The BeaYOUtiful Foundation has over 200 volunteers, mentors and soul sisters. These are just six of the soul sisters from BeaYOUtiful at their Self-Esteem and Leadership Event in Calgary, Alberta. (Minaal Adnan, CMRU.ca)
In a world where the confidence of young girls is often tested, understanding the challenges they face becomes imperative. A study by the Ypulse research group and the authors of The Confidence Code for Girls reveals a common struggle with reduced confidence levels, notably marked by a significant 30 per cent decline among girls aged 8 to 14. The BeaYOUtiful Foundation stands as a role model for empowerment and self-worth. At the age of 17, Taylor Hui started this nationally recognized Canadian charity, which has evolved from a passion project into a transformative movement. It is dedicated to instilling confidence in girls aged 8 to 14 through a range of national programs and events.
A passion project turned national movement
Taylor Hui’s journey began with a pilot program in Surrey, BC, where the success was evident as girls built new friendships and grew in confidence through mentorship. Recognizing the potential impact, Taylor expanded the programs with support from the Surrey School Board. Now, BeaYOUtiful positively impacts over 2,500 girls nationally.
Building confidence through unique programs
The BeaYOUtiful Foundation offers a range of programs, including 4-6 week sessions, one-day workshops, and online programs that delve into various confidence-building topics. Inspired By HER, the foundation’s free nationwide annual event, welcomes over 150 girls, fostering self-love and mentorship to build the next generation of confident women.
Key Programmatic Offerings:
- 4-6 Week Sessions: Covering positive body image, media literacy, mental health, bullying, leadership, and artistic expression.
- HER Conference: An annual female empowerment conference welcoming over 150 girls, fostering self-love and mentorship.
- Mentorship Model: Unique integration of group classes with local one-on-one mentorship sessions by mentors aged 18 to 40.
This is what two mentees who have attended BeaYOUtiful classes and workshops have to say about their firsthand experiences and transformation in confidence and self-esteem development.
Inclusiveness at BeaYOUtiful
The BeaYOUtiful Foundation also proudly embraces inclusivity, providing a welcoming space for individuals who identify as female. A mentor and soul sister from the foundation, Ashley Meagher, explains, “We try to use language like identifying females or identifying girls, and we want everyone to feel like they are welcome here.” This commitment ensures that the foundation’s transformative programs cater to the diverse needs of every participant, fostering a community where differences are celebrated. By recognizing and valuing the unique experiences of all girls, BeaYOUtiful stands as a light of empowerment for a generation of confident, inclusive young women.
Unique approach to mentorship
What sets BeaYOUtiful apart is its integration of group classes with local one-on-one mentorship sessions. Mentors, also known as soul sisters, aged 18 to 40, bridge the age gap, creating a sisterhood bond that lasts for years. Ashley Meagher states that soul sisters are a “ role model to [the girls]… [They talk about] what it means to be a girl, what it means to show confidence, to work, and grow through challenges.”
Volunteer mentor and soul sister Ashley Meagher shares insights on the foundation. Shedding light on her perspectives on how BeaYOUtiful has influenced her life and how she contributes to the foundation’s mission. Gain a deeper understanding of the mentor’s commitment to the foundation’s mission and how she actively contributes to fostering confidence in the next generation of young women.
BeaYOUtiful’s impactful initiatives include:
- Positive body image programs
- Media literacy workshops
- Mental health awareness sessions
- Leadership development courses
- Artistic expression workshops
- Goal-setting strategies
Mentorship for empowerment
Mentorship is a cornerstone of BeaYOUtiful’s impact. By bringing together inspiring women and young girls, the foundation fosters positive role models through programs and workshops. The foundation aims to create a positive social impact, inspiring girls to believe in their unique power and become empowering leaders in their communities. Through innovative programs, BeaYOUtiful is shaping a future where every girl can confidently take up space and be treated with kindness and respect.
The following video takes a deeper look at a self-esteem and leadership event held by the BeaYOUtiful Foundation. Gain a comprehensive look at the event’s intricacies, the engaged participants, and the impactful moments that unfold. This video offers a unique perspective on the foundation’s commitment to creating respectful spaces for girls and fostering leadership skills through empowering events.
Personal reflection: Empowering voices, transforming lives
Through this storytelling project, I have had the privilege of putting myself in the empowering story of the BeaYOUtiful Foundation. As I delved into the stories of young girls finding confidence and self-worth, as well as the dedicated mentors like Ashley shaping their journeys, I witnessed the deep impact this organization has on the community at large.
The BeaYOUtiful Foundation doesn’t only create events; it fosters a supportive environment where inclusivity, mentorship, and empowerment flourish. The impact is clear; each mentee becomes a source of confidence in her own way. This project has allowed me to capture the essence of this transformation, highlighting the foundation’s commitment to building a generation of resilient and empowered young women.
In engaging with individuals for interviews like Ashley Meagher, Melina Cekic, and Allysha Nicole, I have seen firsthand the passion that fuels BeaYOUtiful’s mission. Their commitment resonates in the mentees’ interview and the mentors’ perspectives. The community benefits from a foundation that goes beyond traditional empowerment, emphasizing the importance of individual definition and celebration of diversity.
Personally, this project has been a journey of understanding. It reinforced the idea that storytelling is a powerful tool for social change. The stories shared by the BeaYOUtiful community highlight the significance of fostering self-worth in the formative years. As a storyteller, I’ve gained not only a deeper understanding of the foundation’s impact but also a renewed appreciation for the resilience and potential within every young girl.
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