


April 12, 2024
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Los Angeles Convention Center





April 12, 2024
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Los Angeles Convention Center
Chorus:
E M P O W H E R (spell out)
The only limit is the stars
E M P O W H E R (spell out)
We got the power to go far
We get further together than apart
Verse:
I got all I need in me
I can achieve as far as I can see
I know that I’m not alone
All my girls got my back (got my back)
Even when I fall off track
I'm never on my own
(Repeat Chorus)
Written & Performed by Siaira Harris
Producer: Awesome Music
Recorded and mixed by: Mars Today
to the 2024 EmpowHer Girls to Greatness Teen Summit, presented by JP Morgan Chase and Edison International!
Today will be an exciting day of empowerment, education and celebration. I am so honored to serve you throughout the year and be here with you today. You are the inspiration for this summit. Your voice matters. We listened to your feedback and did our best to incorporate as many requests as possible into this year's program.
We are thrilled to have you join us for this year's empowering event, where our theme "I Am" serves as a beacon of empow(H)erment and empow(H)ermation. Throughout the summit, we will celebrate and embrace the essence of who we are; honoring your unique qualities and strengths.
"I Am" is not just a statement; it's a declaration of self-confidence, authenticity, and pride. It's a reminder that each of us possesses incredible potential and limitless possibilities. Whether you define yourself as smart, beautiful, creative, courageous, or everything and more, know that you are valued, appreciated, and capable of achieving greatness.
There are so many people who have dedicated their time to making today happen. They are here because they believe in you and love you. Please join me in thanking our staff, youth advisory board, volunteers, and special guests. We salute their passion, tireless efforts and dedication. Their commitment exemplifies the spirit of teamwork, determination, and excellence.
Thank you to our sponsors, whose continued support makes our work possible. There is no way to measure our gratitude. We are especially proud to have JP Morgan Chase and Edison International as our Presenting sponsors this year. The impact of their gift is evident at today's program and all year long.
In Solidarity, Dawn
THECOUNCIL | Dance Performance
PEYTON MEEKS | Secretary, Youth Advisory Board | Welcome
DAWN L. BROWN, President / CEO, EmpowHer Institute | Welcome Remarks
AMARI “MONSTER” MARSHALL | Keynote Speaker
YOUTH ADVISORY BOARD | New Experiences Grantees Announcement
DAWN L. BROWN, President / CEO, EmpowHer Institute | Overview of the Day
Break | 15 Minute
Workshop Session #1
Break | 10 Minute
Workshop Session #2
Lunch
JESSICA MIKAYLA, Actress | Emcee
RISING STARS CEREMONY
DARA RENEÉ,
Actress | Honoree Mentor Sessions (2 Rounds)
Break | 5 Minute
MIDDLE SCHOOL SOCIAL JUSTICE
S.T.E.A.M STUDENT PROJECT PRESENTATIONS
Animo Legacy Charter Middle School
Animo Compton Charter School
Watts Learning Center Charter Middle School
LUNA MAR| Musical Performance
HIGH SCHOOL SOCIAL JUSTICE
S.T.E.A.M STUDENT PROJECT PRESENTATIONS
Animo Compton Charter School
Alliance Cindy & Bill Simon Technology Academy High School
Environmental Charter High School - Gardena
Social Justice
S.T.E.A.M Camp Announcement
Student Project Winners Announced
DAWN L BROWN | Closing Remarks
misconceptions and redefining expectations for girls everywhere.
Dara Reneé is a next-generation rising talent, best known for her fan-favorite role as “Kourtney” on “High School Musical: The Musical The Series” for Disney+. She will appear next in the upcoming film, “Descendants: The Rise of Red” where she portrays ‘Ulyana”’ sister of the iconic villain Ursula. Dara has also been able to recently showcase her hosting talents, as the host for ESPN’s “For The Win. She also enjoyed being the host of her own hit baking competition show “Disney’s Magic Bake Off” However it was her breakout role starring as “Savannah” in the Disney Channel Original Movie “Freaky Friday” that started it all Since then, Dara has appeared in the Lifetime film “My Stepfather’s Secret” as well as guest Starring in “Grey’s Anatomy” and recurring as “Stints” on the ABC series “black-ish ”
Currently, Dara is thrilled to be the new Global Ambassador for Pantene Hair Products. This has definitely been a dream come true since Dara is renowned for her natural hair. This partnership allows her to share her personal experiences with hair all while using the new Pantene collections.
