On Sunday, May 4, 2025, Empowerment Resources, Inc. gathered for a sweet and spirited celebration: the 21st Annual Journey Into Womanhood (JIW) Awards Celebration. Held at Sweet Pete’s Candy in downtown Jacksonville, this milestone event honored the achievements, growth, and resilience of the young ladies who completed the 25-week Journey Into Womanhood program.
This year’s theme, “Empowering Girls, One Sweet Success at a Time,” was brought to life in a vibrant, candy-colored setting, perfectly reflecting the joy and ambition of the girls being celebrated. With family, friends, mentors, and community members in attendance, the event served as a powerful reminder of the impact that dedication and community support can have on shaping confident, capable young women.
Among the evening’s highlights was the recognition of Skylar Davis and Zion Stanford, both of whom have been part of the JIW program longer than the average six-year journey. Their commitment and leadership were recognized with scholarships to support their next steps in higher education—Skylar at Louisiana State University on a pre-med track and Zion at Tuskegee University.
Twenty-seven girls, ages 9 to 18, were celebrated for successfully completing the program this year. Guests were treated to an inspiring keynote address from Kennedy Hill, a Jacksonville native and senior mathematics major at Florida A&M University, who encouraged the girls to embrace their uniqueness, pursue their passions, and find joy in growth and ambition.
Returning to the stage as emcee was News4Jax Anchor Brianna Andrews, who brought her signature energy and warmth, helping make the celebration all the more memorable.
The Journey Into Womanhood program is a 25-week rite of passage that introduces girls to the “12 Vital Aspects” of life through workshops, enrichment trips, mentoring, and community service. Topics range from self-worth and leadership to health, academic achievement, and financial literacy—all designed to help girls transition into empowered young women.
“This was another great year as we celebrated 21 years of sweet success. Reflecting on the journey, we were proud to see one graduate, Zion, whose sister also completed the program—marking a special family legacy. Even sweeter, we welcomed our very first generational JIW girl into the program. How sweet is that?”, said Elexia Coleman-Moss, executive Director and Founder of Empowerment Resources Inc.
The success of the JIW program wouldn’t be possible without the support of community sponsors, dedicated volunteers, and alumni who return year after year to give back as mentors. Over the past 21 years, Empowerment Resources has awarded more than $20,000 in scholarships, and the program boasts an impressive 93% college or military enrollment rate.
Author: Maria G.
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