Rock Star Fund

Meet Our 2024 Rock Star Fund Awardees

Posted on by WAWF

We are thrilled to announce the newest cohort for our 2024 Rock Star Fund, a program a part of our Young Women’s Initiative dedicated to empowering young women and gender-expansive youth of color aged 12-24 in Washington D.C.

This year, nine remarkable individuals were chosen as part of our participatory grantmaking process, each with their own unique vision and project that aligns with our Blueprint for Action.

With a one-time grant of $2,000, our goal is to nurture the leadership potential of these young changemakers and assist them in making a positive impact within our community. We are inspired by their dedication and enthusiasm to create lasting change and look forward to seeing the incredible impact they will have on our community.

Meet our 2024 Rock Star Fund Awardees below and learn more about their projects!

Name: Eris Aubrie Busey

Age: 14

What inspired you to apply for the Rock Star Fund, and what does it mean to you to have received this grant?

I applied for this grant because I wanted to give an open space for youth to express themselves but didn’t have the financial support to make it possible. I wanted to create a safe space to chat about our city and how it affects us as a whole.

Tell us about your project and how you believe it will make a difference in our community.

In our community, my generation does have access to safe spaces to express themselves as a whole. My project is to create a pilot program that would be pitched to local channels to televise a teen chat about the issues we feel as a whole need to be addressed and put in the open. I believe this could benefit the community because peers would realize we are alike in how we adjust to life in DC.

If you could describe your project in one emoji, what would it be…and why?

🤯 – I used this emoji because the change in the community once this project is completed will be mind-blowing and impactful! 

What advice would you give to other young women interested in pursuing their own community-change project or initiative?

The advice I would give is to simply be yourself. When you know what you want to do and where you want to be, you are your own example. When you maintain your personality and kindness, you are your own standard. Love yourself before you love your initiative!

How do you see your project fitting into the larger movement for women’s empowerment and gender equality?

My project will fit into the women’s empowerment and gender quality movements because of the open space provided. Leaders of the movements can inspire younger women going through similar struggles to step up and voice their concerns. This will build comfortable spaces that will prevent violence and drug use and will build self-esteem.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be, and how would you use it to make a difference in the world?

My superpower would be to read minds. I would use this to get through to people more. People often don’t feel comfortable saying how they feel because they fear being seen as “soft.” If I could read minds, I would touch base with them on a deeper level and let them know I am here and I understand. This will also build confidence and self-esteem.

Name: MaKaila Eddings

Age: 20

What inspired you to apply for the Rock Star Fund, and what does it mean to you to have received this grant?

My community inspired me to apply for this grant; the betterment of inner-city girls inspired and pushed me to apply. To receive valuable resources from the Rock Star Fund is truly an honor. I am so thankful and excited to participate and help young women become the best versions of themselves.

Tell us about your project and how you believe it will make a difference in our community.

My project is a mentorship and empowerment program designed to uplift and empower young inner-city at-risk girls through mentorship, arts and humanities, life skill development, and education. My program is aimed to provide a safe haven and support system for girls facing numerous social, economic & systemic challenges.

If you could describe your project in one emoji, what would it be…and why?

🪷 – The lotus emoji best describes my project because the lotus flower and my project both symbolize rising from a dark place into beauty and rebirth.

What advice would you give to other young women interested in pursuing their own community-change project or initiative?

My advice would be to remember that “if you don’t stand for something, you’ll fall for anything” and to appreciate the “little things” in life.

How do you see your project fitting into the larger movement for women’s empowerment and gender equality?

I see my project as an important part of the larger movement for women’s empowerment and gender equality. By providing mentorship, support, and opportunities for personal growth, we are contributing to breaking down systemic barriers and empowering girls to reach their full potential.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be, and how would you use it to make a difference in the world?

If I could have any superpower, I would want the power to heal. I would heal everyone from hate, pain, and hunger so that no one in the world will have trauma and suffering.

Name: Camila Marryshow

Age: 21

What inspired you to apply for the Rock Star Fund, and what does it mean to you to have received this grant?