Dara has been open about her struggles with anxiety, using her platform to normalize conversations about mental health. She has spoken about seeking therapy and the importance of recognizing the signs of anxiety.
Dara is also busy writing and producing new music as an independent artist. She was extremely excited to have had one of her original songs, “Here I Come” featured in season three of High School Musical: The Musical The Series The song focuses on her character Kourtney, and Dara’s personal battle with anxiety
The multi-hyphenate star began her career at the early age of two where she appeared in numerous nationwide commercials and print campaigns She eventually moved from Los Angeles to Baltimore, Maryland, where she and her mom opened the Encouraging Youth to Dream Performing Arts Studio a program created to motivate and empower young people through the performing arts. There, Dara trained and performed memorable roles in countless productions including Annie, West Side Story, The Wiz and Grease before returning to Los Angeles, where she currently resides.
Congratulations to the 2024 Rising Star Honorees!
Thank you for your continued commitment in helping young girls thrive!
THECouncil, founded by Sheopatra in 2015, is an empowerment collective that pushes female presence and leadership in the movement and entertainment industry. The mission is to provide space and support for women, specifically women of color, to cultivate artistically, mentally, and spiritually within their personal, business, and artistic endeavors. In return, we use those cultivated gifts and relationships to bring more aid to our communities and the world in its stride for better.
LunaMar,anemergingpopsongstress,captivatesaudienceswithhermelodies andmagneticstagepresence.Bornintoafamilyofmusicians,Luna'spassionfor musicignitedatayoungage,propellingherintotheworldofpop
Drawinginspirationfromherlifeexperiences,Lunaweavestalesoflove, heartbreak,andself-discoveryintohermusic Withbreakoutsingleslike"Swishers andCoronas,"Lunadelvesintoreal-lifestruggles,whileherlatestrelease, "Kingdom,"showcasesherversatilityasasongwriter,embodyingempowerment andambition.
AsLunacontinuesherjourneyinthemusicindustry,sheemergesasashining uesoundandunwavering
DJ Midi Riperton (formerly known as DJ Sammi G) is a multi-faceted Los Angeles-based producer, event coordinator, curator, DJ, and co-founder. She is currently ten years deep into the music industry, having worked for record labels, recording studios, music blogs, music venues, and most recently - the world’s most renowned DJ school Midi Riperton graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Audio Engineering from the Art Institute of California, with a focus on live sound. She has dedicated her life to producing concerts and events, eventually working her way from all things backstage to front stage. Midi Riperton established Ladies of Sound LLC, an organization dedicated to empowering women in the music industry She is currently listed as one of R&B only DJ tour and just recently completed a 40-day North American tour with Grammy AwardWinning R&B singers Lucky Daye and Joyce Wrice.
AnaHernandezRobles VicePresidentDataAnalysist CRA
"If you can see Her, you can be Her."DonnaSpielberg SeniorTechnologyProgram Manager CityNationalBank Darnell“ChefDas” Smith CelebrityChef N Healt Direc Lea
BECOME A REAL LIFE SAVER: CPR TRAINING - ROOM 506
PRESENTED BY: EmpowHer Youth Trainers & American Red Cross, Western Los Angeles, Guillermo Sanchez, Red Cross
Learn life-saving skills that will help you during an emergency Certified CPR Trainers who are EmpowHer high school youth will teach you essential steps of hands-only CPR You will understand the science behind these actions and feel confident applying them in a critical situation
BECOME A SOCIAL MEDIA INFLUENCER - ROOM 511 C
PRESENTED BY: Haven Everly, Danielle Gray, Brianna Alomar, Anne Letscher, Her Story Mentorship
Interested in a career as an influencer? Learn from successful TikTok and Instagram Influencers how to leverage the positive impact of social media to earn money, while avoiding the negative. Through this workshop you will understand how to have a more intentional and meaningful digital experience.
