Girls Inc. Summer Camp Ignites Passion, Purpose & AI Innovation
Empowering Tomorrow’s Entrepreneurs Today
At Girls Inc. of Tarrant County, summer doesn’t mean slowing down – it means powering up! Over three dynamic weeks, elementary, middle, and high school girls came together for a full lineup of powerful workshops, hands-on activities, and remarkable guest speakers. The Girl Boss camp led to the girls of all ages discovering their voices, harnessing their passions, and diving into the innovative world of entrepreneurship and artificial intelligence (AI).
The first week (June 2–6) focused on elementary school students (3rd – 5th grade). Each day was packed with activities centered on exploring passions, business basics, and tech-driven creativity. The week kicked off with icebreakers and group-building sessions, followed by a hands-on workshop where girls learned the fundamentals of AI through fun exercises like “Be the Computer.”
Throughout the week, students met empowering women leaders such as Ariana Dewberry, who shared how AI shaped her entrepreneurial journey, and Anna Mpinga, who spoke about responsible decision-making. Participants also got creative by designing vision boards, building product prototypes, and crafting their own brand logos using recycled materials. Special events included a Mavs Foundation mural dedication and a guest workshop from KB Homes’ Olga Perez and Marcia Dillon on sales pitching and storytelling.
(Photo by Roberto Hernandez/Dallas Mavericks)
The middle school girls were inspired by guest speaker Mary Dobbs of DPR Construction, who kicked things off with a mind-blowing demonstration of how virtual reality is transforming design and construction, giving girls a chance to step into the world of high-tech careers.
Next, entrepreneur Ariana Dewberry shared her personal story of building success with the help of AI tools, inspiring attendees
to think big and dream bigger. Throughout the week, students crafted vision boards, brainstormed business ideas, and participated in “Grow Your Business” activities, like decorating plant pots to symbolize growth and investment.
Anna Mpinga (Crystal Clear Financial) introduced them to strategic decision-making, while Mary Elizabeth Phillips from Girls in Action led discussions on the ethical use of AI. Girls also created product prototypes, designed logos, and even built marketing campaigns using TikTok and handmade ads.
The highlight of the week? The Entrepreneurial Showcase, where girls pitched their startup ideas Shark Tank-style to an esteemed panel including Linda Dipert, Hope Bell (Hillwood), Deborah Su (GITC Board), and Anna Mpinga. The energy was electric as these future CEOs presented with poise, passion, and purpose.
And it all ended with our older girls exploring entrepreneurship through a deeper lens – learning how to integrate AI into real business applications. Day one featured a workshop on AI in social media and a heartfelt talk from Ariana Dewberry about her entrepreneurial journey. Activities like AI-themed vision boards and business planning exercises gave students tangible tools for success.
The week continued with guest speakers like Tyler Harvey and Jalyn Gordon (Afrocentric Community, LLC), who emphasized AI’s real-world power in driving innovation and empowerment. Girls crafted branding strategies, practiced their sales pitches, and learned how to make ethical decisions in tech.
On pitch day, Miss Nigeria America – Tammy brought the house down with a workshop on storytelling and public speaking that left students more confident than ever. A fun “Dress to Impress” runway show added flair and confidence as students rehearsed their business ideas for the final showcase.
Why do these camps matter?
Through the multi-week Girl Boss camp, girls of all ages don’t just learn about business – they step into leadership, embrace technology, and envision brighter futures. Every speaker, every activity, and every moment was intentionally designed to plant seeds of courage, creativity, and curiosity.
