Meet Rasheda Williams | Social entrepreneur and mentoring advocate

We had the good fortune of connecting with Rasheda Williams and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Rasheda, what do you want people to remember about you?
I want to be remembered as someone who empowered others to live their dreams. I truly am filled and fulfilled by helping people, especially those who may have experienced trauma, challenges or setbacks. I want every human regardless of their age, gender, economic status or orientation to know that their dreams matter and they are achievable.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am a mentor turned social entrepreneur with a passion for helping young people live above life’s drama – from cyberbulling to societal pressure – to make a powerful difference in the world. I have dedicated the past 20 years of my life to helping youth and those who work with youth to realize their personal power and use it to for good. Empowered Flower Girl is a result of this passion as well as my experiences growing up being teased and bullied relentlessly. I got through it with the help of trusted adults, including my English teacher, as well as belief in myself. I wanted to do something to help the young people I mentored and worked with in the community. I lauched my company in 2010 and continue the work – even when times have been hard.

Empowered Flower Girl partners with schools, community organizations and individuals who are committed to inspiring the next generation of change makers and social entrepreneurs. Our workshops and programs are designed to increase empathy and self esteem among youth and give tools and resources to youth advocates (teachers, counselors, afterschool program providers, mentors, etc.).

Empowered Flower Girl supports youth and young adults by showcasing their work. Through our She’s EmPOWERed program, we uplift youth making a positive difference and those who are using their gifts to bring joy to others. Additionally, we have hosted the “Be the Impact Summit” to inspire young people to use their passion to create change in their communities and beyond

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
As a dance enthusiast, I would definitely take my friend on day and nightlife excursions around the Detroit area. I actually recently entertained guests from Western Canada who had never been to Detroit. I took them to the city’s award-winning riverfront and showed them some of Detroit’s amazing natural resources.

But anyone who is a friend of mine, knows I love to explore new or nestled spots with great views, lively spirits and room for dancing, when possible. My go-to spot for dancing and positive energy is Spotlite Detroit. I also frequent Griot Music Lounge for a chilled, groovy vibe. If I’m feeling artsy and thirsty for a cocktail, it’s over to MOCAD. There are so many places I could name, like the Avenue of Fashion, which is a great destination for restaurants, retail and music

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are so many amazing people in my circle. I am truly blessed to have supportive friends, colleagues and teachers who’ve made a significant impact. But one of the people who I want to recognize, who mentored me, who believed in me and recognized my talents early in life is my fourth-fifth grader teacher Mr. Clarence Hayes. I don’t know where he is these days but he made a powerful difference in the lives of many of his students. He entered my writing into a city-wide contest. I was shy about writing the piece at first. But I was selected as a finalist and chosen to read my writing aloud at the Detroit Institute of Arts. That was a pivotal moment for me. After that, he entered more of my work in contests and I won. I believe he is the reason why I decided to pursue public/motivational speaking and a career in journalism.

Website: www.empoweredflowergirl.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/empoweredflowergirl

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/rashedawilliams

Facebook: www.facebook.com/empoweredflowergirl