BREAKING NEWS: USING TV JOURNALISM TO TELL OUR STORIES - R00M 403 A
PRESENTED BY: Claudia Botero, Journalist & TV Anchor/Reporter, Anabel Muñoz- TV Reporter for ABC7; Stephanie Martinez- TV Reporter for Voz de America; Maydie Encinas- TV Producer for Univision KMEX 34
Ever watch the news and wonder how can I do that? From setting up the cameras to telling the stories that matter, the world of broadcast television is a thrilling mix of technology, teamwork, and storytelling magic Now's your chance to peek behind the curtain and experience it all firsthand! In this interactive workshop, you will be transported to a real-life broadcast studio and become part of the production crew.
ENTREPRENEUR BOOTCAMP - ROOM 501 C
PRESENTED BY: Betty Fabela, Owner, Fabela Flowers; Lisa Stevens, VP & Sr. Business Consultant, JP Morgan Chase; Kendra Burks, Workforce Development Manager, EmpowHer Institute
Ever considered starting a business? This workshop is your launchpad to entrepreneurial greatness. We will equip you with the skills and knowledge you need to create a thriving business It is not just about dreaming big; it is about acquiring the tools and insights to bring those dreams to life
EXPLORE THE BUSINESS OF ART - ROOM 406 A
PRESENTED BY: Jhericoco, Creative Director, Costume Designer Jhericoco
Learn from Jheri Cavitt of Kicks x Jhericoco, an innovative custom shoe artist, costume designer, and visual designer with a background in Architecture, how to turn your talent as a visual artist into a lucrative career, while painting your own custom designed accessories.
SPONSORED BY: National Football League
PRESENTED BY: Antoinette Brown, VP Operations, Chief of Staff, LA Sparks; Natalie White, VP Community Engagement, LA Sparks; Lexie Brown, LA Sparks Guard, LA Sparks; Taylor Davis, Coordinator, Planning & Culture, NFL
Calling all sports enthusiasts, trailblazers, and future champions! Are you driven by a passion for athletics and excited to see more women leading the way in sports? Dive into the journeys of trailblazing women coaches, athletes, and executives who are shattering glass ceilings and redefining the sports landscape.
GAME CODING: AN ADVENTURE INTO FLAPPY BIRD GAME DESIGN FOR GIRLS!ROOM 409 A
PRESENTED BY: Alma Alavardo, Academy Instructor, EmpowHer Institute
Join us for a thrilling workshop where you'll dive into the world of game design with a special focus on the classic game Flappy Bird. This workshop is designed especially for girls who are curious, creative, and ready to unleash their coding superpowers!
PRESENTED BY: Julia Ruedas, Policy Analyst, LAC+USC Medical Center Foundation
Is something not quite, right? Do you suspect a loved one, friend, or even yourself might be struggling with substance abuse? This workshop aims to equip you with the critical tools to recognize the signs and symptoms of substance abuse and where to get help.
PRESENTED BY: Erica Hughes, Hairstylist
Washing, styling, and caring for your hair can be a healing experience. Did you know that stress can impact the health of your hair, causing everything from dryness to breakage and baldness? Discover how your inner wellness impacts your outer mane Learn stress-busting techniques and mindful practices that nourish your spirit and your hair You will also learn how to start a career in the hair care industry
PRESENTED BY: Amari "Monster" Marshall (Session 1)
Laila Jackson Dance Coach (Session 2)
Learn the hottest dance moves from the diva who choreographed Beyonce's Renaissance Tour and mentored Blue! Unleash your inner swag in this highenergy workshop where you will move your body for fitness and fun. Dance is a great way to express yourself and manage stress.
W O R K S H O P S
“ICE CREAM AND AQUIFERS” - ROOM 502 B
SPONSOR: LAWRENCE LIVERMORE NATIONAL LABORATORY - PRESENTED BY: Monique Romine, Environmental Engineer, LLNL; Lily Forest, Communications Manager, LLNL
Learn how we impact the water stored underground while eating ice cream! Attendees will learn about groundwater, contamination, and how water wells work while making an edible aquifer.
