Girls to Greatness Teen Summit Program Journal 2026

APRIL 17, 2026

Presented By:

GIRLS TO GREATNESS TEEN SUMMIT

Congratulations to the Social Justice STEM Project Competition Finalists!

EMPOWHER THEME SONG 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

DAWN L. BROWN PRESIDENT/CEO

Welcome to the 2026 EmpowHer Girls to Greatness Teen Summit, presented by Edison International!

Today is a day of empowerment, education, and celebration! I am honored to serve you throughout the year and to be here with you today. Today is all about YOU! Your voice matters to us. We listened to your feedback and worked intentionally to bring as many of your ideas to life as possible in this year’s program.

This year’s theme—The Power of Sisterhood—celebrates the strength we find in one another. It is a reminder that we are stronger together, that we rise by lifting each other, and that community is one of our greatest sources of power. In a time when the world can feel uncertain, sisterhood calls us to show up for one another with courage, compassion, and unity.

Throughout today’s summit, we will uplift one another, celebrate your achievements, and equip you with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to forge your own path to greatness. We will learn together, grow together, and most importantly, stand together.

So have fun today, connect with one another, and remember—you are part of something powerful. Together, we rise.

Dawn

Presented By: Edison International

PROGRAM ÁNIMO JAMES B. TAYLOR MIDDLE SCHOOL CHEER TEAM SAM MORA, President & Peyton Meeks | Youth Advisory Board Welcome

JIANELLA BECERRIL & ANGELA LOPEZ| Youth Advisory Board Introduction

NONOSINA POLYNESIA Dance Performance

DAWN L. BROWN | President / CEO, EmpowHer Institute Welcome Remarks

TESS HOLLIDAY | Model. Founder. Bestselling Author Keynote Speaker

Transition 15 Minutes | Workshop Session #1 Transition 10 Minutes | Workshop Session #2 Lunch SKYLER JADE |Magician ANNIE GONZALEZ | Actress Emcee COCO GRANDERSON | Founder & CEO, Yes Day Rising Star Award Honoree

SJSTEM Student Competition - Middle School Katherine Johnson STEM Academy Animo Legacy Charter Middle School ANIMO Compton Charter Middle School Honorable Mention Katherine Johnson STEM Academy Mentoring Experience SJSTEM Student Competition - Middle School Alliance Cindy & Bill Simon Technology High School Animo Compton Charter School Animo Venice Charter School Alliance Cindy & Bill Simon Technology High School SHANNON FRANCHEALL, HEATHER DAUGHTERY, MARSHAY JOHNSON Members of: Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated Step Performance

DAWN L. BROWN, ANNIE GONZALEZ, KEYONNA KEITH SJSTEM Student Competition Announcement Student Project Winner Announced Closing Remarks PROGRAM ENDS

KEYNOTE TESS HOLLIDAY MODEL. FOUNDER. BESTSELLING AUTH O R

As one of the world’s most famous plus-size models and the first of her size to ever be signed to a major agency, Tess Holliday has been a pioneer in the body positivity movement since 2010, breaking boundaries with her Cosmo UK cover and first-ever Self digital cover. She was named one of the most influential people on the internet by Time magazine and one of the top six plus-size models globally by Vogue Italia. She recently released a book titled Take Up Space, Y’all which landed on USA Today’s Best Selling Booklist. With over 2.5 million followers, Tess has cultivated a fiercely loyal community that looks to her not just for fashion, but for truth, empowerment, and transformation.

EMCEE ANNA GONZALEZ ACTRESS, SINGER, DANCER

Annie Gonzalez is a proud Chicana actress, singer, dancer and East Los Angeles native. For over a decade, Gonzalez has brought her charisma, beauty, comedic timing and strong dramatic performances to projects that continue to cement her as one of Hollywood's new leading talents. Growing up in East Los Angeles, Gonzalez began her career in entertainment at age 10 when she became one of the original dancers on JammX Kids for Warner Brothers, and she hasn't stopped since. Gonzalez has landed roles in popular television series such as Showtime's "Shameless," FX's "American Gonzalez is an outspoken advocate for civil rights and Latinx culture.

True to her roots, she currently resides in East Los Angeles.

THE AWARDS

The Rising Star Award is presented annually to exceptional young women, under the age of 25 years old, who have challenged systemic barriers to create a path for girls and women to achieve greatness. It is our way of thanking these inspirational trailblazers for shattering misconceptions and redefining expectations for girls everywhere.

