DEIA Statement
We educate youth on preventing discrimination and racism, suicide prevention, self-empowerment, social and emotional skills, and how to deter violence while in school, online, and in your community.
Empower Our Youth Fashion Show
2023 Fashion Show Details
BE A Champion Fundraiser Fashion Show Gala will feature our youth models and parents walking while displaying wear from our local and national designers. That goal of the event is to educate people about Being a Champion and standing our ground when it comes to any forms of bullying. The exchange is to focus on how we are all different from what we look like, how we affect one another, and understanding the difference socially, physically, and mentally. Our take-away is for Guests to become more aware of Empower Up and being able to celebrate while appreciating our diversity together.
2023 EVENT INFO
Saturday, October 28, 2023
Ohio Historic Center
800 East 17th Avenue, Columbus, Ohio
Sign Up For E.P.I.C Kids Class!
Register here online, or visit the William H. Adams Community Center to register! We look forward to see you there!
About Us
The Empower our Youth Foundation provides initial and expanding services for families, youth, and the community on reporting all forms of bullying to the appropriate authorities. CEO/Founder Tonya Kelly is very passionate about her organization as an elementary school educator and parent of children who have been bullied.
CBUZZ SHOW
Tune in today as Tonya sits down with cbuzz host Mikaela Hunt to talk about providing resources for youth and the importance of advocating for yourself.
View the article from the Columbus Chamber of Commerce about the Empower Our Youth Foundation.
Visit the Epic Kids page at the Columbus Foundation website
Vela Student Champion
Congratulations Promise Parker! You have been chosen to be one of our VELA Student Champions! A VELA Student Champion is someone who exemplifies the values of the school or program they participate in. By highlighting their strengths— from perseverance to innovation to leadership– VELA wants to celebrate these exceptional students and inspire our whole community with their stories.
Commerce Announces Elevate Cbus Class Five Graduates
40 Central Ohio professionals named to fall 2022 graduating class
The Columbus Chamber of Commerce is honoring 40 Central Ohio leaders for their participation in its member-exclusive professional development program, Elevate Cbus.
“Elevate Cbus is a very important program for the Columbus Chamber of Commerce, and is supporting members of our business communities and workforce in professional development. As the Columbus Region’s largest business membership organization, we look forward to the growth and success to come,” said Don DePerro, Columbus Chamber president and CEO. “We are proud to recognize the participants of our fifth class of Elevate Cbus for their dedication and tireless work.”
Women Empowerment 03-05-23
Last week Empower our Youth Foundation and other amazing local women business owners in Columbus were featured on the show celebrating Women's Empowerment!!!! Check it out! Do you see any fabulous #businessowners you know on the segment? Give them a shout.
I want to start by letting you know that I greatly appreciate you allowing me the opportunity to work together. I had a wonderful time being your producer for your segment. It was such a nice time meeting with you. I greatly appreciate your feedback. I loved your segment. You looked wonderful. Me and my son will be keeping an eye out for your events to come support you
Congratulations on being a part of the ONA family. It was great featuring you in our Showcase!
2022 Changemaker Award
Tonya Kelly, MEd, is the CEO/Founder of the 501c3 non-profit organization called Empower our Youth Foundation. Tonya by career is a fourth-grade teacher at Horizon Science Academy Elementary in Columbus, Ohio. The organization began in 2017 when her second daughter experienced being bullied till she had thoughts of suicide. With both of her daughters being bullied, she witnessed firsthand the negative impacts, the family emotions, and experiences that damage a child’s self-esteem and quality of life. Read the article here--->>
For National Charter Schools Week 2022, we recognize 10 school leaders, teachers, parents, and advocates in the charter schools who have an outsized impact in their communities. Learn more about the 2022 Changemakers
Our Services
- Support for Bullying Prevention for Youths & At-Risk teens ages 5-17 of all ethnicities & cultures, low-income families, LGBTQ +Youth
- Safe Place to Report Personal Bullying Incidents to the Authorities
- Mentorship & Tutoring Holistic Social Emotional Learning
- Health & Wellness Education
- Antibullying Official Reporting
- Community Events
- Antibullying Awareness & More
- We give youth a VOICE!
Dear Empower
Stand up and be a voice for our youth against bullying!
Dear Empower is an opportunity to talk anonymously about your experience with bullying.