My experience as a former foster care youth and interest in arts and crafts has drawn me to this opportunity, but I cannot thank my uncle enough for introducing me to this grant to begin with. He sent me the link one day, and I initially couldn’t think of an idea until I read about projects from previous Rock Stars. Then, I was able to reflect on issues I faced as a Latina; while foster care is not an issue unique to the Latino community, it was what came to mind as a project idea when I thought of a social issue that personally resonated with me along with what I read from past projects. Receiving this grant pleasantly surprised me because now I have the chance to give what I thought I never would: a creative support system for minority girls in foster care.

Tell us about your project and how you believe it will make a difference in our community.

Create2Learn is a 10-to-12-week program where minority girls in foster care will get the chance to make arts and crafts alongside female minority mentors who either have extensive knowledge of foster care or have been in the system themselves. The purpose of having these mentors is so that during these creative sessions, girls can ask questions, talk to, or ask for advice about navigating foster care or life outside of it. I believe it will provide girls in foster care with a safe environment to express themselves through the arts and engage in respectful conversations with other girls and mentors, which may not have been possible for them during their experience as children in foster care.

If you could describe your project in one emoji, what would it be…and why?

👩🏽‍👩🏽‍👧🏽 – It would be the family emoji, which I customized to have two female mentors and one girl. I chose this particular emoji because it represents what I have in mind for my project: a family that girls in foster care can turn to beyond just making arts and crafts. I believe that, at the very least, those participating in the Create2Learn Program will have mentors and friends they can talk to along with fun activities, and at best (and ultimately my hope), these girls will have a second family from this program.

What advice would you give to other young women interested in pursuing their own community-change project or initiative?

Put it down on paper, and don’t edit it until you have written everything you think of. The point is to do rather than think, and my personal first step to begin a project—not just musical, artistic, or academic—is to dump info on a piece of paper. That way, I am not too busy thinking about how my plan won’t work when I have the excuse that I haven’t even finished making my plan yet. Sometimes, if it’s a very large project like writing many songs or a long essay, I just keep writing while ignoring the thoughts in my mind of how good something will be in the end. If I have not reached the end, then I say bye-bye to those nagging thoughts that have nothing to do with what I am presently working on.

How do you see your project fitting into the larger movement for women’s empowerment and gender equality?

As a woman who has been in foster care, I have noticed that when it comes to publicity and television, girls are not the first faces that fit within the “foster care” narrative. One example I have held onto is Billy Batson, a teenage boy in the movie “Shazam.” While he is a character who is a foster kid, I struggle to think of female figures in the system in both fiction and real life. As a child, the lack of representation made it harder for me to tell people what was really going on with me, especially since foster care was and still is not a well-known issue. By providing more support to girls like the kind my project will offer, they can be more comfortable and confident to tell their stories when ready to do so.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be, and how would you use it to make a difference in the world?

Healing. I would love to be able to heal others physically, but the power would have one catch—that person has to believe that they can bounce back. I know it sounds a bit like a rip-off of Jesus, but I think that that part of the power would be important so that people can realize what is possible and accept it. People can pretend like they feel something special, but this power would require each person to trust in recovery and progress within themselves in order to unlock that potential of being healed. There is no way of faking it to make it with this power unless the intention is 100% real.

Name: Debkanya Mitra

Age: 21

What inspired you to apply for the Rock Star Fund, and what does it mean to you to have received this grant?

I always wanted to do a project where I could help young women explore their artistic identities and build a community of DC music-makers. I am ecstatic because, with this grant, I now have the resources to make this vision a reality!

Tell us about your project and how you believe it will make a difference in our community.

In my project, I will mentor young women through recording and distributing their music. It will give these women the opportunity to tap into their innate creativity and innate leadership skills. I hope the larger community will increase their appreciation of this home-grown, heartfelt music.

If you could describe your project in one emoji, what would it be…and why?

🤝 – Music is connection. Mentorship is connection. Creative expression is connection.

