Stars That Shine Announces Dr. Tragil Wade-Johnson as Spotlight Speaker for the 2026 Girl Empowerment Conference

Stars That Shine is proud to announce that Dr. Tragil Wade-Johnson, nationally recognized philanthropist, author, mentor, and youth advocate, will serve as the Spotlight Speaker at the 2026 Girl Empowerment Conference hosted at Blue Ridge Community and Technical College.

This year’s conference theme, "Becoming HER," is a powerful call for girls to embrace growth, confidence, leadership, and self-discovery as they step boldly into their purpose and potential.

The 2026 Girl Empowerment Conference is a transformative one-day experience designed to inspire, educate, and empower girls through engaging workshops, meaningful conversations, and hands-on learning opportunities. Participants will connect with professionals, mentors, and community leaders who are committed to helping young women navigate their futures with confidence and determination.

Conference Focus Areas

Throughout the day, attendees will explore a variety of topics designed to equip them for success in school, careers, and life, including:

• Cybersecurity & Information Technology

• Coding & STEM Careers

• Leadership & Career Development

• Mental Health & Emotional Wellness

• Self-Care, Health & Wellness

The conference provides a safe and supportive environment where girls can discover new career pathways, develop essential life skills, and build lasting connections with role models who reflect their potential and power.

Meet Our Spotlight Speaker: Dr. Tragil Wade-Johnson

Dr. Tragil Wade-Johnson is an award-winning philanthropist, speaker, author, and founder of America's Big Sisters Foundation, a movement dedicated to empowering girls through education, mentorship, and life-changing opportunities.

A recipient of the President Biden Lifetime Achievement Award, Dr. Wade-Johnson is nationally recognized for her advocacy and leadership supporting motherless girls and underserved youth. Her impactful work has been featured on CBS Evening News with Norah O'Donnell and in People Magazine during Women's History Month 2024.

As an accomplished author, Dr. Wade-Johnson has inspired readers through her books Big Sister, Big Heart, Strong Too Soon, and the collaborative work Redefined. Through America's Big Sisters Foundation, she created the Mother's Care Mentoring Initiative, which supports motherless girls, and launched AMY (Affirming & Motivating Youth) in 2025, a character and empowerment program designed to help young girls build confidence, identity, and self-worth before the world attempts to define them.

Currently, Dr. Wade-Johnson is leading the All Girls Matter: Journey Around America, a national initiative traveling to all 50 states to create safe spaces, mentorship opportunities, and empowerment experiences for thousands of girls across the country.

Born and raised on Chicago's South Side, Dr. Wade-Johnson has transformed personal adversity into a lifelong mission of ensuring that every girl knows her voice matters, her value is immeasurable, and her future is full of possibility.

Inspiring the Next Generation

"We are honored to welcome Dr. Tragil Wade-Johnson to the 2026 Girl Empowerment Conference," said Stars That Shine leadership. "Her dedication to uplifting and empowering girls aligns perfectly with our mission and this year's theme, Becoming HER. We know her story and message will inspire every attendee to believe in themselves and pursue their dreams with courage."

The 2026 Girl Empowerment Conference promises to be a day of inspiration, learning, and transformation as girls from across the region come together to discover the leader within and embrace the journey of becoming the best version of themselves.

Because every girl deserves the opportunity to Become HER.