HONOREE COCO GRANDERSON FOUNDER & CEO, YES DAY

Coco Granderson is a Gen Zalpha entrepreneur and founder of Yes Day™, a teen-focused skincare brand created specifically for tweens and teens. At just 13 years old, she launched the brand after recognizing a gap in the market for products that were gentle, effective, and designed for young skin.

Inspired by a family tradition centered on joy and self-care, Coco built Yes Day™ to help young people feel confident and supported in their skincare journeys. In partnership with award-winning cosmetic chemist Ron Robinson, she developed clean, clinically tested products that promote healthy routines and positive self-expression.

ENTERTAINMENT

Ánimo James B. Taylor Middle School Cheer Team

MIDI RIPERTON

NONOSINA POLYNESIA

SHANNON HEATHER DAUGHTERY FRANCHEALL

DJ

MARSHAY JOHNSON

Members of: Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated

WORKSHOP LEADERS

Techea Adams That’s So Jess Entertainment Inc.

Fatima Castro Personal Relationship Manager City National Bank

Eswin D. Cheerleader LA Rams

Milan Foston Civil Litigation and Environmental Law Attorney

Kathi Barber Area Development Director UNCF

Jai Chen Assoc. Prof. Electrical & Computer Engineering Univ. CA Riverside

Gloria Dominquez VP, Branch Manager City National Bank

Sonia Figueroa Attorney SSFL Law

Samantha Bloom Co-Founder StitchSpace LA/StitchStop LA

Jheri Cavitt Founder jhericoco

Nicole Espada

Daysah Britt-Willis Experiential Producer

Devon Cunningham Founder, Sacred Sounds By Devon

Logan Evans

Aquatic Futures Foundation Aquatic Futures Foundation

Odalys Flores Vice President POV Agency

Karina G. Cheerleader LA Rams

Antoinette Brown CEO Preisido Consulting

LaFern Cusack Dr. Phil

Miyana Evans Program Manager, Youth Leadership & Training Women’s Foundation of California

Ozzy Gonzalez EmpowHer Alumni

WORKSHOP LEADERS

Iliana Gordillo Vice President Manager City National Bank

Alyssa Gutierrez

Joe Hanks

AVP City National Bank

Owner, Brick City Boxing

Leah Jones

Claudia Kong

Los Angeles Chargers

Community Lending City National Bank

Jillian Lyles Aquatic Futures Foundation

Shafonne Myers Podcast Host, Founder Aisle Society

Jessica Mikayla Actress, Founder That’s So Jess Entertaibment INc.

Gabriela Navarro EmpowHer Alumni

Kory Lambert CEO Aquatic Futures Foundation

Cambreisha Montgomery, MSW

Denver Hendricks EmpowHer Alumi

Colleen Lota Global Educator & Brand Ambassador Pixi Beauty

Lorena Martinez Actor, Producer, Host

Choreographer, Dancer, and Director

Amy Nguyen Director of Empowerment Programs Cast LA

Leslie Nguyen Aquatic Futures Foundation

Ana Hernandez Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) Officer City National Bank

Lupe Llerenas Award Winning Journalist, Content Creator

Emma Morata VP Branch Manager City National Bank

Miriam Ochoa Senior Intensive Case Manager Cast LA

WORKSHOP LEADERS

Tia P

Maria Pazos

Rapper, Singer, Actress

AVP Community Lending City National Bank

Madeline Quinteros EmpowHer Program Assistant and Alumi

Anabell Ramos VP REal Estate Admin.

