Welcome to Empowering Young Voices (EYV), a transformative mentoring program catering to girls and gender-expansive youth of color.

Empowering Young Voices (EYV) Mentoring for the Arts is a program designed for girls and gender-expansive youth of color with an emphasis on building confidence, social emotional development, life skills, and leadership through the arts.

Based in the vibrant Columbus' Near East Side and in collaboration with the Beatty Community Center, EYV aims to break down economic and race-based gender barriers by providing youth with professional, culturally informed instruction and mentoring from women of color artists and educators.

Summer Program: Arts Education

During our engaging summer program, our youth have the unique opportunity to work directly with professional artists in their chosen disciplines. Through hands-on guidance and encouragement, they prepare for an inspiring showcase that brings together their art, dance, music, and poetry. This empowering experience allows them to shine brightly on stage, expressing their creativity and sharing their unique stories with the world.

School Year: Empowering Conversations and Outings

Throughout the school year (September to May), EYV continues its impactful mentoring activities with bi-monthly meetings in mentoring circles, coupled with inspiring arts outings. These outings showcase the talents of BIPOC women, girls, and gender-expansive artist-leaders of color, offering our youth valuable exposure and inspiration.

We believe in the ability of all girls to succeed.

We stand against racism, sexism, classism, heterosexism, and all forms of oppression.

We seek to understand issues facing minoritized youth.

We strive to build relationships and facilitate conversations with youth in a loving and respectful way.

Through mentoring sessions, outings, visual and performing arts instruction, we build meaningful relationships, a community of aspiring arts leaders and support for youth in our community.

Join Us and Discover Your Voice

At EYV, we wholeheartedly believe in the power of artistic expression and the potential it holds for personal growth. Whether through visual art, poetry, singing, dance, or acting, our program encourages each participant to explore and develop their unique talents. With the support of professional artists and mentors, they find their voices and gain the confidence to share their art with pride.

Be a Part of Empowering Young Voices

We warmly invite all girls and gender-expansive youth of color aged 8-18 to join us on this incredible journey of empowerment. Discover your true potential, embrace your creativity, and become part of a community that believes in your dreams and celebrates your art.

 

Arts Mentors

  • Alice Ragland

    (Co-Director)

    music theory, flute, poetry, public speaking

  • Elaine Richardson

    (Co-Director)

    vocal performance, poetry, public speaking, acting

  • Candace Igeleke

    (Dance)

  • Eboni Edwards

    Dance

  • Cara Oden aka Najoura

    (Vocal performance)

  • Tasha Lomo

    (poetry)

  • April Sunami

    (visual arts)

 

Collaborating Partners

  • OSU Urban Art Space

  • Dr. Terron Banner

  • Merin Van der Heijden

For more information about our program, do not hesitate to contact us. Together, let’s empower young voices and celebrate the beauty of artistic expression!