On day one of the G.O.O.D for Girls, Inc. MVP – My Voice Personified summer workshop, students weren’t just asked to show up — they were invited to show up as themselves. With advocacy, values, and reflection at the heart of the weeklong program, rising sixth through eighth grade girls embarked on a journey of self-discovery, led by Founder and Executive Director Lori Stephens.
“This is about using your voice and creating content with purpose,” Ms. Stephens told participants. “Our hope is that you’ll be enthusiastic about finding your voice — and being heard.”
Throughout the week, students explored how to tell their stories through digital platforms, guided by Social Media Manager Chloe Wareham-Gordon. Using advanced Canva tools, they created quote graphics, personal vlogs, and public service announcements that reflected their values and the causes they care about most.
Each student developed a personal brand identity kit — selecting colors, fonts, and imagery to represent their aesthetic and ideals. Naima, a rising freshman, chose positivity as her core value. She explained her design choices: “Having a positive mindset helps you move forward. If you think negatively, you stay stuck in a fixed mindset.”
By the end of the week, students had transformed their ideas into powerful visual messages about mindfulness, perseverance, joy, and the importance of letting go. WMHS student Serena’s quote graphic read, “Learn to let go of the things you cannot change,” reminding her peers that while we cannot undo the past, we can always shape the present.
“We are so proud that this program allowed us to create a space where our Grades 6–8 girls can feel empowered, creative, and safe,” said Dr. Ogechi Iwuoha Njoku, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction, Programs, and Personnel.
The G.O.O.D for Girls, Inc. MVP program ran in conjunction with the My Brother’s Keeper (MBK) Full STEAM Ahead Summer Program, which held its closing ceremony earlier this week.
“The success of both our summer programs would not have been possible without the dedication of our MBK mentors — Mr. Greaves, Dr. Foy, and Ms. Lwgana — and special partnerships with G.O.O.D for Girls, Inc. and Play Pattern,” said Dr. Njoku. “The care and intention behind each program were clearly evident, and the impact deeply felt.”
Experience the MVP G.O.O.D. for Girls, Inc. summer workshop in action. Check out our video HERE: