Girls Empower-preneur Summer Program Inspires the Next Generation of Young Women
Building Confident Leaders for the Future
This summer, young girls from across Belize gathered once again for the annual Girls of Color Leadership Camp, an initiative dedicated to equipping participants with the confidence, leadership skills, and personal development tools needed to thrive in every stage of life.
On today’s episode of Open Your Eyes, camp founder Teresa Isabel, joined by participants Ayjhah Lewis, Unique Bradley, and Tyannah Michael, reflected on another successful year of the program and the lasting impact it continues to have on young women.
Inspired by her own experiences overcoming barriers as a woman of color, Isabel said the camp was created to ensure the next generation would have greater access to opportunities, mentorship, and life skills. She explained that the goal is not only to develop future professionals but also to help girls recognize their value, embrace leadership, and confidently pursue their dreams.
Life Skills Beyond the Classroom
Throughout the five-day camp, participants took part in interactive workshops covering leadership, financial literacy, emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and personal development.
For Tyannah Michael, learning about emotional intelligence reinforced the importance of empathy and communication—skills she believes will help her achieve her dream of becoming a nurse. Unique Bradley shared that the leadership sessions encouraged her to become more confident speaking up and taking on leadership roles, while Ayjhah Lewis said financial literacy stood out as one of the most valuable lessons, helping her better understand budgeting and money management as she works toward her goal of becoming an accountant.
The campers agreed that the program not only taught practical life skills but also strengthened their confidence and encouraged them to believe in their abilities.
Learning Through Experience
In addition to classroom-style sessions, campers enjoyed educational field trips designed to reinforce the lessons learned throughout the week.
This year’s program introduced a wellness day in partnership with Mayan World, giving participants an opportunity to focus on mental well-being, relaxation, and connecting with nature. Isabel explained that while previous camps emphasized entrepreneurship through business visits, this year’s focus on emotional wellness reflected the growing importance of mental health and self-care among young people.
The camp also featured workshops led by guest facilitator Dr. Lori Norris, who conducted sessions on financial literacy, while several local organizations and businesses partnered to support the initiative through sponsorships and mentorship opportunities.
A Growing Movement for Belize’s Young Women
Thirty girls participated in this year’s camp, with nearly 40 percent attending for the first time. Isabel noted that many participants return year after year, allowing her to witness their growth as they become more confident, engaged, and prepared to lead within their communities.
The young participants also shared ambitious career aspirations, including becoming accountants, nurses, and neurosurgeons, demonstrating how the camp encourages girls to dream big while providing them with practical tools to achieve those goals.
Looking ahead, Isabel hopes to expand the Girls of Color Leadership Camp beyond Dangriga through new partnerships and collaborations that will allow more young women across Belize to benefit from the program.
As the initiative continues to grow, its mission remains unchanged: empowering girls with the skills, confidence, and support they need to become tomorrow’s leaders.