YWCA Greater Atlanta, in partnership with Ulta Beauty, is thrilled to announce their upcoming Pretty Empowered Event on November 2, 2024 – that will reach an estimated 100 girls in Atlanta with life-changing well-being resources.

Pretty Empowered is designed to engage students through a series of interactive sessions that focus on various aspects of wellness, cosmetic science, supply chain logistics, and career exploration. The program emphasizes the importance of self-care and confidence, the exploration of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields, and creating a positive sense of connection, aiming to inspire and prepare the next generation of leaders.

This event comes at a transformative time for YWCA Greater Atlanta as it marks the relaunch of the Teen Girls in Technology (TGIT) program this school year. Traditionally, TGIT has been an after-school initiative designed to empower girls ages 8-18 from Title I public schools by developing their critical thinking and problem-solving skills through STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) education. After being paused due to the pandemic, TGIT has returned stronger than ever with a new pilot, powered by Technovation’s Curriculum in partnership with Girls Inc. of Greater Atlanta, as part of their IdeaThon TAC Initiative.

Many of the girls enrolled in the TGIT pilot will have the chance to participate in the Pretty Empowered event, joining other young women from across the metro Atlanta area. This event provides hands-on exposure to STEM learning, self-care, and career exploration, offering invaluable experiences that inspire confidence, ambition, and preparation for high-demand STEAM careers—all while emphasizing the importance of holistic well-being.

Launched in 2022 by YWCA Metropolitan Chicago with funding from the Ulta Beauty Charitable Foundation, the Pretty Empowered initiative has quickly grown in scope and impact. Initially starting with a single site, the program grew to four locations in 2023 and hosted 400 participants.

This year, YWCA and Ulta Beauty will double their impact with the goal of reaching 800 total participants at eight local associations nationwide, including YWCA Greater Atlanta, YWCA El Paso Del Norte Region, YWCA Glendale & Pasadena, YWCA Kitsap County, YWCA Metropolitan Chicago, YWCA Metropolitan St. Louis, YWCA Northern New Jersey, and YWCA South Florida. Doubling the number of participating sites from the previous year marks a significant milestone in the program’s mission to empower young women and girls through education and career exploration. “We believe in empowering young women with the tools and confidence to shape their futures” said YWCA Greater Atlanta President and CEO Danita V. Knight. “Through our partnership with Ulta Beauty and the Pretty Empowered initiative, we are excited to offer girls an opportunity to experience wellness education, career exploration, and hands-on learning. This initiative encourages participants to prioritize self-care and well-being, and opens doors to STEM careers, fostering a sense of leadership and ambition. The Pretty Empowered initiative is helping YWCA’s around the country prepare the next generation of leaders to dream big, take bold steps, and create lasting change in their communities.”

Ulta Beauty’s support has been instrumental in the initiative's growth. Through the Ulta Beauty
Charitable Foundation, the company is committed to supporting the holistic well-being of women and
teens – a mission that aligns perfectly with YWCA USA’s goal to eliminate racism and empower
women. Together, they are creating a platform that not only educates but also inspires participants to
pursue their dreams with confidence and determination.

"Ulta Beauty is honored to partner with YWCA on the Pretty Empowered initiative," said Amiee Bayer- Thomas, chief store operations officer at Ulta Beauty and board member for YWCA Metropolitan Chicago. "Through my involvement with YWCA, I have seen firsthand the power of helping young women and girls gain the confidence and capabilities they need to believe, dream and pursue their passions. We’re thrilled to bring Pretty Empowered events to twice as many cities this year, and we hope to grow the program’s scale and impact even more in the future.”

Ulta Beauty volunteers and YWCA team members will be supporting this year’s Pretty Empowered events, which will feature hands-on workshops, mentorship opportunities, and discussions led by industry professionals. Participants will gain insights into critical well-being resources and the cosmetic industry’s scientific and logistical aspects while developing essential leadership and life skills.