Dawn L. Brown, President and CEO of EmpowHer Institute, leads an LA-based nonprofit dedicated to empowering young women, ages 11–18, from underserved communities. Since 2020, Dawn has expanded EmpowHer’s mission to break generational cycles through holistic, youth-centered programming focused on education, training, and mentorship.
The Journey to EmpowHer
Dawn’s upbringing in Washington, D.C., shaped her passion for social activism. Raised by a single mother in a housing project plagued by violence, she found strength through her mother’s dedication and an influential teacher who introduced her to the civil rights movement. After earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theater and a master’s in Drama Therapy from NYU, Dawn discovered her purpose while working as a program manager for a nonprofit. “This is heart work for me,” she says. “I’m nurturing girls who look like me to become powerful changemakers.”
Five Programs Driving Impact
EmpowHer Institute operates five core programs:
• EmpowHer Girl’s Academy – A school-based program for 7th and 8th graders focused on social-emotional learning, confidence-building, and financial literacy.
• EmpowHer Leaders Academy – High school girls receive mentorship, leadership training, and career preparation.
• Girls to Greatness Teen Summit – An annual event for over 600 girls, featuring workshops, career exploration, and keynote speeches.
• EmpowHer E-STEAM – A social justice-focused STEAM program offering hands-on projects, job shadowing, and scuba certification.
• EmpowHer Summer – A free, five-week summer program where girls explore marine science, earn scuba certifications, and engage in environmental justice work.
The Power of Scuba Diving
EmpowHer’s E-STEAM program includes scuba training to deepen girls’ understanding of marine biology and build resilience. Certified participants can join a 10-day capstone project in French Polynesia with the Tetiaroa Society, studying coral reefs alongside scientists. “Scuba challenges them to step out of their comfort zones and gain marketable skills,” Dawn explains.
Measurable Success
EmpowHer’s impact is clear:
• 100% of middle school participants advance to high school.
• 100% of high school participants graduate and are accepted into college.
• 80% of college-bound participants pursue STEAM careers.
EmpowHer also tracks improved classroom behavior and increased aspirations for higher education.
Mentorship as a Cornerstone
EmpowHer recruits 150 volunteer mentors through partnerships and outreach. Mentors provide monthly group sessions, guiding girls through personal and academic challenges. “Representation matters,” Dawn notes. “When girls see successful women in their fields, it confirms that they can achieve their goals.”
A Message for Women’s History Month
“Empowering young women is key to building a thriving society,” Dawn says. “To young women: recognize your worth and pursue your goals relentlessly. To the community: create environments that nurture and support young women’s aspirations. Investing in their success ensures they become the leaders and innovators of tomorrow.”
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