s voices are amplified, their stories honored, and their dreams nurtured. Simultaneously, she is committed to uplifting the next generation, providing mentorship and opportunities to help youth see their limitless possibilities.

Through storytelling, community events, and more, She So Detroit is shifting narratives and fostering empowerment. Shamere believes that when women and youth in Detroit are given the tools, support, and belief they need, they can soar. 

Looking ahead, she envisions expanding She So Detroit to create an even greater impact. She plans to deepen her commitment to philanthropy, growing mentorship programs and initiatives that support young people in their journey. 

“I want to create spaces where Detroit’s youth can dream big, see their potential, and know they have the tools to succeed,” Shamere said.

Follow the She So Detroit movement via Instagram

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

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.

Empowered Flower Girl to host EmPOWERing Conversations in honor of Women’s History Month

March is Women’s History Month. During this time, the nation honors and celebrates the achievements and contributions of women to our society as well as brings awareness to disparities and challenges girls and women face.

Empowered Flower Girl will host “EmPOWERing Conversations: Inspiring Sisterhood” to engage women across generations to discuss the value and benefits of friendships.

Despite what popular media depicts, most girls desire drama-free relationships with one another. But they may lack the courage and confidence to spark the conversations that lead to these fulfilling friendships.

Join us on March 9th and 10th from 6 to 7 p.m. EST when we will have powerful conversations with women and girls about the value and benefits of sisterhood, how we can transform our relationship realities and resources to support girls’ positive development. Empowered Flower Girl’s Rasheda Kamaria Williams will moderate the discussions. Guest speakers include:

MARCH 9

  • Alicia McKay, owner/executive director, No Fear Cafe
  • Keisha Montfleury, confidence coach for girls, HandiWork LLC

MARCH 10

  • Chantia Thompson, owner/wellbeing coach, Good Vibz Yoga
  • Shaaree McCalpine, owner/mental health therapist, Faith Soars Counseling and Consulting
  • TeQuion Brookins, philanthropist, social entrepreneur and principal consultant, TeQuionBrookins.com

The conversations will be streamed via Zoom and Facebook. Follow Empowered Flower Girl at www.facebook.com/empoweredflowergirl.

EmPOWERing 21st Century Girls: Event Aims to Bridge Generation Gap, Inspire Teens to Live Powerfully

Twenty-first century girls face challenges that generations before them may have never imagined. From cyberbullying to societal pressure, they’re coping with the pangs adolescence both on and offline. But because of technological advances, they also have unlimited resources and opportunities to live powerful lives.

On Thursday, March 9 during Women’s History Month, Empowered Flower Girl (EFG) – in partnership with the Skyline Club’s Emerging Leaders Group – will host “EmPOWERing 21st Century Girls.”

The event, scheduled 6-7:30 p.m. at the Skyline Club in Southfield, aims to bridge the gap that exists between 20th and 21st century women and girls while encouraging sisterhood and empathy.

Participants will break down the walls of separation by participating in engaging, inter-generational icebreaking activities as well as learn about local organizations and programs supporting girls and women.

Rasheda Kamaria Williams, EFG founder and author of Be EmPOWERed: How to Live Above & Beyond Life’s Drama, will facilitate the workshop and sign copies of the guidebook and journal.

“The ultimate goal of this event is to boost understanding and empathy across the generations while combating behaviors and norms that lead to drama, relational aggression and other challenges young women face,” Williams said.

The event is open to girls 11 and older and their parents, guardians or other adult chaperones. Admission is $10 per couple and includes appetizers and a raffle ticket for prizes.

Call the Skyline Club at 248-350-9898 to RSVP. Learn more about Empowered Flower Girl at empoweredflowergirl.com.

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Empowering, inspiring events

Join Empowered Flower Girl in attending and celebrating these events and observances:

Bullying Prevention Month
Observed the entire month of October
DETAILS: Founded in 2006 by PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center, the campaign is observed during the month of October and unites communities nationwide to educate and raise awareness of bullying prevention.

Community Conversation on Bullying
Oct. 26, 2018 [Waterford, Michigan]
DETAILS: Defeat the Label will host its 3rd annual Community Conversation on Bullying. The event brings together members of the community including representatives from the fields of education, medical, legal and mental health with the goal of supplying the information and tools necessary to engage educators, parents and students to be proactive in their anti-bullying efforts within their own communities. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased on Eventbrite. Empowered Flower Girl’s Rasheda Kamaria will be among the workshop presenters facilitating “Mentoring Girls & Inspiring Sisterhood: In the Age of Bad Girls, Housewives and Frenemies.”

