Shaping
Futures
IPowered is a youth-led nonprofit
organization dedicated to creating
a safe and empowering space for
young girls to connect, share
experiences and access mentorship.
2
+ years empowering young women
About IPowered
Empowering Young Women to Build Resilience and Confidence
Welcome to iPowered, a transformative initiative designed exclusively for racialized young women aged 12-28. At iPowered, we believe in the immense potential within every young girl and strive to empower and educate them through a holistic approach. Our organization is committed to addressing the unique challenges faced by girls, providing them with the tools, support, and wellness care they need to thrive. Regardless of where you are on your journey or how you feel today, we are here to uplift, support, and empower you to reach 100% of your potential!
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Who We Are
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Our Mission
EmpowerTo create a supportive and empowering environment for young women to build resilience, boost self-confidence, and achieve personal and academic growth through mentorship and open dialogue.
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Our Vision
InspireTo inspire a generation of young women who are confident, resilient, and equipped to succeed in their lives and careers.
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Our Goal
EquipTo equip young girls with the skills needed to build confidence, self-esteem, and resilience in resisting harmful pressures and making healthy choices for lasting growth.
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Our Founder
MentorZainab knows first-hand how hard it is to grow up without a female role model. Having walked the path of resilience and success herself, she now offers young girls the mentorship and guidance she once needed.
Our Annual Programs
IPowered annual programs are designed to create a dynamic, safe-space ecosystem where young girls can discover their voices, develop resilient mindsets, and cultivate leadership skills.
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DetailsBuilding Resilience
Program 1: Building Resilient Young Women
Kick-off season opens with an energising blend of virtual meet-ups and an in-person vision-board workshop that helps girls name their strengths, swap stories, and practise bounce-back skills. Ice-breakers, journaling prompts, and guest speakers guide them to re-frame setbacks as stepping-stones while building a peer circle rooted in trust and self-worth. By the final session, each participant leaves with a personal “Resilience Road-map” and a network that keeps cheering long after the course ends.

- Program BadgeRise Strong
- CategoryResilience
- DateFebruary – March
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DetailsMentorship for Growth
Program 2: Mentorship for Growth
We pair each girl with a vetted university student or young professional who understands her goals. After an engaging online orientation, mentor-mentee pairs establish monthly mini-goals focused on study habits, career aspirations, and work-life balance. Group check-ins provide added accountability and opportunities to share real-time successes and challenges. The result is a supportive pipeline that nurtures ambitions and transforms abstract dreams into actionable steps.

- Program BadgeMentor Match
- CategoryMentorship
- DateMarch – April
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DetailsUnderstanding Finances
Program 3: Understanding Finances for Young Girls
From first pay-cheque to long-term saving, MoneyWise demystifies budgeting, credit, and smart spending through interactive worksheets, savings challenges, and a hands-on workshop with a youth-finance expert. Participants track their own expenses, practise goal-based budgeting, and walk away with customized tools, and the confidence, to take charge of their financial futures today.

- Program BadgeMoney Wise
- CategoryFinancial Literacy
- DateApril – May
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DetailsCareer Exploration
Program 4: Career Exploration
Virtual industry panels, workplace walk-through videos, and a “Career Carousel” networking night introduce tech, health, business, creative arts, and sustainability pathways. Reflection journals and a skills-interest inventory help each girl map roles that fit her passions and values.

- Program BadgeCareer Quest
- CategoryCareers
- DateMay
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DetailsLeadership Development
Program 5: Leadership Development
An in-person skills lab lets girls practise decision-making, public speaking, and team-building through low-pressure, high-feedback challenges. Ongoing mentor check-ins guide them in crafting a “Next-Step Leader Plan” they can implement over summer break.

- Program BadgeLead Launch
- CategoryLeadership
- DateJune
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DetailsCelebrate & Empower
Program 6: Celebrate & Empower
The year’s crescendo—a showcase of vision boards, success stories, and growth milestones. Families, mentors, and community allies gather for awards, performances, and networking that propel each girl into her next chapter of empowerment.