PRESENTED BY: Chef Darnell “Das” Smith
Join celebrity chef Darnell "Chef Das" Smith, in this fun, interactive workshop where you will learn cooking basics and snack on tasty treats that YOU made. Chef Das has been featured on two food Network shows, cook for the Former First Lady, Michelle Obama and Rapper and Business Mogul, Jay-Z. The culinary industry is one of the fastest growing industries in the nation. Students will gain the insights needed to build credentials for lifelong career success in the Food Service Industry
PRESENTED BY: Kandee Lewis, Executive Director, Positive Results Center
Discover powerful tools and strategies for making a real difference This workshop will explore how you can make a change to the laws that affect your community, county, and state through community organizing and coalition building. Join a tribe of young changemakers ready to unleash their power for social justice. Explore real-world issues like discrimination, inequality, and injustice, understanding their roots and impact. W O R K S
Are you dating someone that you care about, but something seems a bit off? Like the things they do or say make you question yourself? OR is there a person you like, but unsure how to let them know? Well, let's talk about it. This workshop explores the unspoken rules and challenges of dating. You will learn how to set boundaries and create a clear, realistic vision for your ideal relationship. Learn effective communication strategies for flirting, initiating conversations, navigating those awkward first dates, identify dealbreakers, and make informed decisions.
"JUSTICE UNIVERSITY": YOUTH ORGANIZING FOR COMMUNITY CHANGEROOM 507
PRESENTED BY: Nicole Steele, Health Equity Program Director, Social Justice Learning Institute
PRESENTED BY: EmpowHer Leaders, Academy Alumnus: Kailey Morales, Denver Hendricks, Hannarei Kinsey, Madeline Quinteros, Toni Ensley; Staci Janisse, Community Resource Manager, EmpowHer Institute
Ever wonder what college life is really like? Join a candid conversation with inspiring EmpowHer Leaders Academy alumni who are now college students! They will be spilling the tea on everything from slaying the college application process to navigating campus life, choosing the right major, and dealing with unexpected surprises.
PRESENTED BY Sally Tarin, Owner, Sweet Life By Sally
Satisfy your sweet tooth while also learning about a culinary career that allows creativity and precision. Put those art skills to work in this fun cookie decorating class. Sally Tarin is the owner of her own cookie business with clients such as Fabletics, various LA television studios, and EmpowHer Institute
PRESENTED BY: Astrea Flowers, LCSW, Staff Analyst - Office of Diversion and Reentry, Housing For Health
Explore how to check in with yourself and nurture your mental health In this fun and safe environment, you will take time to process what's been on your mind lately and gain skills on how to create and live your most healthy and joyous life!
PRESENTED BY: PACIFIC PREMIER BANK: Galilea Usquiano; Taeko Nakachi,
Learn how to save money and make it multiply in your sleep. Yup, that's right. This workshop will teach you the difference between a basic savings account and a high interest savings account such as a CD and/or Money Market account You'll also get exposed to how stocks work Make your money grow now so you are prepared to pay for college or start a business in the future
SPONSORED BY: NYX COSMETICS: Erika Guinn, Asst. Vice President, Artistry & Community; Alexandra Cervantes, Senior Pro Artist; Annalisa Jimenez, Asst. VP, Human Resources; Marissa Smith, Sr. Mgr. Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion
There are many different career paths you can take within the field of makeup artistry, and each one has its own unique set of benefits. Hear from the experts about career opportunities in product research and development, sales, management, marketing, and of course makeup artistry.
W O R K S H O P S
MOTION PICTURE MAGIC: THE WORLD OF ANIMATION - ROOM 401
PRESENTED BY: Kwesi Davis, General Technical Director, Walt Disney Animation and Shannon Baker Davis, ACE, AMPAS
Explore the diverse world of animation and visual effects, from hand-drawn classics to cutting-edge computer graphics Discover the tools, techniques, and history that make your favorite films and shows tick Meet the experts: Learn from professional animators and industry experts who will share their insights, tips, and tricks.
PASS THE MIC: A BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO BEING A VOICE OVER ACTOR - ROOM 404 A
PRESENTED BY: Jessica Mikayla, Actress
Did you know some of your favorite actors make most of their money acting in shows where you never see their face? Voiceover acting is a lucrative and fun way to express yourself through different characters for animated shows and more! Learn how to use your voice for film, Television, and Radio in this workshop taught by a working actor!
