About Empowered Black Girl

Who We Are

Empowered Black Girls is a program by Black Women Connect Vancouver for Black girls in the Vancouver lower mainland area of British Columbia between grades 8 -12. The community was centered to foster personal growth, empowerment, and positive self-identity, while addressing the unique challenges and opportunities that Black girls face. All Empowered Black Girl programs aim to create a safe and nurturing environment where participants can thrive and reach their full potential.

Our Story

Founded in 2021, Empowered Black Girls mentorship conference was created by Black women for Black girls. As an initiative of Black Women Connect Vancouver, it provides Black girls a platform to engage and interact with empowering Black women across Canada’s private and public sector.

Our Misson

To inspire and empower young Black girls to become high-achieving women in positions of leadership. The goal of the Empowered Black Girl mentorship conference is to create a safe and welcoming mentorship space for Black girls in Vancouver and the lower mainland.

Why This Matters

Research indicates that Black and/or racialized girls frequently report experiencing difficulties and obstacles at institution with little to no Black representation. Many of these girls describe experiences of overt and subtle forms of racism, sexism, and other forms of discrimination. Black girls face quite a few disparities due to their race and gender. Overall, Black girls have become overpoliced and underprotected and most certainly forgotten in several different movements and intervention plans. Although we excel at impressive rates considering the obstacles, we still have a hard time carving out our own career paths, which is why programs like Empowered Black Girl is important.

A mentoring relationship between Black women and Black girls encourages them to break through stereotypes and helps to create a pathway for them to be leaders in the future. Mentoring allows young women the chance to spend time with caring and supportive women, invested in their success. A large body of research has demonstrated that mentoring plays a significant role in student success and women mentors appear to make a substantial contribution to the academic careers of female students. Mentoring is an essential element in guiding women through major transitions in life, by making a positive impact.

The majority of studies on same-race mentoring emphasize its potentially important role in reducing social isolation and warming up the “chilly climate” of predominantly White institutions for minorities.

Program Focus Areas

  • Mentorship is an intervention that remaps brain architecture, a process which sets the participant up for a lifetime of resilience, positive social interaction, and academic and eventually career success. One of the projected outcomes for EBG is mentorship, and within our community there are women with professional and life experiences who are qualified to offer informal mentorship. During the program we encourage participants to make these important connections, EBG will facilitate and monitor the process.

  • EBG hosts workshops that cover topics like goal setting, emotional intelligence, and vision board exercises. The goal is to provide the necessary tools for participants to manage their own personal development journey effectively. Participants are also encouraged to participate in the EBG internship program which exposes participants to their career fields of interest.

  • Social support theory, intersectionality theory and participant statements all emphasize the importance of community to mental health. It is with this understanding that EBG creates spaces for open conversation between participants, mentors, and program facilitators. EBG participants also build community through 1:1 and group interactions during programs. Post event, participants are invited to join a group chat platform that allows everyone from that cohort to stay in touch. 

  • There are several factors intersect to influence the mental health of Black girls in Canada, including racism and discrimination, gender inequity, stigma, low income, and societal pressure. More than ever before stress and anxiety around these issues increased in recent times due to the pandemic and the human rights violations brought on Black people in and outside Canada. The importance of access to health and wellness tools are glaringly evident and to this end, EBG has identified industry professionals that will guide our participants as they build their own stress management toolkit by teaching mindfulness meditation sessions, breathing techniques and self-affirmation practice. 

Meet The Team

Adaeze

Program Director

Nataizya

Executive Director for Black Women Connect Vancouver

Winnie

Internship Coordinator

Samia

Intern for Black Women Connect Vancouver

Message from the Program Director

To our dedicated volunteers and partners, thank you for your unwavering commitment and support. Your contributions have been instrumental in making these events a resounding success. As we reflect on the impact of the Empowered Black Girl initiatives, let us carry the lessons learned and connections made into our daily lives. Let us continue to uplift and empower one another, embracing our diversity and celebrating our shared experiences. Together, we can be agents of change and create a future where the voices of young Black girls are heard, valued, and celebrated.

I am immensely proud of what we have achieved together and eagerly anticipate the bright futures that lie ahead for each of you. Remember, you are powerful, you are valuable, and you have the strength to shape your destiny.

Thank you all for being part of this incredible journey, and I look forward to our continued growth and impact as we strive for an empowered and equitable future for all.

Ùdó na ńdù (I wish you peace and life),

Adaeze Oputa-Anu

EBG Program Director

Join Our Mission

Volunteer

We rely on volunteers from all walks of life to bring different skills and experiences to our program. Make a difference in our community today!

Join The Community

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media to stay in the know about upcoming events and opportunities in our community.

Become A Sponsor

Our past and future sponsors are an integral part of Empowered Black Girl’s continued success. Become a sponsor of the program today!

Donate

Every donation counts to ensure young Black girls have the support and resources they need to become high-achieving leaders.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Empowered Black Girl is a community-based program designed to inspire, affirm, and equip Black girls in grades 7–12 through mentorship, leadership development, and culturally relevant learning experiences.

  • Our programs are open to Black girls in British Columbia, primarily in grades 8–12. Some offerings may also be open to alumni, community members, and mentors. Black girls leaving grades 7 to grade 8 in the new school year are also welcome to apply for the program.

  • We center our work around four core pillars: Personal Development, Health & Wellness, Mentorship & Community Building. These guide all of our workshops, mentorship experiences, and events.

  • You can register for our programs and events directly through our website. Keep an eye on our Social media handles, Events or Get Involved page for the latest opportunities.

  • We strive to keep our programs low barrier and accessible. Thanks to the generous support of grants and funders, most of our programs are offered at no or low cost to participants.

  • We welcome mentors and volunteers who are passionate about supporting Black girls. Visit the Get Involved page to learn more and submit an interest form.

  • Most programming is designed specifically for youth. However, we occasionally offer caregiver sessions and family-inclusive events. Subscribe to our newsletter for updates.

  • Yes! We’re always accepting submissions from youth, mentors, alumni, and community members. Visit our Blog page to learn how to submit your piece.

  • Empowered Black Girl is a youth-focused initiative of Black Women Connect Vancouver, a collective of Black women working to build community, leadership, and empowerment across generations.

  • Reach out to us at admin@empoweredblackgirl.com or fill out the contact form on our website. We’re happy to help!