What advice would you give to other young women interested in pursuing their own community-change project or initiative?

Dream big, set your dreams as your intentions, then think realistic.

How do you see your project fitting into the larger movement for women’s empowerment and gender equality?

My project emphasizes women’s right to self-expression, to self-lead, and to select their own direction. In many communities, it is expected that women bow down to their father and then their partner and be completely self-sacrificing to meet the needs of the household. Beyond that, society and the music industry also put certain roles and expectations on women who are artists. I want these young women to challenge these expectations by having a space to unapologetically be their artistic selves.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be, and how would you use it to make a difference in the world?

Understand and speak in all languages. I would have so much fun talking to people of all different cultures. I love listening to stories. With this power, I could make a difference in my world by helping immigrants feel more welcome and wanted.

Name: Nyirah Newton

Age: 14

What inspired you to apply for the Rock Star Fund, and what does it mean to you to have received this grant?

What inspired me to apply for the Rock Star Fund was multiple community members, mentors, and programs that sent me the flyer to apply. It showed me that my community sees me, sees the work I’m doing, and wants to encourage that. It means so much that I applied for my very first grant and won. It also shows that the Rock Star Fund judges recognized that I could change my community through my project.

Tell us about your project and how you believe it will make a difference in our community.

My project, CROWNED, aims to facilitate a second year of self-care and empowerment youth-led workshops and classes. Through hosting workshops focused on empowerment, self-esteem, confidence, mental health awareness, and fostering healthy habits for girls, the I AM CROWNED project will help “bring out the magic in you” with valuable skills and knowledge in a safe and affirming space as we build sisterhood. Additionally, by launching a line of mindfulness products and tangible tools for ongoing self-care.

If you could describe your project in one emoji, what would it be…and why?

👑 – If I could describe my project with one emoji, it would be a crown because my business is named I AM CROWNED.

What advice would you give to other young women interested in pursuing their own community-change project or initiative?

The advice I would give to other young women interested in pursuing their own community change project /initiative is to start, apply for this grant as well, and be the change you wish to see.

How do you see your project fitting into the larger movement for women’s empowerment and gender equality?

My I AM CROWNED project fits the larger movement of women’s empowerment and gender equality by providing participants with the tools and knowledge necessary for personal empowerment and well-being. It starts within. Through workshops, classes, and mindfulness products, the project aims to help “bring out the magic in you,” building a sense of belonging and providing a safe space for the experiences of all girls, which makes a more inclusive and supportive environment for girls. This will have a positive impact as we move into womanhood.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be, and how would you use it to make a difference in the world?

If I had a superpower, I would want to be able to read minds so I can know what everyone is thinking. This way, I can make decisions that benefit everyone.

Name: Rocheny Pricien

Age: 24

What inspired you to apply for the Rock Star Fund, and what does it mean to you to have received this grant?

I was inspired by those in my community already doing so much to improve people’s circumstances. One of my mentors sent me the link to the fund, and I read about the Rock Star Fund and saw how it supports women making a difference for themselves and their communities. I wanted to get involved [in the community] more than I was and found this to be a great way to.

Tell us about your project and how you believe it will make a difference in our community.

My project is about providing safe spaces for my community members to learn, create, connect, and grow mentally, emotionally, physically, and artistically. All of this while getting linked to important public health resources. This is a proven community engagement event with a mental health focus that will lead to positive changes in community members. Even just having a space to commune together is lacking now, so I hope to make a difference for sure.

If you could describe your project in one emoji, what would it be…and why?

🔭 – If I could describe my project with one emoji, it would be a telescope. Specifically, a telescope is used to see the world beyond our own eyes. I want this project to be a telescope to show the community and shine a light on the talents and artistic expressions of community members who aren’t often given the space, resources, or attention to put energy into expression and creativity.

What advice would you give to other young women interested in pursuing their own community-change project or initiative?

My advice would be to stick to your passion. Whatever you are passionate about and want to achieve will be more doable, and when you suffer letdowns or stop and start, you won’t back down if you have passion. My other advice would be to be among your community. Empathy and understanding are very important when it comes to supporting and helping communities.

