What Pretty & Powerful Means
Pretty & Powerful is more than a campaign—it’s a movement. We shine a light on girls who are doing amazing work, using their voices, talents, and hearts to uplift their communities. Through this campaign, we affirm that a girl’s beauty is found in her confidence, character, and courage.
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Celebrates girls making a positive community impact
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Encourages confidence, leadership, and self-expression
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Honors real stories and real accomplishments
Who We’re Celebrating
Do you know a girl who is doing incredible things? Pretty & Powerful nominations are open to girls who demonstrate leadership, service, creativity, or resilience.
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Community involvement or service
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Leadership in school, church, or organizations
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Entrepreneurship, creativity, or advocacy
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A positive role model to her peers
Real Girls. Real Stories. Real Voices.
Every girl has a story worth telling. Through Pretty & Powerful, we uplift authentic voices and remind girls everywhere that their impact matters—right now, exactly as they are.
Testimonials
"I had an amazing time."
Keisha T., attendee
"I would volunteer again! I feel empowered."
Stephanie C., volunteer
"I feel more confident."
Rochelle M., attendee
"I learned that we must continue to rise even when the odds are stacked against us."
Marquita M.
"I was called to do this work."
Venus Alexandria, founder
"I enjoyed the presenters. I also think the venue was great for this event. "
Stephanie R.
"I learned about cyber bullying. I also learned that it’s very important to love yourself. "
Kyra M.
"I learned that I have to stand up for myself, and that I am important."
Alivia B.
"There wasn’t a dull moment throughout the entire day! I learned that you should always be confident, and when you need help just ask!"
Kamiya C.
Meet the Founder
Hi! My name is Venus Alexandria.
My mantra, Keep Rising!
Venus Alexandria Ferguson is an award-winning philanthropist, visionary leader, and the founder of Keep Rising! Empowerment Summit for Girls, a transformative initiative dedicated to empowering, inspiring, and equipping girls to realize her full potential.
Our Mission!
Nurturing Confidence and Leadership
The mission of Keep Rising! Empowerment Summit for Girls is to nurture and develop girls aged 13-18, ensuring they feel empowered, supported, and uplifted. Through targeted workshops, we aim to enhance the lives of girls by providing them with valuable skills and knowledge.
5 Pillars of Success
LEADERSHIP
SELF-ESTEEM
MENTAL HEALTH
ENTREPRENEURSHIP
FINANCIAL LITERACY
Select each pillar to learn more.
Keep Rising! centers its summit around five critical pillars of success: mental health, leadership, self-esteem, entrepreneurship and financial literacy. Through these pillars, Keep Rising! aims to equip young girls with the tools and confidence they need to thrive in their personal lives.
Through these five pillars of success, Keep Rising! creates a comprehensive support system that empowers girls to reach their full potential and become confident and capable leaders in their communities and beyond.
As we become a part of the international dialogue surrounding the intellectual, spiritual and mental make-up of girls, Keep Rising! will continue to be a part of the positive impact in the lives of girls in our community and around the world.
Financial Literacy
Teaching financial literacy to girls equips them with essential money management skills, promote economic independence and informed financial decision making.
Mental Health
At Keep Rising! we recognize the crucial importance of educating girls about mental health. With the direction of subject-matter experts, workshops are conducted in a supportive environment that helps girls prioritize the cultivation of emotional resilience self-care practices and strategies for managing stress and anxiety.
Self-Esteem
Nurturing self-esteem is at the heart of our mission. Through transformative workshops, empowering discussions and supportive environments, we prioritize the cultivation of self-love, confidence and resilience.
Leadership
Leadership takes center-stage at Keep Rising! We empower girls to step into their roles as change-makers and influencers. Through engaging workshops and hands-on activities, girls will discover the transformative power of leadership and learn valuable skills to lead with confidence, integrity and empathy.
Entrepreneurship
At Keep Rising! we understand the importance of exposing girls to the principles of entrepreneurship. We know that entrepreneurship fosters innovation, confidence and financial independence, equipping them with skills to navigate and succeed in future careers and challenges.
Empowering Girls to Dream Big:
At Keep Rising! Empowerment Summit for Girls, we inspire young minds to build confidence and pursue their dreams. We believe every girl has unique potential, we strive to help them realize it through engaging activities and discussions. Our summit provides a platform for girls to explore their passions, overcome challenges, and set ambitious goals.
Interactive Workshops
Creative & Entrepreneurial Skills
Inspiring Mentors
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Alicia Quarles
There is a reason Cosmopolitan named Alicia Quarles as one of the 50 forces who are, "the most forward-thinking, disruptive in all the right ways, rocking our minds and hearts, moving the world in the right direction people we know." Quarles is featured in their 50th anniversary issue alongside Hillary Clinton, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Jessica Alba, Ava DuVernay, theSkimm founders and Taylor Swift (just to name a few from the list). Quarles is the executive producer and co-host of, "Positively Charlotte." Prior to joining QC News, she worked for Good Morning America 3 and ABC News, primarily covering lifestyle and entertainment. Quarles served as the Senior News Correspondent for five years for DailyMail TV, where she won an Emmy for her work. Prior to that, she previously worked as a correspondent for E! News (NBC). Quarles joined E from the Associated Press where she was the Global Entertainment and Lifestyles Editor, overseeing a staff of more than 60 people. Quarles was also recently named as one of Cablefax Media's, "Most Powerful Women in Media."
Follow her on Instagram @AliciaLQuarles
EVENT DJ
Our event DJ brings energy, excitement, and positivity to the Keep Rising! Empowerment Summit for Girls. With an uplifting mix of music, they create a fun and inspiring atmosphere that keeps the momentum going throughout the day.
What to Expect:
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High-Energy Beats: Music that motivates, empowers, and uplifts attendees.
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Engaging Experience: A dynamic playlist to keep the energy high between sessions.
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Interactive Fun: Encouraging participation through music and movement.
Get ready to dance, celebrate, and enjoy a soundtrack that fuels confidence and empowerment!
DJ Ace
Creating a positive impact...
Media
Explore our media section to stay updated on the latest news, events, and stories from Keep Rising! Empowerment Summit for Girls. Discover inspiring videos, interviews, and articles showcasing our impact and the amazing journeys of the girls we empower. Follow us on social media for regular updates and join our community in celebrating the achievements of young women as they rise to their full potential.
THE POWER WITHIN ME:
A Keep Rising! Girls' Guide to Loving Herself
You have the power, and it's within you. The Power Within Me: A Keep Rising Girls' Guide to Loving Herself is an interactive book that encourages girls to explore their feelings and overcome specific insecurities. Each section will help girls explore a deeper understanding of who they are and who they aspire to be.
Celebrate a Pretty & Powerful Girl
Pretty & Powerful is a Keep Rising! campaign dedicated to amplifying girls’ voices and honoring their accomplishments. We’re shining a spotlight on girls who are making a difference in their communities through leadership, service, creativity, and courage.
Do you know a girl who deserves to be celebrated? Help us uplift her story and remind her that she is powerful, confident, and seen.