City National Bank

Vagelis Papalexakis Professor and Ross Family Chair in Computer Science

Dr. Veda Ramsay-Stamps Regional Development Director UNCF

Alexis Putney

Alexis Quintana

Aquatic Futures Foundation

Cast LA

Rosangela RodriguezWatkins

Adela Ruiz EmpowHer Alumni

Cast LA

Milan Foston Nicole Espada Leslie Nguyen Jillian Lyles Logan Evans Alexis Putney

Amy Russell Co-Founder StitchSpace LA/StitchStop LA

Pilaar Terry Managing Partner & COO POV Agency

Guillermo Sanchez Manager, Preparedness & Resiliency American Red Cross

Audrey Thompson Founder and Executive Director, Engineering Factory

Donyà Saunders

Nina Simone

Dir. of Leadership/Training Programs Women’s Foundation CA

Hair Stylist

Juliet Udeochu VP Community Manager JPMorgan Chase

Esmirna Urias AVP Commumity Lending City National Bank

Dr.Wendy Talley LCSW Thelese Consulting Group, LLC

C.Von Founder 6x Entertainment

WORKSHOP LEADERS

Dr. Paul Wallace Celebrity Cosmetic Dermatologist Wallace Skin & Body Institute

Dr. Niedha Welch, LMFT, PsyD

Tosha Whitten

Coach Mo Williams

CEO/PR Strategist FrontPage Firm PR

Brick City Boxing

Thank you to our Workshop Leaders, Mentors, and additional Volunteers for sharing your time, stories, insights, and encouragement with our EmpowHer youth.

Milan Foston Nicole Espada Leslie Nguyen Jillian Lyles Logan Evans Alexis Putney

June 29, 2026 - July 17, 2026 July 20, 2026 - July 31, 2026

Deadline April 18, 2026

WORKSHOPS

BECOME A REAL-LIFE SAVER: CPR TRAINING PRESENTED BY: Guillermo Sanchez, American Red Cross, Western Los Angeles, Daniela Alvarez Campos, Lindsey Hernandez, Melanie Castillejos, EmpowHer Youth Trainers Learn life-saving skills that will help you during an emergency. Certified CPR Trainers who are EmpowHer high school girls 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.

BUILDING A CAREER IN MAKEUP PRESENTED BY: Colleen Lota, Global Educator & Brand Ambassador Pixi Beauty 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 experts about career opportunities in product research and development, sales, management, marketing, and of course makeup artistry.

CHEER LIKE A PRO PRESENTED BY: Kira G. and Eswinn D., Los Angeles Rams Cheerleaders Join NFL Cheerleaders from the LA RAMS as they take you behind the scenes of the high-energy, high-impact world of professional cheerleading. In this empowering workshop, discover how the lessons learned on the sidelines— teamwork, perseverance, self-confidence, and leadership—can inspire you to soar to the top of the pyramid.

DIVE INTO MARINE BIOLOGY: EXPLORING LIFE UNDER THE SEA PRESENTED BY: Aquatic Futures Foundation - Kory Lamberts, Foumder, Aquatic Futures Foundation Milan Foston, Nicole Espada, Leslie Nguyen, Jillian Lyles, Logan Evans, Alexis Putney Explore marine life from the beauty of the coral reefs to swimming with sharks, learn how climate change and conservation shape our seas, and discover careers in marine science. Through hands-on demos and ocean sample analysis, uncover how you can make a real impact on protecting our planet. Adventure awaits!

EXPLORE THE BUSINESS OF ART 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.

FEELING ICE(D) OUT: KNOW YOUR RIGHTS PRESENTED BY: Sonia Figueroa, SSFL Law In today’s climate, understanding your rights is essential. Led by an immigration attorney, this workshop will explain what to do if you or someone in your community encounters ICE. Participants will learn about basic legal rights, common misconceptions, and practical steps to stay safe. This conversation recognizes the many communities impacted by ICE—including Haitian, Mexican, Jamaican, Filipino, African, and more.

FROM FLIRTING TO THE FIRST DATE: SETTING BOUNDARIES, BUILDING HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS PRESENTED BY: Cambreisha Montgomery, MSW Are you dating someone you care about, but something just feels...off? Or maybe there’s someone you like, but you’re unsure how to make your move? Let’s talk about it! This interactive workshop dives into the unspoken rules and challenges of dating. You’ll explore how to set boundaries, identify deal breakers, and create a vision for your ideal relationship. Plus, you’ll gain practical tips for flirting, starting conversations, surviving those awkward first dates, and building the confidence to make informed decisions.

GRIEF IS REAL: LET’S TALK ABOUT IT PRESENTED BY: Dr. Wendy Talley, Thelese Consulting Group, LLC Wildfires. Deportations. Death. Losing someone or something you love sucks. Life has been heavy these past 18 months. If you’ve felt overwhelmed, angry, numb, anxious, or just “off,” you’re not alone—and you’re not weird. This workshop creates a judgment-free space to unpack what we’ve lost and why your reactions (no matter what they are) are normal (even when life feels anything but normal).