How do you see your project fitting into the larger movement for women’s empowerment and gender equality?

My project fits the women’s empowerment and gender equality movements by giving them the space to express, speak, and come together. When you are free to create and be among others all supporting one another, you can’t help but be empowered. Also, with help from community resources and public health access, this project will fit very well.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be, and how would you use it to make a difference in the world?

If I could have any superpower in the world, it would be to mimic those around me. This would allow me to truly understand and empathize with those around me, as well as use the collective strengths of those around me to effect swift change for my community.

Name: Alluorra Rosé

Age: 23

What inspired you to apply for the Rock Star Fund, and what does it mean to you to have received this grant?

I applied to the grant because of my experience as a Black Deaf Trans Woman and because my sister sent this grant application urging me to apply. It means the world to me to receive this grant because I thought my voice would not be given the chance to be heard. This grant opened my eyes to the fact that I am worthy and powerful, and I believe that with my entire being. I now have the chance to inspire many and set the tone.

Tell us about your project and how you believe it will make a difference in our community.

My project spotlights accessibility and difficulties that arise when receiving services in LGBTQ transitional housing programs and everywhere else that should have been equipped to accommodate anyone and everyone. Unfortunately, the system has a mindset focused on servicing the “regular” people. This project will be presented as timeless evidence that a Black Deaf Trans Woman is more regular than you think she is.

If you could describe your project in one emoji, what would it be…and why?

🦋 – I would describe my project with the butterfly emoji because it symbolizes transformation. I believe that this film will not only inspire young girls like me to trust their voices but also be the change they want to see.

What advice would you give to other young women interested in pursuing their own community-change project or initiative?

My advice will be to show off your wings. Some people may bring you down, but there will be some people rooting for you as you fly beautifully whilst alluring genuine supporters. Trust your voice, trust who you are, trust your project and the process, and stand ten toes behind you at all times, respectfully. Creativity has no limit, so don’t limit yourself to society’s expectations. Remember, creativity is a form of freedom of expression, and you’ve got this!

How do you see your project fitting into the larger movement for women’s empowerment and gender equality?

My project is not something everyone should want to see; it is more like something they need to see. I’m a woman of trans experience, a woman of disability, a woman of color, and a woman of the arts. It fits in by being the missing piece in the movement for women’s empowerment and gender equality in the community. Those who were once an outsider have now become the headliner simply for being exactly who they are.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be, and how would you use it to make a difference in the world?

If I had a superpower, it would be telepathy. My experience is hardwired into my memory and my heart. I will show them every reason why I have come to be the person to advocate for accessibility for the Deaf Trans Women of Color. The world will pause while receiving everything because they will receive the unfiltered and authentic reality behind the social media world. Access for one means access for all.

Name: Jadyn Settles

Age: 18

What inspired you to apply for the Rock Star Fund, and what does it mean to you to have received this grant?

I was introduced to the Rock Star Fund by a family friend who knew I had a heart for community service and a special interest in issues impacting women. I feel extremely blessed and excited to receive this grant for my QRhome Project. It will help purchase supplies and potentially fund research on creating a QRhome app for participants.

Tell us about your project and how you believe it will make a difference in our community.

I launched the QRhome Project in 2021 when I began noticing that I didn’t have cash whenever I wanted to give money to someone on the street who needed help. Like most people, I no longer walk around with dollars and change. My twin brother noted that someone should provide QR codes to those who struggle on the street so that people can scan and donate digitally. We thought this was a pretty good idea, which is how the QRHome Project (QRhome.org) was born. By creating an avenue for direct digital donations, QRhome addresses the immediate needs of the housing and food insecure and contributes to broader efforts to create a more equitable and compassionate society.

If you could describe your project in one emoji, what would it be…and why?

❤️ – My project can be described with a heart emoji. Caring for those who are unhoused or food insecure requires compassion.

What advice would you give to other young women interested in pursuing their own community-change project or initiative?

