In the News 

Every generation is faced with challenges of the "ideal" body. How these ideals are presented come in many different forms, and as we make progress in some areas, we are met with new obstacles. Through The Power Within, we have a powerful and much-needed program that helps our youth build a stronger sense of self, love themselves from the inside out and support their community to do the same. I wish I had the opportunity to participate in The Power Within Program when I was a

Girl. Strong. has officially been renewed for a second year as a proud community partner with Plan International Canada! This fall, we’re offering a fully funded 6-week workshop series designed to help youth ages 10–14 (girls and gender-diverse youth) build body-confidence and self-esteem. Thanks to the support of Women and Gender Equality Canada and the Dove Self-Esteem Project by Unilever, there’s no cost to parents — making it accessible to every family. Learn more and sig

We are thrilled to announce Girl.Strong. Founder Yollanda Zhang's debut book, Dear Younger Me: Becoming the Hero I Came Back to Be, will be published by Dundurn Press in Spring 2027! From Yollanda: This book has lived in my heart for years — part memoir, part love letter to the younger me (and maybe the younger you too). It traces my journey through intergenerational trauma, mental health stigma, motherhood, and healing — and offers a toolkit to help others rewrite their own

We had such a fun and productive day of 7 Habits team training with Leader in Me, a division of FranklinCovey. There were so many amazing activities and we can’t wait to try them with the youths in our programs! We’re so proud to be the only private program in Canada licensed to offer this powerful curriculum!

Yesterday was World Bipolar Day and I shared about my top 5️⃣ lessons from 25 years of lived experience. Today, I want to share something personal—my very first keynote speech. In 2023, I delivered “Beautifully Unbroken” keynote in front of 600 people at the 40th Anniversary Gala for Hong Fook Mental Health Association, an organization that supports Asian Canadians navigating mental health challenges. But what most people don’t know is that before this keynote, I had a depres

Girl.Strong. is thrilled to be hosting PA Day Friendship Skills Camps —the perfect day camp for female identifying youth ages 9-13! What’s it all about? Who has control over your feelings? Circle of Control What do you need in a friend? What's a "marble" friend? What are these feelings? Jealousy, left out, best friend? How to work out issues between friends Friendship Vision and next steps Why Join Us? Friendship skills are for life! At our camp, girls learn how to navigate f

Feeling excluded, managing virtual friendships, bullying, and popularity, are just a few of the issues that have come up in our sharing circles and conversations with concerned parents. We love our girls but we don't always know how to help them with these challenges. That's why we'll be hosting a free virtual workshop for parents on " Tips for Friendship Troubles: Helping Our Daughters Build Strong Friendships " on Dec. 3. You'll learn : - 3 key steps to stronger friendships

Everything will be ok. I'm not just saying that. It really will be. Everything will be ok for your kids if you're ok. Truly! That's why I'm focusing this newsletter on tips and resources to help you be ok. 🤗 The tips below are gathered from recent conferences I've attended on supporting children and families during the pandemic such as the Superpowered Summit and the Parent and Caregiver Masterclass on Stress Management. 1. Do what you need to do to make sure that you’re ok

When you read all the books by an author to get ready for your girl empowerment program. Then, you reach out to him on LinkedIn because you love his work so much. And now, my program, Girl. Strong., is featured in his new book!! Thanks so much, Dr. Leonard Sax, for your amazing work on gender issues and for featuring me and my program in your new edition! This is definitely a must read for any parent with girls. Important lesson learned - you never know what’s possible until

In this unprecedented time, we need to strengthen and support our children's mental health and mindset above all else. As the only private program in Canada licensed by Franklin Covey to offer the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People for young children, Girl. Strong. will be offering live virtual classes focused on mindfulness and positive habits for the 2020/21 school year! 10% of the proceeds will be donated to Toronto Foundation for Student Success supporting programming i