Explore healthy ways to process what you’re carrying. Come connect, reflect, and learn tools to build emotional resilience—because healing starts when we stop pretending we’re fine.

HEALTHY HAIRCARE PRESENTED BY: Nina Simone, Hair Stylist Washing, styling, and caring for your hair can be a healing experience. Did you know using too much product, such as edge control can cause stress to your hair, leading to everything from dryness to breakage and baldness? Discover effective practices that keep your crown healthy and beautiful. You will also learn how to start a career in the hair care industry.

WORKSHOPS

FROM APPLICATION TO GRADUATION: INSIDER TIPS FOR COLLEGE SUCCESS PRESENTED BY: Dr. Veda Ramsay-Stamps, UNCF, Kathi Barber, UNCF, EI Alumni: Gabriela Navarro, Denver Hendricks, Ozzy Gonzalez, Madeline Quinteros, Adela Ruiz Alumni Discover what it takes to get into college AND successfully graduate! Join inspiring EmpowHer Alumni as they share unfiltered advice on the application process, campus life, choosing a major, and tackling challenges. Plus, explore a college assessment tool to find schools that match your unique goals and personality. Walk away with tips to make your college journey a success from start to finish!

WORKSHOPS

HOW TO SPOT SEX TRAFFICKING PRESENTED BY Cast LA: Amy Nguyen, Alexis Quintana, Miriam Ochoa, Rosangela Rodriguez-Watkins Ever dated someone that was charming, but felt “off?” You couldn’t explain it, but you knew something just didn’t feel right? Practice trusting your instincts and bravely using your voice in this honest workshop. Learn to identify key signs of sex trafficking. Understand what sex trafficking is, grooming tactics, red flags, indicators, and resources. Practice scenarios to help you say “no” and protect yourself in school, online, and in romantic relationships. We hope at the end of this workshop you will not only be informed but also empowered!

PRESENTED BY:

KNOW THE SIGNS, KNOW THE TRUTH: DRUGS, ALCOHOL & OPIOIDS PRESENTED BY: Dr. Niedha Welch, LMFT, PsyD Understand the real risks of drugs, alcohol, and opioids. This interactive workshop breaks down the facts about substance use disorder, opioid misuse, and addiction—without judgment. You’ll learn how to recognize warning signs in yourself or others, understand how addiction really works, and discover how to make informed, healthy choices.

LEVEL UP WITH AI: CREATE, PROTECT, DOMINATE PRESENTED BY: University of California Riverside -Jai Chen, Associate Professor of Teaching Electrical & Computer Engineering, Vagelis Papalexakis, Professor and Ross Family Chair in Computer Science AI is everywhere—from homework help to social media—but it’s not all good. In this workshop, we’ll break down the real risks like deepfakes, misinformation, bias, cheating, and privacy issues. You’ll learn how to spot the dangers and use AI the right way—for research, creativity, and future careers—without losing your voice or integrity. Stay informed. Stay smart. Use AI, don’t let it use you.

MAKE YOUR MONEY GROW: UNDERSTANDING BUDGETING AND SAVING PRESENTED BY: JP Morgan Chase - Juliette Udeochu 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.

MAKE YOUR MONEY GROW: UNDERSTANDING SAVING AND INVESTING PRESENTED BY: City National Bank - Gloria Dominquez, V.P. Branch Manager III Ana Hernandez Robles Vice President, CRA Data Manager, Emma Morata V.P. Branch Manager, Illiana Gordillo V.P. Branch Manager, Esmirna Urias AVP Community Lending, Claudia Kong Community Lending, Fatima Castro Personal Relationship Manager, Alyssa Gutierrez AVP, Maria Pazos AVP Community Lending, Anabell Ramos V.P. Real Estate Admin.

This workshop is designed to empower students with essential knowledge about savings and investing fundamentals. Participants will gain practical insights into budgeting savings strategies and introductory concepts in investing to help them make informed financial decisions for their future

PASS THE MIC: A BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO BEING A VOICE OVER ACTOR PRESENTED BY: Jessica Mikayla, Actress, Voice Over, Founder, That's So Jess Entertainment Inc., Techea Adams 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!

SECRETS TO HEALTHY SKIN PRESENTED BY: Dr. Paul Wallace, Wallace Skin & Body Institute Healthy skin is more than just a glow—it’s science! In this hands-on workshop, you’ll learn how to care for different skin types, prevent common issues, and explore careers in dermatology, from clinical dermatologists to skincare specialists and cosmetic researchers.