I would say that if you have something that you are passionate about, see if you can use that passion to positively impact your community.

How do you see your project fitting into the larger movement for women’s empowerment and gender equality?

While the QRhome project may not specifically focus on women, its impact on this demographic is undeniable. Women are disproportionately affected by poverty and homelessness, often facing unique challenges such as limited access to resources and support networks. By providing a digital avenue for direct donations, QRhome empowers women needing urgent assistance with greater ease and efficiency.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be, and how would you use it to make a difference in the world?

My superpower would be teleportation. It would be great if I could travel to the future to learn about solutions and cures that have been discovered and bring them back to today so people don’t have to suffer right now.

Name: Destiny Wilson

Age: 19

What inspired you to apply for the Rock Star Fund, and what does it mean to you to have received this grant?

I saw a friend apply for the Rock Star Fund, and it helped her a lot. To receive this grant means that I can really help others and reach more people. I am thankful to receive this grant.

Tell us about your project and how you believe it will make a difference in our community.

BlisX DC is an organization that inspires and encourages youth to be creative. It is a creative, safe space, and it gives youth the opportunity to try new things that aren’t available in their neighborhoods.

If you could describe your project in one emoji, what would it be…and why?

🌊 – We’re bringing a wave of fashion to DC.

What advice would you give to other young women interested in pursuing their own community-change project or initiative?

Don’t worry about what others will say or think about what you’re doing. Not everybody can see the bigger picture. And baby steps still get us somewhere!

How do you see your project fitting into the larger movement for women’s empowerment and gender equality?

I see BlisX inspiring young girls to chase their dreams. A lot of men are in the fashion industry, and I want to see more leaders that aren’t men. I want people to see that women ARE great leaders.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be, and how would you use it to make a difference in the world?

If I could have any superpower, I would have super speed and would make clothes for people in need. Everybody deserves to look and feel good.

Meet Our 2023 Rock Star Fund Awardees

Posted on by Sarah Weatherby

The Women’s Foundation is thrilled to announce the latest cohort of recipients for our 2023 Rock Star Fund, a program through our Young Women’s Initiative that embodies our commitment to empowering young women and gender-expansive youth of color ages 12-24 living in D.C.

This year, we are excited to have selected eight exceptional individuals, each with a unique vision and project that aligns with our Blueprint for Action.

By providing these young leaders with a one-time grant of $2,000, we aim to elevate their leadership potential and support them in making a positive impact in our community. We are inspired by their dedication and enthusiasm to create lasting change, and cannot wait to see the incredible impact they will have on our community.

Read more about each of these outstanding women below and learn more about their projects!

Name: Ronjai Beckwith

Age: 21

What inspired you to apply for the Rock Star Fund, and what does it mean to you to have received this grant?

I wanted to help younger, up-and-coming adults who don’t have resources.

Tell us about your project and how it will benefit our community.

I will develop a mentorship program for pregnant young mothers. A lot of young mothers in my community do not have the resources they need to help them, which makes them fall into depression and more.

If you could describe your project in one emoji, what would it be?

🙏🏽 – because we all are one, and we need to pray for each other.

What advice would you give other young women interested in pursuing a community-change project or initiative?

I would tell them to do it. Believe in yourself that you can make a change.

How do you see your project fitting into a more significant movement for women’s empowerment and gender equality?

I see my project helping a lot of young mothers who don’t have the support they need or the help and resources they need.

If you could have any superpower what would it be, and how would you use it to make a difference in the world?

I would love the ability to be able to make everyone happy.

Name: Nevaeh Bright

Age: 17

What inspired you to apply for the Rock Star Fund, and what does it mean to you to have received this grant?

I was inspired to apply for the grant because there are a lot of changes that need to happen in my community, and I want to be a part of it.

Tell us about your project and how it will benefit our community.

My project is getting high school students together to create care packages for homeless women and children. I also want to assist women in finding resources for permanent housing and jobs.

If you could describe your project in one emoji, what would it be?

🤗

What advice would you give other young women interested in pursuing a community-change project or initiative?