REAL MONEY REAL TALK - ROOM 404 B
PRESENTED BY: City National Bank: Gloria Dominguez, Vice President, Bank Branch Manager; Grecia Sarmiento, VP Relationship Manager; lliana Gordillo, VP Manager, Donna Spielberg, Senior Program Manager; Jaqueline Mendez, Relationship Banker; Ana Hernandez Robles, Vice President Data Analysist CRA
Practice true life situations that will help you develop a clear and practical approach to financial health. You will learn the basics of money, understand the value of money, develop the right money habits and the need to start planning for your future now.
"SCRIPT-TO-SCREEN" - ROOM 403 B
PRESENTED BY: Dante Bailey
This workshop teaches youth to write, cast, and star in their own short films; leading to healing, growth, & viable employment
SOUTH LA ROBOTICS - ROOM 405
PRESENTED BY: SOUTH LA ROBOTICS: Kay Robinson, Jennifer L. Ashley, M.Ed.NBCT
Where innovation meets inspiration! This workshop is designed to go beyond the nuts and bolts and work together to design, build, and program your own robots. Participants will experience a hands-on journey, exploring the fascinating world of robotics, programming, and problem-solving.
PresentedbyMayaStehle,AcademyInstructor,EmpowHerInstitute;Porsha Cills,Sr.Counsel,CareDx;MelindaSims,PublicDefenderIV,LosAngelesCounty; EverettGlenn,AttorneyatLaw,Founder,BOSSPrograms
Here'syourchancetoaskeverythingyouhaveeverwantedtoknowabouthowto becomealawyerandwhatit'slikeeverystepoftheway.Doalllawyersarguein court?IsitasexcitingandscandalousasitappearsonTV?GetALLofyour questionsanswered,plus,participateinafuninteractiveactivitythatallowsyou tobethejudge,jury,andlegaldefendantinacase!
PRESENTEDBY:RonGamble,Founder,COO,AB>ravelTours,FormerFlight Attendant,JetBlueAirlines,FarahAvila,StationManager|SNAAirport,Delta Airlines;ReneeChism-Elmore,Skywest
Learnfromaviationprofessionalswhowillsharetheirfirsthandexperiences, insights,andcareeradvice.Discoverthediversecareeropportunitiesthatkeep theaviationindustrysoaringfrompilotingandairtrafficcontroltoengineering, maintenance,andbusinessoperations.
THEARTOFDJING-ROOM503
PRESENTEDBY:DJMidiRiperton
Theworkshopwillgiveparticipantstheopportunitytogethandsonexperienceof clubDJing.LadiesofSoundwillshoweachparticipanthowtochoosemusic,use theequipmentandperformaDJset.TheywillalsoprovideadviceonhowtokickstartacareerinDJing.
TRAINLIKEAFIGHTER-ROOM408B
PRESENTEDBY:JoeHanks,Owner,BrickCityBoxing,HeavyweightChampion
Boxingisoneofthebestcardioworkouts.Plus,itisfun,helpstoreducestress, increasesconfidence,andisagreatwaytolearnself-defenseskills.Ifschoolwork orhomelifehaveyoufeelingemotionallyoverwhelmed,comepunchitoutina safeandsupportiveenvironment.
UNLEASHYOURINNERFASHIONISTA-ROOM409B
PRESENTEDBY:LindaStokes&MilianStokes
Learnaboutthefashionindustry.Uncoverthefullspectrumofyourindividuality byembracingtheuniquenessofyourinner-beautyandreflectingthatbeauty outwardthroughyourpersonalstyle.
WRITEHER'SWORKSHOP-ROOM511A
PRESENTEDBY:JessicaGuillaume,AcademyInstructor,EmpowHerInstitute
Doyouliketoexpressyourselfthroughpoetry?Inthisworkshopyouwillhavethe opportunitytocreatepoetryasacreativeoutletforhealingandself-expression!
Bravelytellyourtruthandputyourfeelingsandexperiencesonpaper.
