Three-panel collage of children decorating orange banners, riding a bus, and arriving at a building beside a “Welcome! Pretty Empowered” sign.
St. Louis, Missouri | October 26, 2026 – YWCA Metro St. Louis, in partnership with Ulta Beauty, hosted Pretty Empowered on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at Saint Louis University Il Monastero, welcoming 70girls in grades 5–7 for a day of hands-on learning, confidence-building, and career exploration. The event was part of a nationwide initiative designed to inspire and empower girls through education, wellness, and career exploration
Centered on this year’s national theme, “Beauty is Belonging,” the day gave students the chance to explore self-expression, try new skills, and meet professionals working in STEAM, business, and wellness. Participants rotated through four sessions:
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- Beauty of Cosmetic Chemistry: Led by Dr. Natalie King, Ph.D., neuroscientist and CEO and Founder of Florae Beauty, students became “hair scientists,” investigating mystery hair samples to learn how hair absorbs moisture. They then made their own hair hydration mist to take home.
- Beauty of Retail Operations: Ulta Beauty team members led hands-on activities in supply chain, customer service, and order fulfillment. Students arranged beauty displays, recommended products, and packed orders.
- Beauty of Branding: Precious Whitener of I Define ME Movement helped students create a brand for their product, including a name, logo, label, and slogan. They then practiced entrepreneurship by pitching it to others.
- Beauty of Self Care: Knieba Jones-Johnson of Saint Louis University led students through movement, breathing exercises, and positive affirmations. Students identified their strengths and created empowerment cards.
Throughout the day, students also enjoyed an Ulta Beauty salon services booth and took home a goody bag, with support from over 30 volunteers from Ulta Beauty and Saint Louis University.
“Seeing the girls light up as they made products, asked questions, and pictured themselves as scientists, business leaders, and wellness experts was the heart of this day. We are grateful to Ulta Beauty and to every presenter and volunteer who showed these girls what is possible.” said Dr. Cheryl Watkins-Knott, MBA, President and Chief Executive Officer of YWCA Metro St. Louis.
“Our team members loved sharing their work and hearing the girls’ questions. It was inspiring to watch them connect beauty with science, business, and self-care.”said Denise Garrison, Ulta Beauty St. Louis District Manager.
Students joined Pretty Empowered from Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis and Girls Inc. of St. Louis.
Launched in 2022 by YWCA Metropolitan Chicago with support from the Ulta Beauty Charitable Foundation, Pretty Empowered has grown rapidly. From one site in its inaugural year to eight locations nationwide in 2024, the initiative has reached more than 1,200 participants. Other participating YWCAs include YWCA El Paso Del Norte Region, YWCA Glendale & Pasadena, YWCA Greater Atlanta, YWCA Kitsap County, YWCA Metropolitan Chicago, YWCA Northern New Jersey, and YWCA South Florida.
The Ulta Beauty Charitable Foundation’s continued support has been instrumental in expanding Pretty Empowered. Its commitment to the well-being of girls and teens aligns closely with the YWCA mission to empower individuals, families, and survivors.
For more information about YWCA Metro St. Louis or Pretty Empowered, contact Sydney Cowan at scowan@ywcastlmo.org or visit www.ywcastl.org. Follow @YWCASTL on social media.
ABOUT YWCA:
YWCA Metro St. Louis is a leading provider of services that promote safety, stability, and opportunity across the region, serving more than 10,000 individuals and families each year. YWCA Metro St. Louis is dedicated to empowering individuals, families, and survivors by facilitating a future where every person is safe, supported, and heard. Programs include crisis response and housing, early childhood education through Head Start and Early Head Start, and career readiness and supportive services for individuals and families.