‘Dream big, work hard’: GEMS teaches girls to become entrepreneurs

The young ladies honored at the ceremony were Janae Everette, Londyn Hilliard, Avri Jackson, Miah McCord, Brooke Rice, Jerniyah Richardson, and Ahli Smith.

“In a world where many start but few finish, you have proven that you have what it takes. Throughout this camp, you have learned valuable skills from entrepreneurial thinking to leadership to teamwork,” said event speaker, James McQuilla, President, Orangeburg County Chamber of Commerce.

“You have explored your creativity, developed your intellect, and expressed your ideas; these experiences have not only equipped you with tools for success, but have also built a strong foundation of confidence and belief in yourselves.

“You are the future leaders, innovators and change-makers of our world,” added McQuilla who encouraged the youth to stay connected and embrace their relationship with each other as a source of strength and support.

McQuilla lauded Owens for her vision and dedication to creating a space where young girls could express themselves and their ambitions in a supportive environment while showing appreciation to their parents for believing in the vision of GEMS and allowing their daughters to participate in the activities.

“You have the power to shape your future. Dream big, work hard and stay resilient. Your journey is unique, and every step you take brings you closer to achieving your goals,” said Owens to the young ladies.

According to Owens, the camp offered meetings during the month of July where the teens participated in educational workshops from financial literacy and budgeting to developing their “elevator pitch” and defining their goals with the creation of a vision board. Hands-on sessions were offered by local sponsors and businesses including CPM Federal Credit Union, Davis Toyota, Delta Sigma Theta Orangeburg Alumnae Chapter, the SAFE Organization and Barber Tech Academy. Other sponsors and supporters were Darrell Sheftal, Cecil Williams Museum, Annette Grevious, Bryant Holland, First Bank, CFO Handle My Books, and NAACP Orangeburg Branch.

Owens said that during the summer program, participants were encouraged to stay curious, take risks and never be afraid of failure because it is often through failure that individuals learn the most valuable lessons.

“This opportunity was truly transformative for my daughter, Londyn, providing her with invaluable leadership skills and a strong foundation in entrepreneurship,” said Rovonia Hilliard who praised the GEMS founder and her team for a remarkable experience.

Tanya Guinyard, grandmother of Janae Everette, said “In speaking with Janae, she was excited about her future by learning more about herself and her abilities to achieve whatever she wanted in life. Janae and I had the opportunity to create a vision board, and I was amazed at what she wanted to accomplish.”

Guinyard applauded Shanika Aiken, founder of the SAFE Organization, for her role in sponsoring Janae to attend the camp and gave high praise to Owens for being an inspiration to young girls.

“Through this camp, Miss Jasmine Owens was a positive role model for young girls who need that ‘girl power’ support and encouragement,” said Janelle Everette, Janae’s mother, who added that Janae is determined and excited for her future, already putting the tools she learned into action and looking forward to attending again next year.

Owens seeks to expand GEMS program to reach more girls in the community by incorporating advanced entrepreneurial courses and establishing greater partnerships with local businesses, organizations and schools.

For information on how you can be a part of the GEMS program, contact Jasmine Owens at jowens@orangeburgsc.net.