History

Next Generation EmpowerHer began more than 11 years ago at Henderson Middle School, where Sharon Johnson saw girls with promise who could benefit from mentorship, guidance, and a safe place to grow. What started with small-group experiences focused on confidence, leadership, and life skills grew through Sharon’s continued dedication and direction at J.A. Fair K-8 Preparatory School.

Over time, that early vision developed into a broader effort to help girls recognize their strengths, find their voices, and prepare for the future. Next Generation EmpowerHer became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in 2025 and partnered with the Little Rock School District to reach more students through school-based programming.

Through partnerships with local community members, businesses, and professional organizations, including the Little Rock Links, Next Generation EmpowerHer has continued to be a positive, steady presence in the lives of girls ages 10–18. Students have traveled to multiple states on college tours and taken part in etiquette training, career mentorship, health education, life-skills activities, and other experiences that help them explore their potential and prepare them for their future.

Today, Next Generation EmpowerHer serves 80 girls at two schools: 55 students at J.A. Fair K-8 Preparatory School and 25 girls at Southwest High School. The organization is supported by an 11-member Board and community volunteers. The girls meet at least twice a month during the school year and the summer, they take part in a weeklong gardening camp and help maintain the garden at J.A. Fair and to teach self-sufficiency. 

Each year, NGEH hosts Jazz Night with an R&B Flavor, the Spring Tea (Father & Daughter Dance), and other experiences for the girls, including community service projects. From its beginnings at Henderson Middle School to its growing school and community partnerships today, Next Generation EmpowerHer remains committed to helping girls build confidence, develop leadership, and imagine and achieve bold possibilities for their futures.

Next Generation EmpowerHer is supported by a dedicated team of volunteers who share their time, experience, and encouragement with girls ages 10–18. Our mentors and community volunteers bring knowledge from many fields, including education, healthcare, business, real estate, accounting, skilled trades, and entrepreneurship.

Through one-on-one mentorship and program activities, volunteers help girls explore their interests, build practical skills, and imagine new possibilities for their futures. Their guidance helps create a safe, supportive environment where every girl can learn, grow, and feel believed in.

Next Generation EmpowerHer

Empowering Girls. Building Leaders. Inspiring Futures. 

www.nextgenerationempowerher.org

 For more than 11 years, Next Generation EmpowerHer has supported girls ages 10–18 through mentorship, education, literacy, work-readiness, and personal development. Over that time, the program has mentored more than 300 girls, helping them build skills, explore new opportunities, and prepare for their futures.

Today, NGEH works with more than 60 girls at two schools in Central Arkansas. Our mentors are community leaders from many fields, including business owners, realtors, accountants, doctors, tradespeople, educators, and entrepreneurs. Their experience helps girls connect what they learn in school with the possibilities and skills they can use in everyday life and future careers.

Over the years, students have explored college campuses across the United States, including in Houston, Boston, Atlanta, and New Orleans. NGEH has also offered health fairs, art workshops, financial literacy and etiquette classes, and Read, Write, Get Fit & Lead, our literacy program. Students care for the Next Generation EmpowerHer Garden, gaining hands-on experience while helping address food insecurity in the community.

Through these experiences, Next Generation EmpowerHer continues its commitment to educate, inspire, and empower the next generation.