SEWING BASICS & CREATIVE DESIGN PRESENTED BY: StitchSpace LA and StitchStop LA - Samantha Bloom, CoFounder, Amy Russell, Co-Founder This hands-on sewing workshop introduces you to the basics of sewing and creative design in a fun, supportive environment. Participants will learn foundational skills such as threading a machine, stitching techniques, and simple construction while exploring how sewing can be a form of self-expression and empowerment.

TAKE FLIGHT WITH DRONES PRESENTED BY: Audrey Thompson, Founder and Executive Director, Engineering Factory Explore the thrilling world of drones, from piloting techniques to cutting-edge career opportunities in engineering, aviation, and data analysis. Get real-time flight experience with Tello drones, guided by an expert. Whether you're curious about drone technology or dreaming of a future in the field, this session will give you the skills, confidence, and inspiration to soar!

WORKSHOPS

OWN THE MIC: PODCAST LIKE A PRO PRESENTED BY: Pilar Terry, Managing Partner & COO, Shafonne Myers, Podcast Host & Founder, Aisle Society, Lorena Martinez, Actor, Producer and Host Lupe Llerenas, Freelance Award Winning Bilingual Journalist and Content Creator Ever wondered how to start your own podcast or be a news anchor or weatherperson in front of a green screen? In this hands-on workshop, you’ll learn how to research, report, and share powerful stories that matter to you and your community. Explore the art of podcasting and newscasting, from conducting interviews and producing engaging episodes to reading a teleprompter.

WORKSHOPS

TAKE OVER THE STAGE PRESENTED BY: Tosha Whitten CEO/PR Strategist,FrontPage Firm PR, C. Manager, Founder 6x Entertainment, Tia P, Rapper, Singer, Songwriter, Actress, Pilaar Terry, Managing Partner & COO, Daysah Britt-Wills Experiential Producer Ever wonder what it takes to make stars shine or bring a story to life on screen?

This workshop gives you an insider’s look at careers behind the entertainment industry’s biggest moments. Meet industry professionals—including managers, agents, casting directors, and publicists—who will share their journeys, day-today work, and tips for breaking into the business.

TRAIN LIKE A FIGHTER PRESENTED BY: Brick City Boxing - Joe Hanks, Heavyweight Champion, Founder, Coach Mo Williams, Boxing Coach Boxing is one of the best cardio and strength building workouts. Plus, it is fun, helps to reduce stress, increases confidence, and is a great way to learn selfdefense skills. If life has you feeling overwhelmed, come punch it out in a safe and supportive environment.

VOICES IN ACTION: LEAD. ADVOCATE. CREATE CHANGE. PRESENTED BY: Women’s Foundation CA - Miyana Evans, Program Manager, Youth Leadership & Training, Donyà Saunders Director of Leadership and Training Programs Your voice matters and has power. Learn how to speak up with confidence, organize around issues you care about, engage in civic action, and influence change—from school policies to social justice movements. You’ll leave with the tools, strategy, and courage to move from awareness to action.

WOMEN IN SPORTS SPONSORED BY: NFL FOUNDATION,Antoinette Brown, Sports Management Executive, LaFern Cusack, Producer, Dr. Phil Podcast, Former ESPN Radio Host, Leah Jones, Los Angeles Chargers 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! I ZEN VIBES ONLY: A NEW APPROACH TO MEDITATION PRESENTED BY: Devon Cunningham, Founder, Sacred Sounds by Devon Want to experience a new way to meditate? Join us for a restorative sound bath to promote healing, and overall well-being while relaxing and managing stress. .

