Session 1: Identity — Understanding My Story Without Being Defined by It
Before young girls can confidently move toward their future, they need a healthy understanding of themselves.
Participants explore:
- How to acknowledge their past rather than running from it.
- Understanding the difference between experiences and identity.
- Refusing to allow difficult circumstances to define their future.
- Discovering personal value and self-worth.
- Understanding their value within their family and community.
- Developing healthier internal conversations about who they are.
The goal isn't to erase the past.
It is to help girls understand:
“Something may have happened to me, but what happened to me does not have to become who I am.”
Session 2: Meeting My Best Self
Once identity begins to strengthen, girls are challenged to imagine possibility.
Who could I become?
What does the healthiest, strongest, most fulfilled version of me look like?
Participants work toward:
- Recognizing their best-self potential.
- Creating a vision for who they want to become.
- Establishing goals that support that vision.
- Building positive habits and routines around their development.
- Identifying healthy people and environments that support growth.
- Creating boundaries that protect their future.
- Recognizing influences that pull them away from the person they want to become.
Girls leave understanding that becoming your best self isn't a single decision.
It's something you build.
Session 3: Building the Character My Future Deserves
Dreams require more than desire.
They require character.
Participants are introduced to eight character traits associated with personal development and success. Through discussion, reflection, and activities, girls begin examining which traits are already strengths and which need intentional development.
Participants will:
- Learn eight foundational character traits for success.
- Identify personal character strengths.
- Identify a character trait that requires greater development.
- Understand how character affects choices and relationships.
- Develop practical strategies for strengthening character.
- Identify positive people who can provide accountability and support.
The central question becomes:
“What kind of person do I need to become to handle the future I say I want?”
Session 4: Creating a Life Worth Fighting For
The final stage moves from identity and character toward purpose and vision.
Participants explore:
- Identifying their natural gifts and talents.
- Recognizing personal interests and abilities.
- Exploring environments where those gifts could be valuable.
- Learning how education can expand opportunities.
- Developing their gifts rather than simply recognizing them.
- Creating goals connected to their future.
- Building a vision of a life that gives them something positive to pursue.
The goal is for every participant to begin seeing a future worth protecting, preparing for, and fighting for.
Testimonial
Ron Burton Training Village - RBTV
Dr. Ella Jackson brought an incredibly powerful message of resilience, perseverance, and excellence to our young ladies at the Ron Burton Training Village. She shared her remarkable journey—from overcoming the challenges of the foster care system to earning a doctorate in Educational Leadership.
Through her engaging and interactive style, Dr. Ella connected deeply with our girls, challenged them to believe in what is possible, and equipped them with practical strategies to overcome obstacles, navigate adversity, and create lasting change in their lives and communities.
Thank you, Dr. Ella, for inspiring our girls to rise above challenges, pursue excellence, and never allow adversity to determine the limits of their future. We are grateful for the opportunity to have you at RBTV and highly recommend her to any organization looking for a speaker who will authentically connect, inspire, and empower young people.
Phillip Burton
Executive Director