​Empowered Strides is a dynamic initiative designed to equip and uplift youth of diverse backgrounds through fashion modeling, confidence-building, and cultural expression workshops. By blending creativity with personal development, the project offers participants meaningful tools to navigate life's challenges with resilience and self-assurance.

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More than just a program, Empowered Strides fosters healing, empowerment, and identity formation. It inspires youth to embrace their individuality, take pride in their heritage, and find their voice. Most importantly, it gives them the courage to stand tall, speak with confidence, and walk proudly, both on and off the runway.​​

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Target Group: 

Youth aged 12–30 years from immigrants, Indigenous, and racialized minority communities

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Program Goal: Help youth overcome social, cultural & mental health barriers to success

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Program Objectives

• Build self-confidence and body positivity

• Celebrate cultural identity and challenge systemic biases

• Develop modeling and public presentation skills

• Equip participants with tools for advocacy, leadership, and career readiness

• Foster community and peer mentorship

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Why Join Empowered Strides?
Empowered Strides is an 8-week program created to support youth from diverse backgrounds as they navigate the unique mental, social, and cultural challenges they face. This program helps youth build confidence, embrace their identity, and develop resilience in the face of:

• Mental health struggles, including low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, and trauma—especially for refugee youth

• Social pressures, such as bullying, discrimination, loneliness, and peer influence

• Cultural barriers, including language challenges, underrepresentation, identity confusion, and intergenerational conflicts

Through mentorship, creative expression, and community-building, Empowered Strides empowers youth to walk in their truth and thrive - on and off the runway.

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