MENTORS Velonne Atkins News Business Manager KCBS/KCAL

Laura Aronso

Former News Anchor

Valerie Beltran Community Advocates Positive Result Center

Allegre Burlew Makeup Artist / Business Owner Alluring Artistry by Allegre

Casey Africano Sr. Mgr., Football Affairs LA Rams

Wendy Avalos

Project Manager Deluxe Entertainment

Priya Bhambri LA Rams

Caroline Carlson

Creative Director of A&R Brill Building

Claudia Alcazar Senior Recruiter Vaco

Fallon Baden Mergers & Acquisitions Director Senior Care Action Network

Frankie Blair

Carolyn Anderson Consultant City of LA RAP

Cynthia Anderson Senior Associate EVgo

Angelique Bates Actress, Co-Founder Melting Pot Mgmt & PR

Claudia Botero

LyNea Bell CEO

Got One TV

Roshan Bryan Production Coordinator FanDuel Sports Network

Founder & CEO, | Producer | Actress Whitney St. Productions

Journalist-TV Anchor/ Reporter

Sasha Carter Employee Experience Specialist LA Rams

Fatima Castro Personal Relationship Manager City National Bank

Vilma Castro PsyD Program Manager Mount Saint Mary's Univ., Los Angeles

MENTORS Autumn Charles Singer, Songwriter, Actress

Tia Delaney-Stewart, MSN, Jordan Davis PHN, RN, Director Diversity, Live Content Equity and Inclusion Correspondent Alzheimer's Association Production Coordinator NFL Media

Carley Dryden Founder Carley Dryden Coaching and Consulting

Louisa Frahm Freelance AI & News SEO Strategist

Irene Gongora Lozano Sr. Manager Enrollment Operations

Katie Durko Co-Founder Edit Media Group

Rita Elder

Brenda Garcia

Cicely Gibson Clinical Program Director DaVita

Stunt-Actress PATHMAKER Award Honoree

Nicole Gonzalez Partner PwC

Kim Dillinger "Wardrobe Stylist, Costumer,Media Personality,"

Karren Fink TBD

Iliana Gordillo Vice President Manager City National Bank

Gloria Dominquez VP, Branch Manager City National Bank

Krista Foye Regional VP Enterprise Mobility

Nicole Goldberg Tax Director PWC

Magaly Gomez Vice President Vaco by Highspring

Deborah Gray Pastor Flaming Fire Miracle Center International

Amber Grayhorse Executive Creative Artists Agency

MENTORS

Terrell M Green Program Analyst State Bar of California

Ana Hernandez Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) Officer City National Bank

Angel James Horacek Attorney Law Offices of Angel J. Horacek, PC

Mika Khan Executive Director Chandramohan Family Foundation

Ellie Greenberg Coordinator Community Impact & Engagement LA Rams

Vicky Herrera Director, Partnerships & Experiential Our Own

Amy Johnson Anchor CBS LA

Cheryl Kisob VP, Sr. Corp. Social Responsibility Regional Officer BMO

Alyssa Gutierrez AVP City National Bank

Roberta Hoffman Volunteer City of Manhattan Beach

Amber Jones Founder Rooted n Ember

Jamie Koblinski Head of Global Talent Acquisition Telesign

Kalima H Founder, Muz Marketing

Afifeh Hadizadeh Director CGI

Iris Hosea Senior Advisor Southern California Edison

Raynah Hudson Miss California Teen USA

Ariana Katz Sociobehavioral Public Health Researcher RTI International

Natalie Kopyan Actress/Dancer/Singer

Jo Kelly Coordinator, Partnership Mgmt.

LA Rams

Claudia Kong Community Lending City National Bank

MENTORS

Lauren Lance Area Manager Enterprise Mobility

Cricea Lewis Vice President Academy Manager Bank of America

Annalise Luna Ownership Zone Manager Ford Motor Company

Dominique Lyons AVP; Financial Center Manager Bank of America

Tonya Renee Meisenbach Founder Burned Beauty Foundation

Kiara Mendez-Recinos Mentor EmpowHer Institute

McKenzie Neely-Wright

Claire Nguyen Director of Consulting Delivery CGI

Noelle Lewis

Lorena Martinez Actor, Producer and Host

Sandra Milosavljevic Vice President Consulting Expert CGI

Karen Locquet Retired Assist. Auditor Controller/CIO | LA County

Nikhita Mansukhani Kogar

Emma Morata V.P. Branch Manager City National Bank

Rebecca Nunez Founder, CEO The MRN SGV Comm. Investment and Agency Engagement Officer Cecilia Nunez

California Community Foundation

Lupe Llerenas Freelance Award Winning Bilingual Journalist and Content Creator

Alexis Marion Trustee/Program Officer Frieda C. Fox Family Foundation

Shafonne Myers Aisle Society

Angela Ofori Miss N/A - Student at CSULA

MENTORS

Wendy O’Kelly Chief Finance and Operations Executive West Basin Municipal Water District

Maria Pazos AVP Community Lending City National Bank

Leesa Rockhold Manager, Football Affairs LA Rams

Dianne Shorte President The LOVE Awards

Seffrah Orlando Director, External Relations & Communications SCAN

Cathie Perez Assistant Controller Consultant

Janette Roderick Facilities Specialist Enterprise Mobility

Izzy Singer Assoc. Mgr, Partnership Development & Strategy LA Rams

Cecilia Owens Chief Finance and Operations Executive Grandview

Ayla Rae Actress / Singer

Shanterial Rozier Life Coach Purposeful Planit

Eden Sky Sicam Singer/Dancer/Model

Tia P Rapper, Singer, Actress

Tara Pak Program Manager UniHealth Foundation

VP REal Estate Admin.

