Creating community in this space ignites the opportunity to witness the beautiful synergy between sneakers and sisterhood.

While many of us connected to sneakers at a young age, we never would have dreamed the paths they would take us. At the intersection of passion and purpose, we’re able to cultivate a special sisterhood through a unique common bond. In random moments of self-reflection, we’ve always wished we had cool experiences as teenagers that inspired us to lean into our gifts within. That trip down memory lane is exactly how PowHER Forward came to be. Through a series of immersive mentor workshops, PowHER Forward is meant to engage and empower the GenZ BIPOC demographic. We believe the next generation of thought leaders, content creators, and entrepreneurs are just getting started. Our goal is to plant the seeds, create the sparks, and give consistent support to these young women.

Honestly, we would say we’re in a very cool space as it relates to sneaker culture being a conduit to own our impact. We have the ability to bridge the gaps between our nostalgic connection to kicks while still being cool enough to hang with the new wave of sneaker lovers. The amazing women we have met throughout our network are serving as real live representation for the young girls in the PowHER Forward program. This month we held a special kickoff mentor brunch at A Ma Maniere Houston that really spoke to our love language of giving back. We intentionally chose to work with a local non-profit organization, Agape Development, to host the brunch. Agape leads an after school youth ministry program in the Southside of Houston where neighborhoods are often overlooked and underserved.

“Through a series of immersive mentor workshops, PowHER Forward is meant to engage and empower the GenZ BIPOC demographic. We believe the next generation of thought leaders, content creators, and entrepreneurs are just getting started.”

If we can change the life of one young girl by helping them understand the power they need is already within themselves, our mission will be fulfilled. Let’s dive into the brunch scene and how this special event came together.

THE SCENE.

A Ma Maniere is a beautiful space with an aura of luxury that hits all the five senses. Our young mentee class was able to enjoy the elevated environment as they perused the store checking out apparel and sneakers. Growing up in the Southside of Houston, fellowship was always connected to food and an amazing brunch was powered by Chef Adam Williams and team (shouts to the Tradeblock squad for their contribution). Who doesn’t love french toast and fried chicken on a Sunday?

We also had some amazing vendors to make the workshop extra special. Notably, Victoria’s Lemonade was in the building and dropped some gems on us about being a Latinx Kidpreneur. Her drive and passion (and tasty lemonade) became a testimony that age ain’t nothing but a number. The Sneaker Coloring Book helped us put our inspiration and creative expression into our sneaker design activity. Latinx-owned Texas Party Box provided decor to set the mood. Female Black-owned brands like Kaleidoscope Socks added to the sneakHER style, while I Am & Co reminded the ladies of their gifts through the power of affirmation cards.

Victoria Zara, Founder of Victoria’s Lemonade

“Our goal is to plant the seeds, create the sparks, and give consistent support to these young women.”

THE SISTERHOOD.

A major key to success is found in collaboration. Our mentors consisted of a diverse group of women who possess a recipe for fearlessness and don’t wait to be factored into any equation. They are subject matter experts in their respective lanes and strive to amplify representation on a grand scale. From teachers to therapists to entrepreneurs, the mentors took on an attribute of disruptive compassion to create a safe space in the present moment for all of our young ladies in attendance. Vibing over activities centered around confidence, purpose, inspiration, and identifying your Superpowers - the mantra of ‘owning your impact’ was flourishing.

“Social change truly begins on a community level and when leaders lift each other up, it creates a ripple effect of empowerment.”

THE SERVICE.

Social change truly begins on a community level and when leaders lift each other up, it creates a ripple effect of empowerment. We have witnessed that it can take just one person to see you, for you to SEE YOURSELF. In the PowHER Forward program, we want all of the women and young ladies to feel seen and heard. Just like our friends at Reading With A Rapper, changing the landscape of how young people learn can birth a whole new realm of engagement.

This is only the beginning. Commitment can get PowHER Forward off the ground, but consistency is what will make this program bloom for so many women. The young ladies are not only learning from a brillant network of game changers, but we are also learning about ourselves through these experiences. Confidence can come wrapped in a package of resources and aiming to prepare our mentees with the knowledge on a range of important topics is at the core of PowHER Forward.