Dr.ClaudiaAlleyne Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine GeneralNeonatology
JudyAmbers
JanelAcayan PublicInformation SpecialistI WestBasinMunicipalWater District
GeneaAnderson SeniorAccountingSystems Analyst LACounty
ChristiannaBambini StructuresTestEngineerII RelativitySpace
MaureenBanares HRGeneralist InMarketMedia
RajaniBansal
JaydaBolden ManagerPhysicalFlows L'OréalUSA
VelidaAlemic Director RSM TracyAllen SeniorManager NYXPMU Dr.MarinaAdams Dentist/Owner NewImageDental MajidaAdnan AssistantAuditor-Controller /ChiefInformationOfficer LACounty NoraAli Quality/Continuous ImprovementManager L’Oreal Director,SeniorExecutive ProducerGlobalEvents Microsoft JenessaAngel ProgramManager LawrenceLivermoreNational Laboratory NyaAssis FallonBaden Merger&AcquisitionsDirector SeniorCareActionNetwork EngineeringGroupLeader LawrenceLivermore NationalLaboratory MarjorieAtkins DistrictManager Verizon VelonneAtkins NewsBusinessManager KCBS/KCAL NalidaAyacaxli NuclearNnonproliferationAnalyst LawrenceLivermoreNational Laboratory ClaudiaBotero Journalist-TV Anchor/ReporterKyraChau ContentOperationsManager NickDigitalStudios Nickelodeon
AllegreBurlew
GraceCheung SeniorAccountingSystems Analyst-Auditor-Controller LACounty
SamChiang LawrenceLivermore NationalLaboratory
VinnieChin DivisionManager,Internal ServicesDepatment LACounty
PorshaCills SeniorCounsel CareDX
SharaDouglas
CrystalDuran
JameEuler Attorney/Owner JaneKEulerFamilyLaw
ShanaCastor,PhD TeamLead&Senior NonproliferationAnalyst LawrenceLivermore NationalLaboratory Manager BankofAmerica RadiahCampbell SeniorFinanceDirector SCAN/HomebaseMedicalMarquitaFerguson GeneralManager Verizon
SianaFields Sr.CoordinatorDigitalMedia& ContentStrategy NationalFootballLeague(NFL)
RibkaFox IndependentCHRO& ExecutiveConsultant RibkaFoxConsulting
HeshvahGladden ContentSyndication Coordinator NationalFootballLeague(NFL)
EbonyFrancis GlobalBrandMarketing Manager Spotify
EmilyGomez BrandManager DolePackagedFoods
GrettelFournell LegalAssistant
LoriHeffelfinger Principle TheHeffelfingerCompany
TajeHendrix LACounty
AudreyGardiner Founder AudreyGardinerLeadership Coaching&Consulting
VictoriaGibsonBullard PacificPremierBank
CarnelianGill AzureApplicationInnovation Specialist Microsoft
JessicaHensley MasterCertifiedHealth Coach Self-Employed
DianaHui SeniorInformation TechnologySpecialist LACounty
KenyaHairston ScientificTechnologist
LilyForest CommunicationsManager LawrenceLivermore NationalLaboratory HeatherFox TrusteeandAMFT FriedaC.FoxFamily Foundation JaneK.EulerFamilyLaw LawrenceLivermore NationalLaboratoryCeciliaOwens
ValeriePagett
CathiePrez
CintiaRunha
GreciaSarmiento VPRelationshipManager CityNationalBank
AshleighPetty-Barnes ManagementConsultant AccentureFederalServices
JenSchoullis ManagingDirectorTechnologyConsulting Solutions
MichelleSchwartz StrategicAccountDirector–LosAngelesCounty Microsoft
KikiShepard Actress,TVHost,Founder, TheKIS Foundation
JoslynOsborn LindaNguyen Comm EngagementLead TechSparkLA ParadyseOakley EA+SpecialProgramsCoord ParentingforLiberationUC SantaCruz ArielaNerubay ChiefMarketingOfficer Curacao ClaireNguyen DirectorofConsulting Delivery CGI LorraineNickels HRBusinessPartner SouthernCaliforniaEdison Realtor CØMPASS AssistantController LoopMedia NancyQuintanilla Sr HRManager L'Oreal AriellaReiss SeniorManager,Leader Media&Publishing Specialization|YPTC MoniqueRomine EnvironmentalEngineer LawrenceLivermore NationalLaboratory SeniorVPConsulting Services CGI VACO ShanterialRozier LifeCoach PurposefulPlanit MelissaJunRowley Founder/CEO WarriorLoveProductionsMarianneShimada Dir.,DistributionPlanning& ContentManagement DisneyEntertainment
ChanelSmith ExecutiveDirector LACounty
MarissaSmith
DonnaSpielberg SeniorTechnologyProgram Manager CityNationalBank
AmberStanford Owner Ambeezy’sOrganicLLC
AngelThompson
LaShawnStanford RegionalSafetyManager PitneyBowes
DrVedaSmith-Ramsey RegionalDevelopmentDirector UNCFLosAngeles
LillySoong-Lin VPBankManager BMO
GalileaUsquiano PacificPremierBank
ShannonSuda LACounty
MichelleSypinero AssistantVicePresident ChapmanUniversity
ThankyoutoourWorkshopLeaders,Mentors,and additionalVolunteersforsharingyourtime,stories, insights,andencouragementwithourEmpowHeryouth.