City National Bank

Marytza Reyes Partner Sanchez & Amador LLP

Sabrina (Bre) Sadler Sr. Executive Assistant SCAN

Ashley Sandoval TV Dir. & Assoc. Dir. Fox Sports, NBC Sports

Anabell Ramos

Reyna Soriano Civil Engineer LA County Public Works

Celeste Soto POV Agency

MENTORS

Gardenia Spiegel Independent Consultant

Talya Thompson CSEC Advocate Supervisor Savings Innocence

Janessa Thrasher Tax Senior Manager PWC

Charlie Townsend Actress

Esmirna Urias Carolina Vallejo AVP Impact & Outcomes Officer Community Lending California Community City National Bank Foundation

Lindsay Wagner Former CIO United Talent Agency

Trina White Vice President Human Resource Ispire

Lilly Workneh Chief Content Officer PushBlack

Linda Wright Community Health Prg. Supv.

LatinoCare Management Services Co.

Dani Wieczorek Lead Producer ELA Vision

Ma'Ronda X Executive Director Afrikan Black Coalition

Shery Ting Director Consulting Expert CGI

Karla Vaquerano Accounting Manager Korn Ferry

Natasha Williams Supervisor in Healthcare County

Yi Zhou Actress

Donna Tiocao Partner PwC

Reagan Virgil Johnson Healthcare Project Management Healthcare

Telebah Woods SVP, Business Strategy & Initiatives Bank of America

Reyna Soriano Civil Engineer Los Angeles County Public Works

EmpowHer Social Justice S.T.E.A.M Student Project Competition

Special Thanks to Our Judges

Kameron Greene Radio Personality KJLH Radio

SAMANTHA MORA President Youth Advisory Board

Xenia Zolona

Syracuse University Class of 2025 International Relations Major a Political Science Minor EmpowHer Alumni

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.

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

ANGEL JAMES HORACEK Chair

CECE CHIKHALE Treasurer Emeritus Board Chair

CECILIA OWENS Secretary

GLORIA DOMINQUEZ Director

EBONY E. MCCUE

Staff DAWN L. BROWN KENDRA BURKS

Parliamentarian

ADREE DE LUNA

SAM MORA

DR. DIJANNA FIGUEROA

President

ABIGAIL GALVEZ-AGUIRRE BLANCA HUEGEL KEYONNA KEITH

Director

SAMANTHA MORA Director

PEYTON MEEKS Vice President

ANGELA LOPEZ Treasurer

JESSICA OCAMPO

JIANELLA BECERRIL

MADELINE QUINTEROS

Secretary

JAZMIN ROMERO

Director

PEYTON MEEKS

EmpowHer Youth Advisory Board IXCHEL CAMPOS

PRAISE ADEBANJO Director

Advisory Board Members ROSA CARRILLO MARTHA DANIEL NIKKOLE DENSON-RANDOLPH JULIA EVANS LORI HEFFELFINGER INAMARIE JOHNSON

TENIEL JONES HELEN NORRIS RENE’ NOURSE JASON PARK MARY SADEGHI, MD

MAHLAUN CHANEY Director

SAMANTHA GODOY Director

JA'LAH GUY Director

EVELYN MANCILLA Director

KAYALAH MOORE Director

SEMAJ RHYNES Director

LIZBETH SANTILLANO Director

Advisory Board Members

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS PRESENTING SPONSOR

MARQUIS SPONSOR

GOLD SPONSOR

SILVER SPONSOR

BRONZE SPONSOR

EVENT SUPPORTER

IN-KIND SPONSOR

SEE YOU NEXT YEAR! OUR MISSION 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.

OUR VISION 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 Follow Us Facebook: @empowherorg IG: @empowherorgla

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