- Program BadgeShine Fest
- CategoryCelebration
- DateJuly – August
Spotlight Workshops
Our flagship sessions highlight the practical skills girls develop throughout their IPowered journey.
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Rise Strong
Resilience WorkshopGuided activities to build resilience and turn setbacks into comebacks.
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February 2026
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Mentor Match
Goal Power HourMentor-mentee pairs set monthly SMART goals and track progress.
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March 2026
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Career Quest
Pathway PanelQ & A with young, successful women in tech, health, arts, business, and science.
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May 2026
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Letter from the Founder and Executive Director
Adepeju Zainab Habeeb
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Purpose01
Deep Passion-
IPowered was born out of a deep passion to empower and support young women. With a degree in Sociology (Criminology minor), my academic journey has been rooted in understanding society and addressing the issues that often affect marginalized groups, especially young girls.
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Inspiration02
Lived Experience-
IPowered was inspired by my personal life experiences. Growing up, I often longed for a place where I felt seen, heard, and truly understood—a space where I could connect with like-minded young women and learn from mentors who genuinely cared about my growth.
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Haven03
Stepping Up-
The absence of that kind of support motivated me to create what I once needed. I realized that by stepping up, I could offer a safe haven for young women to grow, thrive, and overcome challenges that might otherwise hold them back.
Discover the full story »
Latest News & Articles
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June 20, 2025
Unlocking the Power of Self-Confidence and Esteem
Self-confidence and self-esteem are like the roots of a strong tree; they anchor you and allow you to grow into the best version of yourself. In today’s world, where external pressures and internal doubts often cloud our sense of worth, cultivating these qualities can feel like an uphill battle. However, the good news is that with intentionality and persistence, you can build unshakable confidence and self-esteem that stand the test of time.
Self-confidence is your belief in your own abilities and decisions, while self-esteem reflects how you value yourself. Together, they form the foundation of a positive mindset, helping you to face challenges with resilience and pursue your goals with determination. Confidence enables you to express your thoughts, set boundaries, and step into new opportunities, while self-esteem fosters a sense of worthiness and contentment. These traits empower you to embrace who you are unapologetically and to strive for more without fear.
Building self-confidence and self-esteem starts with how you speak to yourself. Words have immense power, so why not use them to lift yourself up? When you feel self-doubt creeping in, challenge it with declarations like, “I’m capable,” or “I have what it takes to succeed.” Make a habit of writing down truths about your strengths, talents, and accomplishments. Seeing your victories, either big or small, on paper is a game-changer for your mindset.
Another crucial step is to set realistic goals and celebrate every achievement, no matter how small. Each win adds to your momentum and reinforces your sense of capability. Surround yourself with people who see your potential and cheer you on. Friends, mentors, and even online communities can provide the encouragement you need to keep growing. Remember, confidence isn’t about being perfect; it’s about showing up authentically, flaws and all.
Learning to set boundaries is also a vital part of the journey. When you say no to things that drain your energy or don’t align with your values, you’re saying yes to growth and self-respect. Consider creating a personal “brag list”—a compilation of your unique skills, proud moments, and even challenges you’ve overcome. Reflecting on this list regularly reminds you of just how far you’ve come and how amazing you truly are.
Confidence also grows when you step outside your comfort zone. Try new activities, speak up in discussions, or pursue a hobby you’ve always wanted to explore. With every step you take, your confidence will expand. And when setbacks happen—because they will—treat them as learning opportunities. Resilience is built in moments of trial, not perfection.
Remember, building self-confidence and self-esteem is a journey, not a sprint. It requires patience, consistency, and a whole lot of self-love. At iPowered, we are here to walk with you every step of the way. You are capable of far more than you realize, so take that first step today, and watch as your confidence blossoms like never before.
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June 20, 2025
Discovering Your Purpose: A Life Worth Living
Have you ever felt like you were made for something extraordinary? That deep sense of knowing there’s more to life than just going through the motions? Living a life of purpose is about aligning your actions with your passions and values. It’s about waking up each day with a sense of direction and fulfillment. For every girl, uncovering her unique purpose is the key to turning life into an exciting, meaningful adventure.
A purposeful life is not about perfection or having everything figured out. It’s about knowing that your actions and choices contribute to something greater than yourself. Purpose acts as a compass, guiding you through decisions and giving you the strength to overcome challenges. It’s what fuels your resilience when the road gets tough and lights up your path when everything feels uncertain. Purpose brings clarity, motivation, and joy.
Finding your purpose starts with curiosity and self-discovery. Take a moment to reflect: What brings you joy? What are the activities or causes that make time fly for you? Often, these moments hold the secret to what you’re truly passionate about. They’re like little breadcrumbs leading you to your calling. Embrace your natural gifts and talents. Are you the friend everyone turns to for advice? The creative genius with ideas that light up the room? Recognizing your strengths is the first step in understanding how you can make a meaningful impact.
Once you’ve identified your passions, take action. Purpose isn’t something you stumble upon; it’s something you cultivate. Start by volunteering for causes you care about, joining clubs or organizations, or even exploring hobbies that align with your values. You don’t have to have a grand plan; sometimes, small steps lead to big breakthroughs. Remember, purpose isn’t about size—a simple smile, a kind word, or lending a hand can create ripples that inspire others.
Living with purpose also means embracing challenges and growth. As you pursue what matters most to you, there will be obstacles—but those obstacles shape you. They teach resilience, strength, and perseverance. Purpose doesn’t mean the journey will be easy; it means the journey will be worth it. Let your challenges refine, not define you.
One way to stay connected to your purpose is to reflect regularly. Take time to journal your thoughts, dreams, and progress. Celebrate the milestones, and don’t be afraid to adjust your path as you grow. Purpose isn’t fixed; it evolves with you. Surround yourself with a community that uplifts and inspires you. At iPowered, we are here to help you explore, discover, and live out your purpose with confidence and joy.
Your life is a canvas, and your purpose is the masterpiece. With each step you take, you’re designing a life that’s not just lived but deeply cherished. So go ahead—dream big, act boldly, and let your unique light shine. The world is waiting for your spark!
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In March 2024, we launched a six-week virtual journey with a group of passionate young women through our iPowered Girls program. The sessions were designed to equip them with tools for leadership, self-awareness, and personal growth. To conclude this impactful series, we held an in-person mentorship and wellness event that brought everything full circle.
Wellness was the focus of our final session because it is essential for young women to understand that taking care of their mental, emotional, and physical well-being is a vital part of their journey. We wanted to create a space where they could pause, reflect, and celebrate themselves.
During the session, the girls got hands-on by creating their own body mists and lip glosses from scratch; an activity that sparked creativity and reinforced the importance of personal care. We engaged in heartfelt discussions about why wellness matters, how to prioritize it, and what it means to truly take care of oneself. There was time for personal reflection, connection, and thoughtful conversation.
Each girl also received a self-care package to encourage her to continue nurturing her well-being beyond the program. It was a joyful and meaningful way to wrap up our time together—rooted in care, sisterhood, and empowerment.


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Safe-Space Satisfaction Index
(Today)100%
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Girls Reached Every Month
(By 2030)10K
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Mentor Minutes Logged
(By 2040)25M
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Scholarships & Micro-grants Awarded
(By 2050)250+