SpecialThankstoOurJudges
JulietUdeochu
Vice President Community Manager
JPMorgan Chase
ShaunaMarie
FreemanCastor,Ph.D.
Team Lead & Senior Nonproliferation Analyst
Lawrence Livermore National Labs
KameronGreene
Radio Personality
KJLH Radio
MajidaAdnan
Los Angeles County
MichelleSchwartz Account Director, Microsoft
KaileyMorales
EmpowHer Alum
ToniEnsley
EmpowHer Alum
Our eighth and ninth grade classes have been challenged to identify a social justice issue important to them and develop a project proposal outlining how a S.T.E.A.M (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts & Math) technique can be used to address the problem. The challenge is designed to foster innovation, engage in social justice, and develop 21st Century Skills – critical thinking, communication and collaboration. In completing the challenge, students must: (1) identify and learn about a pressing issue that impacts their community; (2) use creativity and innovation; (3) communicate with group members to complete assignments; (4) conduct research and develop a project proposal presentation. The top three teams in each grade level have been pre-selected to present their project proposal to a panel of judges during the Girls to Greatness Teen Summit. Judges will award first ($1000), second ($500), and third ($250) prizes to the winners in each grade level. Youth in the audience may vote for fan favorite, who will receive an additional ($100) prize.
GIRLS TO GREATNESS TEEN SUMMIT
Thank you to our Staff and Volunteer Boards for your hard work and dedication to our mission
Board of Directors
DAWN L. BROWN PRESIDENT / CEO
CECILIA OWENS Chair
JOSLYN OSBORN Interim Treasurer Emeritus Board Chair
CLAUDIA ALLEYNE, MD Secretary
TONY BAYLIS Director
GLORIA DOMINQUEZ Director
ANGEL JAMES HORACEK Director
DIEDRA PORCHE’ Director
Staff
ALMA ALVARADO
DAWN L. BROWN
KENDRA BURKS
SHAWNIQUA BUSH
JESSICA GUILLAUME
STACI JANISSE
KEYONNA KEITH
HODA MARCUS
JAZMIN ROMERO
EmpowHer Youth Advisory Board
MIREYA ESQUIVEL President
JALAH GUY Vice President
OLGA GARCIA Treasurer
PEYTON MEEKS
Secretary
SAMANTHA GODOY
Director
MAYA STEHLE
ALEXJANDRA VIDES-AUSTIN
TRACY YASSINI
Advisory Board Members
ROSA CARRILLO
MARTHA DANIEL
NIKKOLE
DENSON-RANDOLPH
JULIA EVANS
LORI HEFFELFINGER
ANGELA LOPEZ Director
KAYALAH MOORE
Director
SAMANTHA MORA Director
LIZBETH SANTILLANO
Director
INAMARIE JOHNSON
TENIEL JONES
HELEN NORRIS
RENE’ NOURSE
JASON PARK
MARY SADEGHI, MD
The Los support Empow ss Teen Summ e and
THANKYOUTOOURSPONSORS
PRESENTINGSPONSOR
MARQUIS SPONSOR
GOLD SPONSOR
SILVER SPONSOR
BRONZE SPONSOR
EVENT SPONSOR
MEDIA SPONSOR
IN-KIND SPONSOR
To Empower girls and young women in marginalized communities by helping them gain the skills necessary through education, training and mentorship to become confident, college and career ready.
We envision a world where every girl is provided the opportunities and resources she uniquely needs to: embrace the power of her voice; make informed decision about her body and future; break generational cycles of poverty; contribute to the creation of an equitable society.
www.empowher.org
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