A Look at Newly Minted Female CEOs Through Girls With Impact's Young Women's Prep Network Graduation

In a world where access to quality education remains uneven, Emma set out on a mission to make a difference. She joined YWPN (Young Women's Preparatory Network Dallas) as part of a 5-week summer program creating “Emma’s School of Music.” Her vision for providing free music lessons to those unable to afford professional instruction was born.

“I have always wanted to be able to help people who weren’t as lucky as me to have at least the chance at the opportunities that I am fortunate enough to still have,” Emma said.  

Emma was among 18 young women from YWPN who completed and graduated the 5-week Girls With Impact (GWI) program brought to the Young Women's Prep Network campus. The program is dedicated to leveling the playing field for all women in business while supporting the dreams and aspirations of young women from all walks of life. 

“Together with Girls With Impact, we are building their readiness for college and success in life.” says Berta Fogerson, the Chief Academic and Accountability Officer of YWPN.

Girls With Impact operates the nation’s leading online business school focused on young women and girls, 14-24. The program provides a career and college competitive advantage along with increased confidence, work readiness skills and a foundation in business. 

The YWPN funded 18 students to participate in the program this summer, and flew every student from all over the state, to present their business ventures in the in-person graduation that happened yesterday. 

 
 

18 young women were selected to participate in the fully-funded GWI program to learn foundational business skills and started their own ventures.

As the anticipation was built for this year's Graduation, the atmosphere buzzed with excitement and pride. Participants from various backgrounds, armed with new-found skills, innovative business plans, and dreams of change, took the stage. They showcased their entrepreneurial projects, reflective of the support, guidance, and resources provided throughout their YWPN journey.

The graduating Girls With Impact students – and new leaders of tomorrow – include the following who developed ventures ranging from apps to tutoring and other social impact efforts:

  • Adrianna C., CEO of Highschool Homies, a local high school blog for academic excellence. 

  • Alexa Z., CEO of E.C.E (Enhancing Children Education), a non-profit education system to give children everywhere the opportunity to learn for free offering free supplies as well.

  • Allison R., CEO of Bye-Bye Snowflake, a shampoo that can remove dandruff without setbacks like dehydrating the hair or creating possible hair loss.

  • Angelica R., CEO of Clue for the Future, a website that is easy-to-access for kids that don't have a clue what they want to do in the future, whether that be during highschool or college.

  • Camille P., CEO of The Green Thumb, a low-cost, at-home gardening kit that allows you to start your own garden in your own backyard. Half of the proceeds made will go towards making fruits and vegetables available to lower income families.

  • Elaine R., CEO of Elaine's Instant Kitchen, a line of baking kits for people in low-income families of food and desserts that are affordable and tasty, while also appealing to the customer and fun for the family.

  • Jana M., CEO of Danza Folklorica, affordable dance classes. 

  • Leslie R., CEO of Spring Shop Crochet, a crochet business that supports and funds women's education in North America, helping underprivileged women in Mexico.

  • Leslie S., CEO of Jay Jummies, spicy gummies.

  • Mackenzie J., CEO of Envision Identity, a clothing brand to promote evangelism through clothing.

  • Melina G., CEO of Beauty For All, a non-profit organization giving out skincare products like cleansers and moisturizers to teens who need it.

  • Mykayla B., CEO of Honoring the Fighters, to honor the fight against cancer with bracelets and bricks.
    Sarah C., CEO of FriendZone (courtesy of ChatGPT), an app designed to bring together middle and high schoolers with shared interests to make new friends, with the help of AI to maximize more connections at a shorter distance.

  • Sofia R., CEO of Community service near you, a website listing different volunteer opportunities best suited for your need in your area.

  • Stephanie G., CEO of Meant to See, a website that spreads awareness about eye diseases in young adults.

  • Timber D., CEO of The Write Way, a space for aspiring and struggling writers to find resources and ask questions, whether it be academic or creative writing, the written word, comics, or graphic novels.

  • Victoria Z., CEO of Bambino, a reading program intended to foster a love of reading and promote literacy achievements in young kids. 

 
 

GWI YWPN graduates celebrate their success after completing the 5-week program.

“You did it!” says Darlene Fontaine, a Girls With Impact coach for YWPN. “It’s awesome seeing where you started, how you came up with your ideas, and how you ended up. I hope you all decide to launch your ventures–some part of it–some piece of it–maybe now or in the future.” 

Young Women’s Preparatory Network helps young women of color from low-income households – often, the first in their families to graduate high school and attend college. In an inaugural collaboration with Girls With Impact, YWPN students acquired a broad range of essential business skills, including business planning, critical thinking, marketing, finances, public speaking, and more.

The GWI-YWPN graduates will now have an opportunity to be matched with mentors from

industry, guiding them for successful transition to college or the workplace.

To support under-resourced young women in Texas or in an your area of choice, contact Girls

With Impact or visit www.girlswithimpact.org. 


McKenna Belury