We are excited to announce our first cohort for the Prince George’s County Rock Star Fund, a program under our Young Women’s Initiative. This expansion into Prince George’s County, Maryland, aims to empower young women and gender-expansive youth of color aged 12-24.
This year, five outstanding individuals were selected through our participatory grantmaking process, each bringing a unique vision and project that aligns with our Blueprint for Action.
With a one-time grant of $2,000, our goal is to nurture the leadership potential of these young changemakers and support their efforts to make a positive impact in our community. We are inspired by their dedication and enthusiasm to create lasting change and look forward to witnessing the incredible contributions they will make.
Meet our Prince George’s County cohort and learn more about their projects below!
Name: Sydnie Collins
Age: 19
What inspired you to apply for the Rock Star Fund, and what does it mean to you to have received this grant?
I am the manifestation of my ancestor’s wildest dream and a direct reflection of their unwavering spirit. In a culture where we struggle to survive, it is my most significant challenge to not buy into the idea that the Supreme Court rulings or decisions are potentially hindering the investment of organizations similar to the mission of Fearless Fund to fund black women’s businesses solely. And because I stand on the shoulders of those who came before me, I am creating what you don’t see, and my reality isn’t the reality of the naysayers, which means there is no room to cut corners in knowing my worth and values by exercising my power. The Rock Star grant opens the door for Perfect Timing Organization to move forward and serve underrepresented communities with tools that help them reach their full potential and remove the stigma hindering black youth growth without having a gap in the program due to being a grant recipient.
Tell us about your project and how you believe it will make a difference in our community.
Through advocacy with Perfect Timing Organization, our mission leads efforts to drive social impact by inspiring, educating, and empowering Generation Z through character-building, innovation, critical thinking, and community collaboration. I service youth through digital media, podcasts, community outreach, and celebrating and cultivating youth change agents to create a global impact. The purpose is to provide accessibility to education, training, entrepreneurs, authors, internships, arts, mentorship, health and wellness, financial literacy, and social and civic opportunities to maximize their personal development and leadership skills. Perfect Timing Organization aims to change the narrative surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion. I intentionally teach underrepresented individuals who look like me about coming from a place of value and service. I believe investing in yourself will make a difference in personal growth and, in turn, will be a reflection in the community.
If you could describe your project in one emoji, what would it be…and why?
🌳 – I envision my project as a tree, symbolizing the fullness of eternal life God wishes us all to have. Making tree knowledge easily accessible can transform our mindsets about good and evil and living and eating for eternity.
What advice would you give to other young women interested in pursuing their own community-change project or initiative?
As someone who has struggled with anxiety and depression, I would advise them that we are our own advocates, and their community change project or initiative should reflect their passion. My adversity became joy when I leaned more into my strongest attribute, resilience. My advice to them would be: “Do not fear failure but be terrified of regret” and “It’s not where you start but where you finish that count.”—Zig Ziglar.
How do you see your project fitting into the larger movement for women’s empowerment and gender equality?
I recognize the importance of peer-to-peer influence, and I will develop a program surrounding topics to inspire, empower, and initiate change within self and the community. I help girls identify, define, and embrace their unique values, leaving a lasting impact on their personal growth and professional development. The mind is the greatest asset, and if we transform how we think, we can level up and invest in ourselves while impacting the world.
If you could have any superpower, what would it be, and how would you use it to make a difference in the world?
If I could have any superpower, it would be X-ray vision. By this, I mean the ability to see beyond the surface, to understand the hidden struggles and pain that youth are living with. I would use this ‘superpower’ to help protect youth who are living in silence and masking up because they’re the victims of domestic violence, bullying, and sex trafficking.
Name: Favour Gam
Age: 18
What inspired you to apply for the Rock Star Fund, and what does it mean to you to have received this grant?
I am so grateful to have received the award. My inspiration to apply for the Rock Star Fund was due to what I felt I could provide to my community. From a young age, I have always had a love for literature and writing. It has been my platform of comfort and expression. I want to share my talents and attributes in hopes that my words can be a force of motivation and change. This grant will be instrumental in transforming my vision into reality by providing me with the necessary resources to execute this project.
Tell us about your project and how you believe it will make a difference in our community.
My project is a book that will encapsulate the common experiences that unrepresented girls and women face as they pursue secondary education. Additionally, it will provide the necessary insights toward success throughout their academic journey. I believe this project will make a difference in our community by providing underrepresented women a platform that makes them feel heard and understood. Additionally, it will give them specific insights and skillsets, fostering a supportive intellectual space that encourages academic and personal growth.
If you could describe your project in one emoji, what would it be…and why?
