Lauren Williams is a 17-year-old theatre student at Duke Ellington School of the Arts from Accokeek, Maryland, in Prince George’s County. Lauren says during the COVID-19 Pandemic, “myself and many of my peers have felt a shift in more mental health and emotional well-being.” She was encouraged to create an independent youth collaborative magazine titled Rainy Daze. As editor and chief, Lauren promotes activism and individuality through art-based expression. Rainy Daze Magazine provides a space for young artists to find their voice through **“a wide range of topics from art, to activism. Submissions are always open”.
In March 2021, Lauren found the Miss Gorgeous Prince George’s County Pageant. She trained for three months to compete in their teen pageant program, and on June 13, she was crowned the 3rd Miss Gorgeous Prince George’s County. With her title, she advocates for arts integration in schools. Lauren now works with Showtime Productions, LLC to promote the importance of confidence and finding inner beauty to young girls across Prince George’s County while stressing the importance of prioritizing school. As 2021 Miss Gorgeous Prince George’s County, Lauren was allowed to represent Prince George’s County at the Miss Earth USA Dc, Maryland, Virginia, and Pennsylvania preliminary competition. The Miss Earth USA organization “commit themselves year-round to bring awareness to and make an impact on environmental causes.” On August 14th, she became Teen Miss Maryland Earth 2021.
As someone who struggles with anxiety, Lauren has a passion for sharing the importance of preserving your mental health and uses her title to show young girls the importance of confidence.
Speaker: Dr. Simone Blanchard
Dr. SIMONE BLANCHARD is currently the CEO for Innerlight Network Mental Health Charities located in the metropolitan Washington DC area. She is a National Certified Counselor (NCC) and currently holds her LCPC (Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor) in Maryland and...
Speaker: Sabrina Wiggins
Sabrina Wiggins is a dynamic advocate for youth empowerment and community service, serving as the CEO of Little Aiden Press. With a passion for nurturing young minds and fostering positive change, Sabrina co-founded the award-winning organization Hip Hop Education,...
Speaker: Brandon Johnson
Brandon J. Johnson, M.H.S., MCHES is a tireless advocate for positive mental health and suicide prevention services for youth and adults across the country. Brandon earned a Bachelor of Science Degree from Morgan State University in 2008 and a Master of Health...
Speaker: Mark Sturdivant
Mr. Sturdivant believes that growth is the evolution of changing your mindset on a daily basis. Mr. Sturdivant began his academic career by earning his high school diploma from Springbrook High School in Silver Spring, Maryland and earned full athletic scholarship to...
Speaker: Marsha Evans, LPC
Marsha Evans, founder of Willow Tree Counseling and Educational Center, LLC, is a Licensed Professional Counselor renowned for her holistic approach to mental health. With seventeen years of experience, she expertly guides women, children, and families through life's...
The G.O.A.T Expo 2023 Recap
On Saturday, April 29, 2023 at Bowie State University, Volunteers of America Chesapeake and Carolinas, Prince George's Health Department - Step Forward Program, and Bowie State University Graduate Student Association hosted The G.O.A.T. Expo 2023, our 2nd annual...
MEDIA COVERAGE
Youth Action Board (YAB)
The Youth Action Board (YAB) is a sponsored program of the Prince George's County Department of Social Services that was established in 2019 and is the decision-making body of youth and young adults (YYA) with lived experience of homelessness or housing instability. ...
Speaker: pastor stephawn lindsay
Pastor Stephawn Lindsay is also known by his stage name, “Showtime,” given to him during his tenure serving in a gogo band who touched stages such as constitution hall, stadium armory, showplace arena, and several colleges. Months after encountering Christ at the age...
Speaker: Raycenia Mmoyer
Raycenia is a leadership development educator, trainer, and consultant. She is the Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the New Beginnings (NewB®) Leadership Business and Individual Development Center, and Senior advisor of McKinley Leadership Advisors LLC,...