Today we’d like to introduce you to Bridgett Kelly.
Hi Bridgett, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
As the journey began, perseverance played a major role in the success of the program. The Girls Empowerment Conference was founded after an African American History program at Mt. Zion of Cayce Complex. Ashley Smith and Bridgett Kelly recognized a greater need within the church and community—a program dedicated to refining young girls into young QUEENS.
Through discussions about the needs of these young girls, it became clear that etiquette training, women entrepreneurship, science, and crafts were essential starting points in shaping them into empowered young women.
In 2018, under Bridgett Kelly’s leadership, the conference became a nonprofit recognized by the State of South Carolina. Over time, the program has continued to grow, incorporating new areas such as exercise, American Sign Language, financial literacy, health and hygiene, and various other fields designed to prepare young girls for success.
The journey of the Girls Empowerment Conference hasn’t always been easy, but it has been incredibly rewarding. Each year, the passion and determination of the Visionary Director become even stronger. Her mission is to increase awareness that Melanin women are successful, educated, talented, fierce, and gifted. By creating an environment where young Queens can see role models who look like them and are actively living their dreams, the program inspires and motivates them to embrace their full potential.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
While the Girls Empowerment Conference has made a meaningful impact in the lives of many young girls, the journey has not been without challenges. One of the ongoing struggles has been securing affordable and suitable locations to host the event. Access to consistent, cost-effective venues remains essential to ensuring the conference can continue to serve the community without financial strain.
Funding has also been a significant challenge. As a growing nonprofit program, the conference relies on donations, sponsorships, and grants to support programming, materials, meals, and guest presenters. Limited funding can impact the ability to expand services and reach more young girls who would benefit from the experience.
In addition, recruiting and retaining dedicated volunteers continues to be a hurdle. Volunteers are the backbone of the conference, providing mentorship, instruction, and hands-on support. Finding individuals who are available, committed, and aligned with the mission is critical to sustaining and growing the program.
Despite these challenges, the Girls Empowerment Conference remains steadfast in its mission to empower, educate, and inspire young girls to become confident young Queens. Through community partnerships, increased awareness, and continued support, the organization strives to overcome these obstacles and create lasting impact.
As you know, we’re big fans of Loving Me More Being a Better You LLC. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Loving Me More Being a Better You LLC is a transformative wellness and personal development company dedicated to empowering individuals to enhance their physical, emotional, and mental well-being. Through tailored services, holistic care, and innovative solutions, we inspire clients to embrace self-love and achieve their best selves every day.
Loving Me More Being a Better You LLC offers personalized DNA testing services to empower individuals with insights into their genetic makeup. By unlocking the secrets of your DNA, we help you make informed decisions about your health, wellness, and lifestyle, guiding you on the path to becoming the best version of yourself.
Thrive With Me Therapy is a client-centered occupational and physical therapy practice dedicated to empowering adults and seniors to live safely, independently, and confidently. We believe therapy is not just about recovery—it’s about restoring purpose, mobility, and quality of life.
Our licensed therapists provide personalized, evidence-based OT and PT services designed to support daily function, mobility, balance, and overall well-being. Whether recovering from illness, injury, surgery, or managing chronic conditions, we partner with each client to meet them where they are and help them thrive at every stage of their journey.
At Thrive With Me Therapy, we focus on practical solutions that improve real-life activities—walking safely, performing daily tasks, maintaining independence, and aging with dignity. Through compassionate care, education, and collaboration, we empower our clients to move forward with confidence.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
Absolutely. I’m very intentional about personal and professional growth. I regularly network at events because building meaningful relationships is essential to both marketing my brand and learning from others’ experiences.
I’m an avid reader, especially when it comes to mindset and personal development. Mindset by Carol Dweck has been influential in helping me maintain a growth-oriented perspective, and The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success by Deepak Chopra has shaped how I approach purpose, balance, and success in life and business.
In addition, I stay engaged with a variety of blogs and actively participate in Facebook groups that focus on entrepreneurship, leadership, and community impact. These spaces allow me to exchange ideas, stay inspired, and continuously refine how I show up—both at work and in life.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.girlsempowermentconference.org and www.lovingmemorellc.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1Ar4dygpbg/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bridgett-kelly-276156324