I would say go for it because one positive change at a time can create a ripple effect of positive changes toward making a safer environment for the next generation.

How do you see your project fitting into a more significant movement for women’s empowerment and gender equality?

It fits into a larger movement because people will see that it’s helping the community become stronger, and it’s also a learning experience for all who are involved.

If you could have any superpower what would it be, and how would you use it to make a difference in the world?

My superpower would be to teach youth to use their voices so they can be heard and teach people around them how to become better versions of themselves.

Name: Eris Aubrie Busey

Age: 13

What inspired you to apply for the Rock Star Fund, and what does it mean to you to have received this grant?

I am truly honored to receive the grant! My inspiration to apply to this grant was my passion for sewing and helping my peers find interest in creativity.

Tell us about your project and how it will benefit our community.

I will create a program that supports young women and fosters creativity through fashion. Our community is dealing with a lot right now, and I think having youth creatives come together for a fashion show, while earning their own income would show that there are plenty of opportunities to build!

If you could describe your project in one emoji, what would it be?

⭐️

What advice would you give other young women interested in pursuing a community-change project or initiative?

I believe the only way to see change would be through our generation. That’s where it starts, and we have to hold each other together on that.

How do you see your project fitting into a more significant movement for women’s empowerment and gender equality?

I believe my project would start the journey of entrepreneurship in youth.

If you could have any superpower what would it be, and how would you use it to make a difference in the world?

My superpower would definitely be teleportation. I would use this superpower to travel and share opportunities with the world.

Name: Aniya Coffey

Age: 16

What inspired you to apply for the Rock Star Fund, and what does it mean to you to have received this grant?

A teacher at my school – Mr. Strickland – inspired me to apply to the Rock Star Fund. He spoke to me about being a student leader in the community and getting connected with other programs, such as Community Enrichment Project. I learned how to be more involved in the community, and through this, I learned to connect passion with projects and ideas. As a result, I’m learning how to sew, design, and style clothes and accessories.

Tell us about your project and how it will benefit our community.

My project involves going into schools – starting with my school – and teaching students how to sew while being involved with their community. This project will include connecting advocacy with their project and connecting them to local designers. We will create a safe space for students; even if they may not have a background in fashion skills, they will have the foundational skills you need for post-secondary options in life.

If you could describe your project in one emoji, what would it be?

⚡️- it was more of spontaneous project when it came to mind, and I took it and ran with it.

What advice would you give other young women interested in pursuing a community-change project or initiative?

I would definitely say put your passion first. When you put your passion first, it guides you to the change you want to make in your community.

How do you see your project fitting into a more significant movement for women’s empowerment and gender equality?

I would definitely say my project teaches students how to be advocates in their community by learning leadership skills and how to express how they feel, and breaking down gender barriers.

If you could have any superpower what would it be, and how would you use it to make a difference in the world?

I would time travel to take ideas that I have now to influence the past!

Name: Destiny Daniel

Age: 20

What inspired you to apply for the Rock Star Fund, and what does it mean to you to have received this grant?

I was inspired to apply for the Rock Star Fund because these young women epitomize everything I am and aspire to be. It is imperative to me to prioritize civic leadership and global citizenship, to love and connect with people of a similar resolve, to never stop learning, and to use my platform to lift others. After reading through the projects and work of other young women, I was enamored by the service, leadership, and commitment to purpose they have in our DC community, and I know I have the power to make more of an impact.

Tell us about your project and how it will benefit our community.

Through the Rock Star Fund, I will create a platform, Being My Destiny, that will serve as a positive space for young women to find inspiring content on their journeys to becoming confident and purposeful women. It will elevate the voices of everyday women, who may be unemployed, working nine to five, or entrepreneurs figuring things out. Additionally, Being My Destiny will have three, three-month initiatives between July 2023 and April 2024 on education, politics, and mentorship. Education will consist of partnering with local student organizations to hold “confidence and creativity” workshops. Politics will consist of mass letter-writing to elected officials. Lastly, mentorship will consist of community organizing to provide young ladies with positive role models as mentors. The platform and campaign of Being My Destiny will help solve a growing issue in communities nationwide – civic detachment. By actively trying to educate young women and empower our community while monitoring the number of people who get involved in the project, I will be able to increase community engagement in youth lives, cultivate confidence and belonging to all stakeholders, and change the narratives of women who lack support or guidance into adult life.

