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"I Am" Youth Empowerment Initiative
Introduction to the Youth Empowerment Program
The Youth Empowerment Program, created by United We Go, is designed to uplift and inspire youth by cultivating self-confidence, leadership, and positive self-image through community-driven creative expression. At the heart of this initiative is the I AM Youth Fashion Show—a vibrant annual event where youth aged 4–17 take the stage and share their authentic selves through themed runway walks, workshops, and community connection.
Now entering its third year, the program has evolved from a single-day celebration into a multi-month experience featuring empowerment workshops, ambassador storytelling, professional mentorship, and community partnerships. The program not only highlights fashion but fosters lifelong skills in public speaking, financial literacy, self-care, posture, and collaboration—all through the lens of creativity and inclusion.
With each year, we’ve witnessed incredible growth in participation, reach, and community impact. Here’s a look at our journey so far:
2023 I AM Youth Fashion Show Highlights
Event Overview:
Our inaugural I AM Youth Fashion Show launched in Bay City, MI, with overwhelming community support. It was a day full of inspiration and connection, led by the empowering message that every youth deserves to feel seen, valued, and celebrated.
Acknowledgments:
With deep appreciation, we thank My Forever Smile for sponsoring the event, along with 16 local small businesses for their generous in-kind donations and support.
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Key Highlights:
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Youth Models: 24 (Ages 4–18)
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Attendees: 200
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Vendors: 10
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Volunteers: 20
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Speakers: 4
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Live Musicians: 4
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Facebook & Instagram Reach: 40,000–50,000 with over 80 combined posts
Impact:
The show cultivated a powerful space for youth to express themselves confidently. Through uplifting performances, supportive crowds, and storytelling, young models left the stage empowered and encouraged.
Acknowledgments:
With deep appreciation, we thank My Forever Smile for sponsoring the event, along with 16 local small businesses for their generous in-kind donations and support.
2023 Highlights
2024 I AM Youth Fashion Show Highlights
Event Overview:
In its second year, the I AM Youth Fashion Show doubled in size and impact. Held again in Bay City, the show welcomed even more youth and deepened its mission through additional programming, volunteers, and partnerships. The event was made possible through community sponsors including H2O, Kidneys for Kids, and Buoy 18, who generously hosted the event.
Special Thanks:
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the many local businesses and collaborators that made this event possible, including:
Key Highlights:
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Youth Models: 40 (Ages 4–17)
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Attendees: 200
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Vendors: 5
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Volunteers: 30
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Speakers: 4
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Live Musicians: 6
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Facebook & Instagram Reach: 40,000–50,000 with over 80 combined posts
Impact:
Youth participants walked the runway with boldness and grace. Empowerment themes—I AM Confident, I AM Loved, I AM Enough, I AM Kind, I AM Unique—were reflected not only in outfits but in the spirit of every child. The show served as a platform for storytelling, representation, and community pride.
2025 I AM Youth Fashion Show Highlights
Event Overview:
This year, we’re celebrating youth empowerment, creativity, and self-expression in one of the biggest youth fashion shows in the Great Lakes Bay Region!
Event was hosted at Bay City Town Center with 54 youth models, ages 4-17, with 5 designers, walk the runway, each representing one of the powerful I AM themes:
I AM Confident
I AM Loved
I AM Enough
I AM Kind
I AM Unique
Special Thanks:
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the many local businesses and collaborators that made this event possible, including:
Key Highlights:
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Youth Models: 54 (Ages 4–17)
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Attendees: 270
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Vendors: 5
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Designers: 5
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Volunteers: 30
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Speakers: 5
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Live Musicians: 4
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Facebook & Instagram Reach: 50,000–60,000 with over 80 combined posts
Impact:
Youth participants walked the runway with boldness and grace. Empowerment themes—I AM Confident, I AM Loved, I AM Enough, I AM Kind, I AM Unique—were reflected not only in outfits but in the spirit of every child. The show served as a platform for storytelling, representation, and community pride.
2026 I AM Youth Fashion Show Highlights
Event Overview
The 4th Annual I AM Youth Fashion Show celebrated youth confidence, creativity, leadership, and self-expression through an unforgettable community experience.
Hosted at Fashion Square Mall in Saginaw, this year's event brought together 35 youth participants, ages 4–17, along with local fashion designers, artists, musicians, dancers, entrepreneurs, volunteers, and community leaders from across the Great Lakes Bay Region.
Throughout the program, youth completed runway and confidence training, explored leadership opportunities, and embraced one of this year's five empowering affirmations:
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I AM Creative
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I AM Strong
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I AM Worthy
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I AM Important
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I AM Resilient
The event featured designer runway collections, wearable art, youth performers, live music, cultural dance performances, community speakers, and local vendors, creating a celebration that highlighted the many talents of young people.
New for 2026
This year introduced several exciting additions to the I AM Youth Fashion Show:
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🛍️ I AM Youth Vendor Showcase, giving young entrepreneurs the opportunity to sell handmade products, artwork, jewelry, baked goods, and other creative items while gaining real-world experience in entrepreneurship and financial literacy.
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🎤 Expanded live entertainment featuring youth and community performers throughout the afternoon before the runway show.
The event also welcomed community leaders, nonprofit organizations, local businesses, photographers, volunteers, and sponsors who came together to encourage and celebrate the next generation.
More than a fashion show, the I AM Youth Fashion Show continues to empower youth to discover their voice, build confidence, develop leadership skills, and proudly say, "I AM."
Special Thanks
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the many sponsors, designers, performers, volunteers, photographers, vendors, community partners, and families who made this event possible.
A special thank you to our youth participants for your courage, creativity, and willingness to step outside your comfort zones. You are the heart of this event, and your confidence inspires our entire community.
Together, we continue building a community where every young person is welcomed, encouraged, connected, and empowered to shine. 💛
Key Highlights:
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Youth Models: 34 (Ages 4–17)
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Attendees: 250
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Vendors: 10
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Designers: 8
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Volunteers: 30
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Speakers: 6
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Live Musicians: 5
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Facebook & Instagram Reach: 50,000–60,000 with over 80 combined posts