The Big Four Bridge glowed purple on Sunday as Louisville marked International Day of the Girl with the inaugural Beautiful As You Are (BAYA) Festival. Hosted at the Parkland Boys and Girls Club, the event drew roughly 300 attendees, including girls, families, women‑owned businesses and budding entrepreneurs from Louisville and Southern Indiana.
Personal Stories Highlight Impact
For local mother Dedra Adams, BAYA’s support was life‑changing. “BAYA has been an inspiration in our lives. It actually saved my daughter’s life,” Adams said, referring to the organization’s help for her daughter Essence during a difficult period.
Founder and executive director Tish Frederick emphasized the festival’s purpose: “I want every girl that came here today to leave feeling empowered, like she can conquer and tackle the world. Even if someone tells her one thing, she knows who she is and stands firm, unapologetically loving herself.”
Programs Reach Across State Lines
BAYA serves girls ages 6 to 18 through its community center in Clarksville, Indiana, and through programs in 72 schools throughout the region. The organization focuses on building self‑esteem, addressing bullying and providing mentorship that helps girls navigate everyday challenges.
Entrepreneurial Opportunities Shine
The festival featured 40 vendors, including 16 young entrepreneurs. One standout was Ramyah Carnell, who turned a jewelry‑making camp at BAYA into her own business, Jewel & Junk. “BAYA has been one of, if not the most important thing in my life. I would not be who I am today without it,” Carnell said. She encouraged other girls to stay focused on their goals, adding, “As long as you know who you are and you know who you want to become, you can get there.”
Connecting Generations
BAYA Director of Fund Development Averi Beck highlighted the value of intergenerational learning, noting that both young people and adults benefit when they share experiences and wisdom.
Looking Ahead
The organization is already planning its next gathering, “Empowerment on the River,” scheduled for November 7 at Waterfront Park. The upcoming event aims to continue fostering confidence, leadership and community ties for girls across the Louisville‑Southern Indiana corridor.
Community leaders and families are encouraged to attend, volunteer or support BAYA’s mission through donations and mentorship. As the festival demonstrated, local initiatives like BAYA play a vital role in strengthening families and nurturing the next generation of confident, capable young women.
Original reporting: WLKY Louisville — read the source article.
