On October 18, YWCA Greater Atlanta hosted its second Pretty Empowered event, a nationwide initiative powered by the Ulta Beauty Charitable Foundation and YWCA USA. The program brought together more than 100 girls ages 9–14 for a day of learning, leadership, and self-expression — all centered on this year’s theme: “Beauty is Belonging.”
The event blended hands-on exploration with empowerment. Participants rotated through interactive sessions focused on wellness, cosmetic science, supply chain logistics, store operations, and STEM-based career pathways, all designed to help girls see themselves as innovators, leaders, and changemakers.
“YWCA Greater Atlanta is pleased to partner with our sister associations across the country and the Ulta Beauty Charitable Foundation to host this special initiative,” said YWCA Greater Atlanta President and CEO Danita V. Knight. “Pretty Empowered is more than a one-day event. It’s an investment in the next generation of women. It encourages girls to explore STEM careers, prioritize self-care, and connect with a community that celebrates their brilliance.”
For YWCA Greater Atlanta, Pretty Empowered builds on a longstanding commitment to equip girls with the tools and confidence to pursue STEM education. During the 2024-2025 school year, YWCA Greater Atlanta provided digital literacy and STEM learning to 9th-grade girls at Therrell High School. The cohort utilized basic design thinking and tech tools to create mobile app prototypes to address real-world community issues.
Since its launch by YWCA Metropolitan Chicago in 2022, Pretty Empowered has grown to include eight YWCA associations nationwide, reaching more than 1,200 participants. Each site adapts the program to reflect local communities while advancing a shared goal: fostering confidence, curiosity, and belonging among young women.
Ulta Beauty’s continued partnership has been pivotal in expanding the initiative’s reach. “Ulta Beauty is proud to continue our partnership with YWCA through Pretty Empowered,” said Ulta Beauty Chief Retail Officer and YWCA Metropolitan Chicago board member Amiee Bayer Thomas. “By creating spaces that foster confidence, belonging, and curiosity, we’re helping young women explore new possibilities — in beauty, in STEM, and beyond.”
Pretty Empowered was a powerful reminder that empowerment starts early and that belonging is the foundation for every young woman’s success.
