In this last episode of the EmpowHERment Show (stay tuned for the next chapter!), Maddie and Adama speak with Dawn L. Brown, the President and CEO of The EmpowHER Institute. As an advocate and strategic thought partner, Dawn has more than 25 years of experience leading BIPOC youth advocacy initiatives that successfully became California legislation and established best practices for eliminating gender bias across many areas – reforming the juvenile justice system, decriminalizing sex trafficked girls, implementing community-based gang intervention strategies, and ending the shackling of pregnant women. Dawn has also served on various advisory boards and think tanks focused on issues affecting women and girls of color.

This episode focuses on the EmpowHER Institute’s mission to empower young girls, particularly those from marginalized communities, through education and mentorship. Dawn shares insights into the innovative programs offered by the institute, including social emotional learning, financial literacy, and a unique marine science camp. The conversation also addresses the systemic barriers faced by these girls, the impact of recent rollbacks in DEI initiatives, and the challenges nonprofits face in securing funding. Dawn emphasizes the importance of community support and calls for action to help empower the next generation of leaders.

Here are the key episode takeaways:

• The EmpowHer Institute serves over 1,000 girls a year.
• The organization focuses on breaking generational cycles of poverty.
• 100% of high school participants graduate and are accepted into college.
• The program addresses systemic barriers and trauma faced by girls.
• Recent rollbacks in DEI initiatives have impacted funding for nonprofits like EmpowHER.
• Community support is crucial to their continuied existence and success. 
• Dawn encourages young girls to embrace their voices and not play small.

And here’s a breakdown of the episode: 

• 00:00 Empowering Girls Through Education
• 02:23 The Mission of EmpowHer Institute
• 05:28 Innovative Programs for Young Women
• 09:59 Addressing Systemic Barriers
• 11:34 The Impact of Current Events on Youth
• 14:27 Creating Future Leaders
• 17:32 Challenges in Funding and Support
• 21:17 Navigating Government Dynamics
• 23:08 The Importance of Community Support and Funding
• 24:30 Challenges Faced by Nonprofits in Education
• 26:48 Cost-Effectiveness of Community Programs
• 27:48 Empowering Young Girls Through STEM Education
• 30:51 Experiential Learning and Global Opportunities
• 33:44 Success Stories of Program Alumni
• 35:09 How to Support Empower Her Institute
• 39:02 Empowerment and the Importance of Voice