If you could describe your project in one emoji, what would it be?

🦋 – it would be the butterfly because I want to inspire women to seek opportunities to grow their wings and believe in their ability to fly to greater heights.

What advice would you give other young women interested in pursuing a community-change project or initiative?

My advice would be to believe in yourself. When you stomp, the community shakes. I want young women to know they have all the power to shake up the world. In addition, it’s important to have people to lean on, especially other women, because together, we can shake up the world.

How do you see your project fitting into a more significant movement for women’s empowerment and gender equality?

By sharing stories, we empower others to create even better ones. By being authentic in our individual journeys, we inspire other women to do and become more. Being My Destiny will be a platform to educate, inspire, and create community action. Through the content and impactful programming that will empower women, it will fit into the larger movement to dismantle gender equality.

If you could have any superpower what would it be, and how would you use it to make a difference in the world?

If I had a superpower, it would be to heal. We can only create change in the world if we first start with our own individual healing. When we heal a part in ourselves, we also heal that part in the world. I know firsthand the generational diseases that affect families when traumas never heal. I would use this power to help people regain their wings after troubling times.

Name: Helina Deres

Age: 17

What inspired you to apply for the Rock Star Fund, and what does it mean to you to have received this grant?

I’m beyond excited and happy to have received this grant. This project means the world to me because I want to give others what I didn’t have—people like me that could help me with high school and beyond while keeping me close to my culture.

Tell us about your project and how it will benefit our community.

I will create a program that supports immigrant students by alleviating stress and helping them navigate through their education. Through my program, students like me will gain more confidence in their abilities. They will have resources to prepare for high school, college, and beyond while keeping in touch with their culture. I want them to have what I didn’t so they can reach their fullest potential.

If you could describe your project in one emoji, what would it be?

😌 – this will be the face people that join the program will make because they’ll feel relieved to find other people like them while getting the support they need in school.

What advice would you give other young women interested in pursuing a community-change project or initiative?

I’d tell other young women interested in pursuing their own community-change project or initiative to do something they wish they had. That way, you are really connected and engaged with the project.

How do you see your project fitting into a more significant movement for women’s empowerment and gender equality?

I see my project fitting into the larger movement for women’s empowerment and gender equality because my project will help students reach their fullest potential in school. To make a change in the world, being educated is very beneficial.

If you could have any superpower what would it be, and how would you use it to make a difference in the world?

If I could have any superpower, it would be the power to time travel. I would go back in time to help change inequalities in the world. One small step could lead to a big outcome in the long run; all it needs is time.

Name: Kyiniyah Graham

Age: 21

What inspired you to apply for the Rock Star Fund, and what does it mean to you to have received this grant?

I was inspired to apply for the Rock Star Fund by my mentor Lashonda El Thompson and motivated by my four-year-old son. Receiving this grant for my project shows that I am making progress in my steps to rebuild a village. Our youth don’t have the resources and skills necessary to have a voice without being “ intimidated” or using “ violence” to resolve the conflict.

Tell us about your project and how it will benefit our community.

My project is to host restorative justice circles for girls in DC to equip participants with skills to navigate issues, complete high school, and improve neighborhood safety by holding conflict resolution workshops and restorative justice circles. I believe that my project will make a huge impact in our communities. If we can manage to get youth to use their voices instead of using violence, we can have a conference based on principles of respect, compassion, and inclusivity.

If you could describe your project in one emoji, what would it be?

🤩

What advice would you give other young women interested in pursuing a community-change project or initiative?

