Empowering the Next Generation of BIPOC Leaders: How EmpowHer Institute Prepares Girls to Drive Change in a Divided America
As America grapples with the reality of another Trump presidency, organizations like EmpowHer Institute are doing the critical work. They are nurturing leadership in communities most affected by political shifts.
Founded to empower BIPOC girls in underserved areas in Los Angeles, EmpowHer provides resources, mentorship, and skills development. Their goal is to prepare young women to become change-makers in a world that often overlooks them.
“We are a justice-based organization that is really about developing socially conscious leaders who are able to identify and solve issues that have impacted them the most,” said CEO Dawn L. Brown.
For Brown and her team, this mission is about far more than civic engagement. It’s about survival, resilience, and creating a brighter future for these young women.
EmpowHer is Inspiring Leadership and Civic Engagement in BIPOC Girls
In a political climate marked by sharp gender and racial divides, the EmpowHer Youth Advisory Board is ensuring young women’s voices are not just heard but lead the conversation. Through the board, participants make key decisions about EmpowHer’s funding and programs, guiding the organization’s impact in ways that resonate with their communities.
“Our girls are staying close to this election,” Brown explained. “Even though they’re not voters yet, the decisions made on a federal, state, and local level deeply affect our girls. It’s important they get to see a woman leader fighting the good fight.” Through field trips, mentorship from BIPOC professionals, and meetings with political leaders, these young women learn that they have the power—and responsibility—to shape their futures.
EmpowHer’s programs provide opportunities to explore college and career options, build confidence, and develop practical skills like financial literacy and self-advocacy. By fostering a culture of mentorship and community support, EmpowHer helps girls discover their potential and pursue their goals fearlessly.
The Transformative Power of Mentorship
At EmpowHer, mentorship from BIPOC women it’s the foundation. “If you can see her, you can be her,” Brown shared, echoing the organization’s philosophy. For young women of color, seeing mentors who have navigated similar challenges opens doors to possibilities they might never have imagined.
One EmpowHer alum, Toni, entered the program as a shy seventh-grader, hesitant to participate. A field trip to SpaceX changed everything. Meeting a Black female aeronautical engineer showed her a path she hadn’t known was possible. Today, Toni is studying aeronautical engineering, pursuing her pilot’s license, and inspiring her peers. Another alum, Xenia, now a senior at Syracuse University, started a Mexican Student Alliance after struggling to find spaces that represented her identity.
Brown described the transformation she witnesses: “Our girls come into our program with a whisper and leave with a roar.”
Social Justice Meets STEAM: The Power of EmpowHer’s Unique Programs
EmpowHer’s groundbreaking Social Justice STEAM program is designed to bridge the gap between technical expertise and advocacy. The first of its kind in the nation, the program trains BIPOC girls in fields like marine biology and coding, while instilling a deep commitment to social change.
“Our goal is to create a workforce of socially conscious STEAM experts who are BIPOC women,” said Brown. Participants as young as 11 earn scuba diving and sailing certifications, learn to conduct air quality tests, and address environmental issues affecting their communities. The program exposes girls to college-level science and offers practical skills that prepare them to lead in a competitive global workforce.
EmpowHer is Becoming a Beacon of Hope in Challenging Times
As EmpowHer prepares young women to face an increasingly divided nation, its work is more crucial than ever. Brown’s advice to women of color everywhere reflects the organization’s ethos: “Your voice has power. Challenge barriers. Build a support system.”
By equipping BIPOC girls with the tools to lead, EmpowHer Institute is not only fostering a new generation of advocates but also building a legacy of resilience and empowerment. These young women are stepping into a world shaped by political and social conflict, but with EmpowHer’s support, they are ready to rewrite the narrative.