🐣 – If I could describe my project in one emoji, it would be a hatching bird. This project signifies my dedication to helping women maximize their potential as they pursue post-secondary education. I hope that young women can shed the shells of self-doubt and societal pressures that may hinder them from pursuing what they intend to pursue. It also signifies how my passion for reading and writing has been well-nested and is ready to hatch through writing this book!
What advice would you give to other young women interested in pursuing their own community-change project or initiative?
The advice I would give to other young women is to stay true to your passions. If you believe you have a project that you feel would benefit the lives of others, pursue it regardless. Your talents can touch the hearts of others and inspire change. You have much you can provide even if you don’t realize it in the immediate moment.
How do you see your project fitting into the larger movement for women’s empowerment and gender equality?
This project favors women’s empowerment and gender equality by raising awareness about representation and the need for increased accessible spaces. Black women are often underrepresented in educational environments, which restricts their access to essential resources and skill sets needed to thrive. This lack of representation can lead to a range of negative emotions, including resentment, internal rage, and self-doubt. In a larger context, societal structures frequently attempt to silence our voices, limit our progress, and confine the spaces we occupy. Through my project, I hope to shed light on the shared experiences faced by women, specifically within academia.
If you could have any superpower, what would it be, and how would you use it to make a difference in the world?
If I had a superpower, it would be precognitive vocifery – the ability to speak things into existence. This superpower would allow me to correct injustices and flaws in the world through my words alone. To some extent, we already possess this ability; affirmations are a powerful way to bring positivity into our lives. By harnessing the full potential of this superpower, I could affect profound changes, promoting justice and equality simply through the power of speech.
Name: Nina-Simone Hunter
Age: 18
What inspired you to apply for the Rock Star Fund, and what does it mean to you to have received this grant?
As a summer developmental intern for IMPACTdmv, a local non-profit dedicated to helping students achieve their academic and career goals, I was inspired by my executive director to apply for the Rock Star Fund. This fund would allow me to pay it forward to students who shared my experiences. In our current fundraising efforts, the Rock Star Fund presented the perfect opportunity to support my journey as an intern and to help students access resources that will significantly impact their college application process. Receiving this grant means everything to me, as it will change the lives of 60 students by providing them with robust resources through my project.
Tell us about your project and how you believe it will make a difference in our community.
IMPACT Your Acceptance (IYA), a program offered by IMPACTdmv, serves as a substantial leadership institute, making college goals easily attainable. Driven to expand IYA’s reach and impact, I help lead the development of our newest initiative, College Camp (CC). CC is an accessible online learning platform offering interactive modules and college planning templates. Our program will help equip students in the DMV area with essential skills and knowledge to navigate the complex college application process, maximizing their potential for admission to their top-choice institutions and unlocking a future filled with boundless possibilities.
If you could describe your project in one emoji, what would it be…and why?
🤩 – This emoji depicts not only how outsiders view our amazing students but also how students will see themselves as they navigate and conquer the college application process with newfound confidence.
What advice would you give to other young women interested in pursuing their own community-change project or initiative?
Begin by identifying a clear need within your community, as I did with the college application challenges faced by underserved students in the DMV area. Leverage your personal experiences and challenges as a source of inspiration and strength. Seek out mentors and resources, like I did with IMPACTdmv, to help guide and support your initiative. Most importantly, never hesitate to approach organizations like the Rock Star Fund for financial support to realize your ideas and significantly improve the lives of others.
How do you see your project fitting into the larger movement for women’s empowerment and gender equality?
According to current studies, “Black women are significantly less likely than white women to enroll in four-year colleges, graduate within six years, and go on to earn advanced degrees.” My project fits into the larger movement for women’s empowerment and gender equality by providing underserved young women with the resources, support, and confidence they need to pursue higher education. By addressing the unique challenges faced by minority and first-generation college students, particularly young women, we are generating a sense of empowerment and self-efficacy. The skills and knowledge gained through College Camp will help these young women break barriers and achieve their academic and career goals, contributing to greater gender equality and social mobility in our community.
If you could have any superpower, what would it be, and how would you use it to make a difference in the world?
Clairvoyance. With the ability to foresee future events and outcomes, I could guide students more effectively through the processes that will determine their success. This power would allow me to anticipate challenges and opportunities, ensuring that students worldwide receive the right resources and support at the perfect time.
Name: Alexis Proctor
Age: 19
What inspired you to apply for the Rock Star Fund, and what does it mean to you to have received this grant?