To other young women who are interested in pursuing their own community-change project or initiative, I would say, “Vision without action is merely a dream. Action without vision just passes the time. Vision with action can change the world.” – Joel A Baker

How do you see your project fitting into a more significant movement for women’s empowerment and gender equality?

This project is beneficial for girls and women of color because people have a hard time understanding the hardship and circumstances of having restorative justice circles. I feel our generation and the upcoming generation are misunderstood. Everyone has a reason why they act or do things the way they do, whether it’s for survival or traumatizing reasons. With me understanding the many reasons “why”, I can help navigate through these emotions and transitions. I will speak life into these young women and use the tools I have to plan for better futures. Better visions for the future will help an overall better society, starting with my community.

If you could have any superpower what would it be, and how would you use it to make a difference in the world?

If I could have any superpower, I would be Wonder Woman because she is a powerful leader and warrior. Wonder Woman grew up in the Amazon, and learned warrior skills and lessons on love and peace. Wonder Woman’s mission was to teach peace and love during the dark days of the war. I would use Wonder Woman’s powers to make a difference in the world by using the healing our community hasn’t properly healed from—the trauma and suffering from the past.

Name: Taiyler Henderson-Thorpe

Age: 20

What inspired you to apply for the Rock Star Fund, and what does it mean to you to have received this grant?

What inspired me was actually living the struggle and still living it to a certain extent. A lot of times, with some of these resources available, people who don’t have the same struggles as you are talking to you and are receiving their good deed for the day. I know from personal experience a lot of us children in Black households have some trauma that has carried into our adult lives, whether it was on behalf of our parents or mistakes we made as children but never had an adult to trust to get the help we needed. I want to create a safe space, even if it’s for just a small number of girls, for a short amount of time, to show them that it is possible to see that light at the end of the tunnel, even if someone has to put it there for you. I have had some amazing women in my life who were not related to me help me because they saw something in me. For me, this is honoring them and our sisterhood. Just as someone opened a door for me, I want to be able to do that just in hopes they may do the same for someone else.

Tell us about your project and how it will benefit our community.

My project is MEET ME AT THE WELL, a 21-day challenge of US helping US to transform habits, practices, and ways of thinking.

  • Three weekends of in-person Sister Circle gatherings at The Well at Oxon Run
  • Interactive activities at The Well to engage mind and body (i.e. outdoor yoga, sound therapy, forest bathing)
  • Casual engagement at The Well with leading females of influence in politics, business, education, etc.
  • Daily virtual peer gatherings for early morning meditative moments & decision setting
  • Weekly peer-to-peer check-ins with an accountability buddy via FaceTime or Zoom
  • An online success tracker to encourage consistent personal commitment and measure connectedness

My project is a challenge for the youth, for us to connect, share resources, and work to better ourselves together. It will be about women’s empowerment and sisterhood. It won’t feel like a school or training. It will feel like a very important executive meeting where we are the board members who are in control to make decisions for us.

If you could describe your project in one emoji, what would it be?

🤣

What advice would you give other young women interested in pursuing a community-change project or initiative?

I would say go for it, but when you go for it, make sure it’s from the heart. Make sure it’s authentic because it matters. People can tell when you’re just looking for a photo opportunity. I would also say work hard on it, use your imagination, and be creative and innovative because what worked for you or someone else may not work for the next. You also have to use your perspective and put your feet in these people’s shoes. You can’t think of just one way to pursue community change projects.

How do you see your project fitting into a more significant movement for women’s empowerment and gender equality?

I see my project being one of the largest women’s network sources welcoming you into this space and getting the help you need. My project fits into women wanting to see women win, changing the narrative that girls and women can’t get along and that they are jealous of each other. It fits into creating that equal opportunity for women to get whatever job they want and providing the tools that help them get hired. It’s creating that safe space for women to take back their voice or power if it was taken away or if they believe it was never there.

If you could have any superpower what would it be, and how would you use it to make a difference in the world?

I would choose to read people’s minds. If I could read people’s minds, I could help them better. I think it would be really awesome. But I wouldn’t want to read everyone’s mind, just the people I’m trying to help.