The Young Women’s Initiative (YWI) is a national initiative of prominent women’s foundations to ensure all young women—particularly young women of color—lead, prosper economically, and live safe and healthy lives.
Our comprehensive strategy to achieve YWI’s mission in Washington, D.C. and Prince George's County, Maryland includes:
We engage young women and gender-expansive youth of color as agents of change in their communities through participatory grantmaking by our Rock Star Fund.
We provide flexible and reliable funds to organizations building youth's voice, power, and leadership to advance gender equity and racial justice.
We support coalitions and groups advocating for policies and practices that center the needs and solutions of young women and gender-expansive youth of color.
The Blueprint, developed by young women of color, provides key recommendations for policy and practice changes to help young women thrive in DC.
While our work has evolved, it remains an important resource, outlining shifts in systems, culture, procedures, programs, and policymaking.
Launched in 2019, the Rock Star Fund is an innovative participatory grantmaking program that amplifies the voices of young women, girls, and gender-expansive youth of color in Washington, D.C. and Prince George’s County, Maryland. Through our partnership with our grantee partners, its youth review applications, and select awardees on our behalf, advancing gender and racial equity while channeling more funds directly to grassroots initiatives.
Since 2019, our Young Women’s Initiative has:
Provided over $90,000 in seed funding to Rock Stars.
Awarded 46 young women and gender-expansive youth of color allowing them to invest in their own learning, leadership, and community projects.
Strengthened and amplified leadership and advocacy skills of over 300 young women and gender expansive youth of color in DC and provided opportunities for them lead change.
Given funding to launch the DC Girls’ Coalition, the only coalition in DC that centers the leadership and addresses the needs of young women and gender expansive youth of color.
Expanded into Prince George’s County, Maryland in 2024.
Uplifted the voices and priorities of young women and gender-expansive youth of color in D.C. and Prince George’s County, Maryland through our Blueprint for Action.
Kaitlyn will launch "Policy Pioneers," a mentorship and policy-training program for women.
De'Nayia will create a space for youth, especially those from underserved communities, an outlet for self-expression through theatre, visual arts, and storytelling.
Teonna Xeon will create an after-school space for teens of color to study, socialize, and explore new learning opportunities.
Jaelyn will create a space that promotes self-confidence, mental well-being, and educational growth for plus-sized young girls.
Aniya will host a youth conference to equip young people with practical skills and knowledge to navigate financial systems, launch their own ventures, and contribute to economic growth.
Ssanyu will expand the impact of her non-profit, “Brown Kids Read,” an initiative that combats the lack of diversity in children’s literature.
Amani will develop “Pose with Purpose,” empowering young women through yoga, nutrition, and self-esteem workshops to foster confidence and well-being.
Debkanya will expand “Mixing the Future (MXTF) 2025,” a program empowering young women of color in music production.
Serenity will empower Black women through hair care education, product accessibility, and turning their passion into a business.
Sydnie will engage youth in digital media, using social-first strategies and communication skills to foster community change and development.
Favour will develop a program and publish "For Colored College Girls," encouraging young Black girls to engage with literature that amplifies marginalized voices.
Nina-Simone will expand College Camp, an accessible online learning platform with interactive modules and college planning templates curriculum.
Alexis will launch workshops for young women regarding issues they face and publish an accompanying workbook.
Kayla will host workshops at Rose-Tinted, an inclusive, woman-owned art and design studio dedicated to celebrating women of color through representative art and stationery.
Interested in learning more about the Young Women’s Initiative or our Rock Star Fund?
Contact our Program Officer, Chika Onwuvuche!
Washington Area Women’s Foundation mobilizes our community to ensure that economically vulnerable women and girls of color in the Washington, D.C. region have the resources they need to thrive. Since 1998, The Women’s Foundation has worked to transform the lives of women and girls in our region and across the world.
© 2023 Washington Area Women’s Foundation
© 2025 Washington Area Women’s Foundation