I was inspired to apply for the Rock Star Fund because I had an idea of how I could help girls in my community, but I lacked the resources. The Rock Star Fund gives me an opportunity to successfully implement my idea and have a true impact. Receiving this grant puts me ten steps closer to publishing my workbook, which was a major hurdle for me and moving forward with my workshops. I’m truly honored and thankful for this opportunity.
Tell us about your project and how you believe it will make a difference in our community.
I plan to launch workshops for young women about issues they experience and publish an accompanied workbook. Specifically, I want to provide a safe space for young women to talk openly about their experiences and build a sisterhood, create a web series with skits covering these relatable topics, and develop a workbook that can be shared with the community exploring topics in the workshop. I believe my workshops will make a difference by providing an opportunity for self-reflection and mindfulness, helping young women develop a deeper understanding of themselves, their values, and their goals. Additionally, I would like to provide them with the tools to share within their communities, helping to educate and uplift others.
If you could describe your project in one emoji, what would it be…and why?
🔑 – I would use the key emoji, as my workshops and workbooks would provide the key to opening discussions. They would provide a safe space to learn and discover new ideas and insights, empowering young women to unlock their potential and expand their thoughts around themselves and issues that impact them today.
What advice would you give to other young women interested in pursuing their own community-change project or initiative?
I would share that every small action can create impact and change, so start wherever you are and take one step at a time toward your goals. I would also tell them not to be afraid to share their project idea with people they trust, as they never know who can help them bring their community-change idea to reality. I shared mine with my mentor, and he sent me the application to the Rock Star Fund. Lastly, I would say believe in yourself and go for it!
How do you see your project fitting into the larger movement for women’s empowerment and gender equality?
My project will provide a platform for young women to feel safe to have real discussions and also share their experiences. If comfortable and with their permission, I would like to turn their stories into a short-scripted series that can be used to educate others coming behind us so they avoid making some of the same mistakes or experiences and can learn to make better choices and communicate. I really want to give a voice to the voiceless and educate others in an entertaining way while also breaking stereotypes surrounding gender and race.
If you could have any superpower, what would it be, and how would you use it to make a difference in the world?
If I could have any superpower, I’d choose the ability to heal. I would love to have the ability to help people both physically and emotionally. Specifically, being able to soothe emotional wounds with just a touch. I believe a lot of people don’t go after their dreams or pursue their goals because of deep emotional damage, and I would like to take those things away from them, healing their insecurities.
Name: Kayla Savoy
Age: 23
What inspired you to apply for the Rock Star Fund, and what does it mean to you to have received this grant?
The Rock Star Fund was my first introduction to the world of grants, and I was immediately drawn to its mission of advancing young women in the DMV area! The fund’s commitment perfectly aligns with the vision I have for The Rose-Tinted, which focuses on elevating black art and ensuring accessible and affordable representation for women of color. Receiving this grant has not only boosted my confidence but also reaffirmed the importance of advocating for marginalized voices and proper representation. It means a lot to have the support of an organization that shares these values!
Tell us about your project and how you believe it will make a difference in our community.
At The Rose-Tinted, we are driven by a vision to expand the boundaries of inclusivity in art, curate affordable events that foster connection, and collaborate with small businesses. With artist talks, networking events, and more, we hope to bring our community together to uplift one another and provide support to local organizations!
If you could describe your project in one emoji, what would it be…and why?
🌱- As a plant mom and deep believer in personal growth, I can think of no better emoji to describe the Rose-Tinted! When I first created the Rose-Tinted I thought nonstop about accessibility and amplifying unheard voices in the Art community. I think there should be no shortage of opportunities that allow anyone to grow into their best and favorite selves, especially when it comes to art!
What advice would you give to other young women interested in pursuing their own community-change project or initiative?
To the young women out there – the change starts with you! Don’t let your vision collect dust! Make a plan, get excited, write it down, and take small and big leaps!! Your vision is worth the investment and there are so many resources out there for you. Also, don’t forget the importance of building community. Community unlocks new opportunities and perspectives we may have never considered before!
How do you see your project fitting into the larger movement for women’s empowerment and gender equality?
The Rose-Tinted is part of a larger movement dedicated to women empowerment and gender equality, striving to amplify women of color in the arts and provide accessible resources for women of color. By aligning with initiatives like the Rock Star Fund, The Rose-Tinted contributes to a growing network of organizations that champion the visibility and advancement of young women in the DMV area and beyond.
If you could have any superpower, what would it be, and how would you use it to make a difference in the world?
If I could have any superpower, it would be the power of flight or teleportation. I would use my new power to travel to new parts of the world (I’ve only gone outside of the U.S. once!) and bring a spotlight to different cultures and art! I’d love to travel to learn more about different cultures and make those experiences accessible to others!