Beautiful Me University
Nov. 10, 2018 [Detroit, Michigan]
DETAILS: Me, Myself & I Teens will host hands-on workshops, discussions and an afternoon of empowerment for girls 12-19. Attendees will receive a workbook and certificate of completion (Beautiful Degree of Me). Empowered Flower Girl will facilitate the Social Secrets: What Teens Should Know workshop. Register for FREE at mmiteens.com/bmu2018.

 

Mentoring Girls & Inspiring Sisterhood

Event celebrates women, addresses issues impacting girls

March is Women’s History Month and Empowered Flower Girl LLC is inviting a diverse group of women to network and celebrate sisterhood while addressing the issues that impact girls and young women.

“Mentoring Girls & Inspiring Sisterhood,” is scheduled from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, March 26, at the Skyline Club, 2000 Town Center in Southfield. The event is the third in the Inspired Professionals Series, which gives civic- and community-minded individuals a chance to connect with others who care about kids and learn about opportunities to make a difference.

“Mentoring Girls & Inspiring Sisterhood” features a preview of the documentary Redefining Beauty, chronicling the lives of Detroit-area girls who candidly share their fears, dreams, challenges and hopes.

“Our goal is to promote the power of sisterhood and encourage women to celebrate themselves and each other,” said EFG Chief Empowering Officer Rasheda Kamaria, a Royal Oak resident. “We want to make sure that our girls have positive role models to help them as they transition into womanhood.”

Attendees will be pampered and treated to appetizers, a drink ticket, and fabulous giveaways. Tickets are $25.

The first 25 guests to RSVP will receive a special gift. Register with the Skyline Club at 248-350-9898.

Mentoring Girls Flyer Invite

 

Be the change. Inspire sisterhood

After facilitating Chica Chat workshops for the past three and half years, I noticed a common desire among participants: Girls actually want positive, cordial relationships with other girls.

However some don’t feel confident enough to break the ice. They have a desire to create lasting bonds, but fear vulnerability. Results of our surveys show that the higher girls’ ability in expressing their feelings to others the more likely they are to have satisfaction in friendships.

Who can blame them for their hesitation when popular reality TV shows depict women as drama queens engaged in cat fights, backstabbing and other devious behaviors.

But there’s hope. We can transform the way girls and young women relate to one another. We can be mentors and positive role models. We can turn off the TV and have real conversations with the girls and young women in our lives. We can surround ourselves with uplifting, encouraging and authentic people.

It starts with us.

Be Kind …. Especially to Yourself

During International Random Acts of Kindness Week, we typically ponder ways to be more generous, friendly and considerate of others. This year, I invite you to consider adding yourself to the equation.

Being kind to yourself is an important step in empowering others. You can’t help others if you’re not well. Mentally and physically, be good to you.

Our Valentine’s Act of Kindness to You

1604688_10152551573269942_998539466_nAs part of Empowered Flower Girl’s commitment to kindness, we invite you to download your FREE Kindle edition of the new book “SHINE…It’s Like Glitter for Your Soul.”

I have the honor of being one of 38 women around the world featured in this inspiring book by Kathie Holmes. Ms. Holmes is an Australian entrepreneur and founder of the Creative Ability Network.

Holmes gathered 38 amazing women who have all had the darkest of days but drawn on their inner strength to create the brightest of lives. We share our journeys through love, loss and life.

Don’t have the Kindle app? Download it for your iphone for free. “SHINE” free download available through Sunday, Feb. 16.

A Year in Review: Empowered Flower Girl immersed in the community

For Empowered Flower Girl, 2013 has been an eventful and inspiring year. Over the past 11 months, EFG has had the honor of facilitating workshops and programs throughout southeastern Michigan and Lansing. Approximately 225 girls and women participated in our Chica Chat and Mentoring Girls & Inspiring Sisterhood workshops.

Thanks to Detroit SOUP, we were able to offer Chica Chats to a diverse group of girls and young women, including teenagers struggling with challenging behaviors and addictions. Over the summer, we partnered with Detroit Parent Network to host the first Community Chica Chat.

We also celebrated our three-year anniversary with friends, family and supporters, including Detroit City Council President Saunteel Jenkins.

I’d like to thank everyone who attended an event, recommended us to a friend, “liked” us on social media or sent positive energy. Your support helps us help girls and young women live POWERfully.

Empowered Flower Girl’s reach and impact in 2013:

Workshops

Hazel Park Middle School of Hazel Park, Mich.
Reach Academy of Roseville, Mich.
Serenity Program at Capstone Academy
Family Literacy Night, Detroit Parent Network
I Feel Good: Mind, Body & Soul Women’s Conference
I am Woman Expo
Parenting Awareness Michigan Conference
Women’s Weekend at Citadel of Praise

Media

Girl’s Life Magazine
Black America Web
Tenacity Radio
C and G News
ColorBlind Magazine
BLAC Magazine
Metro Parent Magazine
CBS Detroit