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 program focus areas include: 

Community Development 

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. 

Personal Development 

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.

Health & Wellness 

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. 

Informal Mentorship 

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.